Here at Plant Therapy, we’re always looking for new ways to help everyone live healthier, more natural lives. We’re always working on the latest naturally derived products and recipes that you can use in your everyday life. And let’s be real, one of the most common chores we all share is laundry. And because it’s summertime… there is a lot of laundry.
We’re here to bring you all the DIY goods so you can care for your clothes naturally. Our DIY recipes contain super affordable, easily obtainable ingredients that are not only natural, but great for your family! The fresh and cleansing essential oils of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Ho Wood, Lavender Fine, and Balm Mint Bush make these recipes the perfect solution for all your laundry needs.
While you probably already have a favorite natural and gentle detergent you pick up at the store, did you know you can have an affordable, do-it-yourself dryer sheet to help soften up your laundry and help remove static? Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener without leaving behind a residue or overpowering aroma. The addition of Tea Tree and Eucalyptus helps freshen and deodorize every load laundry. All you need are some lightweight strips of cotton fabric to act as the dryer sheets and you’ll be in business!
And don’t forget the need for an affordable linen spray to help freshen up blankets and curtains before monthly washes. The combination of Lavender and Ho Wood is soft and calming while Balm Mint Bush adds a burst of cool freshness. Simply spritz and enjoy the amazing aromatherapy benefits of these oils.
Fresh & Clean DIY Dryer Sheets
What you’ll need:
- Strips of cloth or old washcloths
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 12 drops Tea Tree
- 12 drops Eucalyptus
What you’ll do:
Combine vinegar and essential oils in a mason jar or other container. Shake well to combine and add strips of cloth. Use in your dryer as a natural fabric softener. Store in the fridge and use within a week.
For a printable version, click here.
Cool & Calm Linen Spray
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz spritz bottle
- 0.5 oz Everclear
- 1.5 oz distilled water
- 14 drops Ho Wood
- 14 drops Lavender Fine
- 8 drops Balm Mint Bush
What you’ll do:
Combine your essential oils and Everclear in a 2-ounce bottle. Allow to meld. Fill the rest with water and spritz on linens for a cool, calming aroma.
For a printable version, click here.
As you said in a previous post, and considering the EO doesn’t have a color, can you use this linen spray on clothes? And if you wanted to use another oil, would it be about 35-40 drops for the linen spray? Thanks 🙂
Yes, that’s correct!
For the dryer sheets,. can you add any other oils to the tea tree and eucalyptus? Also, should you let it soak in the solution for any length of time before using for better results? Thank you!
We have not tested other oils and can cannot speak to the safety of using them in the dryer. As far as how long you soak, it’s personal preference based on results.
Is Defender EO on wool dryer balls a safe option?
Because Defender has a lower flash point, it should only be used during the cool down setting of your dryer. But as long as you do that, it’s a great choice for your dryer balls.
Can i use something else instead of the Everclear?
The Everclear acts as a preservative and emulsifier for the linen spray recipe. If you wanted to leave it out, you could use witch hazel with Polysorbate 20 as the emulsifier. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and use after a week or two.
On the oil data sheets it states to avoid heat due to flammability. Some people have reportedly experienced dryer fires from using oils. What is your take on dryer safety? Should certain oils be avoided?
Hi Brit, you are correct, there are some oils that should be avoided because it has a lower flashpoint. For general use in the dryer, we recommend a flashpoint of 140 F or above, or just using them on dryer balls during the cool down setting.
I love the dryer sheet idea! I usually put Lavender EO on my wool dryer balls (any idea on how many drops I should be using though?) but am excited to try the dryer sheet recipe.
We recommend using 3-4 drops of essential oil to a dryer ball during the last 15 minutes of the drying cycle when the dryer air is cool.
Hello, I only have Everclear 151 proof, do notice that some oils do not dissolve completely. Is it okay to add also Polysorbate 20 into the mixture? thanks!
Yes, you can definitely add Polysorbate.
Does the vinegar smell go away in the dryer?
Provided your strips of cloth are not too saturated or too big, the vinegar smell will dissipate in the dryer.
I’m so excited to try the linen spray! However, I do not have any Ho Wood, is there another oil I could substitute? Thanks1
Ho Wood is a pretty unique oil and doesn’t have something too similar scent-wise. But you could substitute with another calming woodsy oil like Cedarwood or Sandalwood.
Love these ideas! Thank you!
Could you use these dryer sheets with Wool dryer balls or should you use one or the other?
You should be able to use both at the same time.
I made the linen spray and it’s awesome! My very first oil DIY – it’s so easy and the ingredients are affordable as well (glass bottles you can get on amazon and everclear at any liquor store). Love it!!!
Excited to try these!
Great ideas. I use wool balls in the dryer so I will have to add some EO’s to them!
This was exciting to read and learn more about vinegar, just when you think you know all about it some new use comes out! I have used other linen spray DIY recipes from the blog that have worked great. I just got new oils during JCAM that I can now use for this new recipe!
I use dryer balls so this is perfect for me. And it’s laundry day for me so off I go!
I am so excited to try both ideas! Your ideas and products are amazing! Keep them coming!
This looks like something I will have to try! Thanks for the recipe.
I can’t stand the smell of vinegar, can I use vodka or water instead?
Unfortunately, there really isn’t a substitute for the vinegar as the vinegar acts as a fabric softener. If you wanted to still use EOs in the dryer, wool dryer balls make an excellent choice!
Excited to try this! Can I put these drops on the wool balls and add to the dryer instead of cloth?
Definitely!
Definitely want to try this!
I was wondering for the dryer sheets if I could use different oils to give things different smells? Like can I take germ destroyer and throw my kids clothes in before school to help with cold season? Thanks!
Yes! Keep in mind that some oils have a color or mild scent that might not lend itself well to laundry. But you can absolutely mix it up.
This is exciting! I’ve been looking to make a DIY all-natural linen spray. Thank you so much for sharing this! My mind is already working up ideas for the different calming and relaxing scents to use on pillow and bedding. I love the idea for the dryer sheets as well. It’s amazing what can be created with nature. Thank you! ♥