Your Laundry Wash guide to Essential Oils

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Laundry wash odours happen in every home: stinky work clothes, sweaty sports gear; those less-than-fresh towels found on teenage bedroom floors. You could try and cover it up with products full of artificial fragrances.  Or, try a more natural antidote for smells in your laundry wash: essential oils.

We’ve all heard of the wellness benefits of lavender oil, tea tree oil or eucalyptus.  But did you know they’re brilliant in your laundry wash too?   With natural deodorizing properties they’re a smarter choice for the environment and for your machine than many fabric softeners.

Here are just a few ways you can level up your laundry wash game with natural essential oils.

1. Fresher Sportswear

Summer cricket gear, swimwear or gym gear are one of the biggest culprits for smells!

The first rule of thumb is not to use too much extra detergent.  Yes it’s tempting to double dose your laundry wash when things are on the nose, but dosages are worked out carefully; using more than what’s needed can leave residue in your clothes and make your odour situation worse.

The second rule of thumb is to treat most sportswear, particularly lycra, as ‘delicates’ and use an appropriate cycle and laundry detergent such as Bosisto’s Wool & Delicates.  Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach in your laundry wash, and use Cold water if you can.

Fabric softeners are the enemy of many sports textiles, so consider swapping them for plain white vinegar.  You may also like to add a capful or two of Bosisto’s Tea Tree Oil or Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil to the final rinse.

For really tough odours, try this natural -soaker: to 2 litres of lukewarm or cold water, add half a cup of vinegar and 2 capfuls of Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil or Bosisto’s Tea Tree Oil. Soak for at least ½ hour before washing as normal.  

2. Hotel Fresh Towels

When you have guests arriving, or you’d just like beautiful fresh smelling towels for the family, try using Bosisto’s Lavender Solution in your laundry wash. Just 2-3 capfuls in the final rinse will leave towels and bed linen smelling gorgeously fragrant – you’ll feel like you’re at a country BnB in your own home.

    3. Antibacterial Boost

    Sometimes, items are really in need of some extra germ-removing . Cloth nappies, bedding when children and pets have been ill, or towels left wet for too long are all in danger of harbouring extra bacteria.

    Bosisto’s Antibacterial Solution contains eucalyptus and lemon myrtle, known for their antibacterial properties, and it’s perfect in the laundry wash for extra peace of mind.

    Add 3 capfuls in with your normal detergent, or in the final rinse.

    4. Hard-working Laundry

    Anyone who lives with a tradie, chef or other hospitality worker knows just how bad the odours in work gear can get!  Eucalyptus oil comes to the rescue.  Not only is it perfect for helping break down grease stains (McDonalds uniforms anyone?) its deodorizing properties are brilliant for gear that’s worn all day, every day.

    Throw in 2-3 capfuls of Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil in with each load of work gear or socks, or use Bosisto’s Eucalytpus Solution for a water soluble option.

    For armpit sweat odours and cooking oil splashes, soaking with Eucalyptus Solution in warm water before laundering will make it even more effective.

    5. Fabric softener alternative

    As mentioned above, plain white vinegar makes a superb alternative for fabric softener – and your machine will thank you too.  But what if you really miss the sensory experience of adding fragrance to your wash?

    That’s where essential oils come in.  You can add  Bosisto’s Lavender Essential Oil Blend along with the vinegar.  Or, try our favourite: Bosisto’s Lavender Solution – 3 capfuls will beautifully fragrance your laundry wash, no synthetic fragrances added.
              

      6. Dust Mite Allergens

      While it’s not an odour problem, here’s something else products with essential oils can do. Help reduce dust mite allergens!

      Bosisto's Sensitive Laundry Liquid - containing 100% pure antibacterial eucalyptus oil - can help remove dust mite allergens in your everyday laundry wash.

      So if your family has dust mite allergies that’s a huge bonus, on top of its fresh aroma!


         
        Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Eucalyptus Oil and Tea Tree Oil are an antiseptic for minor wounds.

        Please follow manufacturer's washing instructions for all garments, towels and linen and if unsure, spot test first. 
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
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