DIY Natural Laundry Scent Booster With Baking Soda -

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Make your own DIY natural laundry scent booster using Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils for fresh, naturally scented laundry.

DIY natural laundry scent booster for the washing machine stored in a glass mason jar. — *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains other affiliate links too for your convenience. You can read my privacy policy for more details.

I’ve been on a spring cleaning kick lately, and I have to say…I’m not mad about it.

Because when the urge to clean strikes, you have to take full advantage, right?

I’ve been working my way through the house room by room, little by little.

Washing carpets, opening the windows whenever the weather cooperates (or doesn’t), and tackling laundry like comforters, sheets, and slipcovers.

One of the things I’ve been using to make our laundry feel a little fresher and cozier is a natural laundry scent booster.

You’ve probably seen the store bought versions, the cylinder shaped container of small scented beads you pour into the washing machine.

But instead of buying those that are loaded with chemicals you can’t even pronounce, I like to make my own with three simple, all-natural ingredients.

It’s quick to mix together, easy to customize with different scents, and it gives freshly washed linens that light, clean smell we all know and love.

So if you’re in spring cleaning mood like I am, this is something you can make once and keep in your laundry room for weeks of fresh laundry.

I’ll show you how!

What is a scent booster for laundry?

Scent booster DIY for laundry in a glass mason jar with a wooden scoop.

A laundry scent booster is something you add to the washing machine to give clothes, towels, and bedding an extra layer of fragrance.

Unlike laundry detergent, which is made to clean fabrics, scent boosters are simply meant to enhance the way your laundry smells.

Now, is a laundry scent booster necessary?

No, not really.

Your detergent will still clean your clothes just fine without it, but it does make your laundry feel a little cleaner and cozier.

What You’ll Love About This Laundry Scent Booster DIY

It’s easy to make. You only need three ingredients and about five minutes to put it together.
You control the scent. Choose essential oils you love and change them seasonally.
It’s budget-friendly. A single batch can be used for multiple loads of laundry.
There’s no overpowering fragrances. The scent is light and fresh instead of overly strong like many store-bought boosters.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Your Own DIY Laundry Scent Booster

Making your own natural laundry scent booster couldn’t be easier, you only need three simple ingredients…

4 cups Epsom Salt: Helps soften fabrics and the base that holds and distributes the scent evenly throughout the wash. (You can also use kosher salt or sea salt for this recipe.)
2 cups Baking Soda: Naturally deodorizes and boosts freshness by neutralizing odors.
40-60 drops Essential Oil: Adds scent to your laundry. I used a combination of lemon and rosemary, but you can use any blend depending on the scent you want your linens to have.

Essential Oil Blends to Try:

Lavender + Lemon
Lemon + Orange
Eucalyptus + Tea Tree
Lemon + Eucalyptus
Orange + Clove (Love this for fall!)
Lemon + Rosemary
Rosemary + Peppermint

supplies you’ll need

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I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.

Heidi and her dachshund rescue Eleanor Roosevelt.

I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.

More About me See more DIYs

How to Make an All-Natural Laundry Scent Booster

This DIY comes together quickly in a few simple steps.

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Here’s the step-by-step tutorial…

Combine epsom salt and baking soda in a mixing bowl to make a homemade laundry scent booster.

Step One: Add Epsom salt and baking soda to a mixing bowl.

Add 30-60 drops of essential oil to the epsom salt and baking soda mixture.

Step Two: Drop essential oils over the salt. Mix thoroughly and break up any clumps.

Transfer the DIY natural laundry scent booster from the mixing bowl to a glass jar for storage.

Step Three: Store in an airtight glass jar.

Step Four: Use a 1/4 cup per load directly in the drum.

Helpful Tips

If you’re worried the scent might be too overpowering, start with fewer drops of essential oils. You can always add more scent later.
Mix well to avoid clumps. Essential oils can cause the salt to clump together, so make sure everything is thoroughly mixed before storing.
Store in an airtight container like a mason jar or glass container with a lid to keep the scent fresher longer.
Shake the jar before each use to keep the mixture evenly scented.
If you’re washing baby clothes or if someone in your house has sensitive skin, you can skip the essential oils altogether.

How Much DIY Natural Laundry Scent Booster to Use Per Load

Scoop of DIY natural laundry scent booster in a glass jar with a wooden scoop.

For most loads of laundry, use between 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the laundry scent booster.

Sprinkle the mixture directly into the washing machine drum before adding your clothes and starting the wash cycle.

For smaller loads, about 1/4 cup is usually enough.

If you’re washing a larger load like towels, bedding, or blankets, you can use closer to 1/2 cup.

COZY TIP: Skip the dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls. Since you’re already making your own natural laundry scent booster, wool dryer balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets. They help soften fabrics, reduce drying time, and eliminate static without added chemicals.

What to Avoid When Using a Scent Booster in the Laundry

While this natural scent booster is simple and effective, there are some situations where you’ll want to use a little caution…

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Don’t use fine salt. Table salt can dissolve too quickly and may leave residue in your washing machine. You want to use Epsom salt, kosher salt, or sea salt.
Avoid using it on delicate fabrics. Silk, lace, wool, or other delicate materials are best washed with gentle detergents and minimal additives.
Don’t add it to the detergent or fabric softener dispenser. This scent booster works best when sprinkled directly into the washing machine drum before adding your clothes.

DIY Laundry Scent Booster Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work in high-efficiency washing machines?
Yes, because this recipe uses small amounts of natural ingredients, it is generally safe for HE washers.

Can I skip the essential oils?
Absolutely. If you prefer unscented laundry, you can make the mixture using just the Epsom salt and baking soda. It will still help deodorize and freshen your laundry.

Where should I add the laundry scent booster?
Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup directly into the drum of your washing machine with your clothes before starting the wash cycle.

How long does homemade laundry scent booster last?
When stored in an airtight container, it can last for up to a year. If the scent fades over time, add a few more drops of essential oil and mix again.

Can I use different essential oils?
Yes! Experimenting with different essential oil combinations is a great way to customize a scent booster for your own home.