Do Essential Oils Damage Washing Machines? (Important Things To Know)
Essential oils are everywhere. People add them to diffusers, bathwater, and now, laundry.
The idea of naturally freshening your clothes with lavender or eucalyptus sounds perfect. But do essential oils damage washing machines or not?
Essential oils don’t damage washing machines when used correctly. But if you pour them in undiluted or use them in the wrong place, they can harm rubber seals, clog drainage systems, or leave behind stubborn residue, especially in front-load washers.
This guide covers exactly what happens when essential oils are used improperly, how to avoid damaging your washer, and the best ways to safely scent your laundry.
Table of Contents
Do Essential Oils Damage Washing Machine Front Loaders and Top Loaders?
Both front loaders and top loaders are at risk if essential oils are used incorrectly, but front-load machines are more sensitive to buildup.
Front Loaders
- Use airtight rubber door gaskets that are more vulnerable to oil degradation over time
- Rely heavily on the detergent drawer and internal compartments that can collect sticky residues
- More likely to experience drainage issues if undiluted oils clog filters or hose connections
Top Loaders
- Slightly more forgiving due to open drum and more direct water flow
- Still at risk of rubber seal degradation, especially around agitators or lid gaskets
- Oils can stick to the agitator or inner drum if not mixed into water properly
Bottom line: both washer types can be safely used with essential oils, but only when those oils are diluted and properly introduced into the cycle.
What Happens If You Put Essential Oil in a Washer?
Pouring essential oils directly into your washing machine might seem harmless, but here’s what can happen:
- Rubber breakdown: Oils like citrus or tea tree can slowly wear out rubber seals, hoses, and gaskets
- Drain pump clogs: Oils stick to lint and detergent residue, forming greasy buildup in drain filters
- Stains on clothes: Undiluted drops of oil can leave dark or oily spots on clothing, especially with delicate fabrics
- Reduced performance: Buildup can restrict water flow or confuse sensors, leading to longer cycles or error codes
- In rare cases: If essential oils are added without water and combined with heat (e.g. spin-only or drying cycles), the oils’ flammable nature may pose a risk
It’s not that essential oils are dangerous, it’s that the way you use them makes all the difference.
How to Use Essential Oils to Scent Laundry Safely
Here’s how to enjoy all the aromatic benefits of essential oils, without damaging your washer or clothes.
1. Always Dilute the Oils First
Never pour oils directly into your machine or on your clothes. Mix 5–10 drops of essential oil into:
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- ½ cup of baking soda dissolved in water
- A capful of unscented liquid detergent
- 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap
Use this mixture as your fabric softener or add it to the detergent drawer.
2. Add Oils at the Right Time
The best place to add essential oils is the fabric softener compartment. This introduces the scent during the rinse cycle, when water levels are lower and fabrics are ready to hold fragrance.
Alternatively, pour the diluted mix into the main wash drum after the clothes have been loaded and before the machine starts filling.
3. Never Use Oils in Dryer or Heat-Only Cycles
Essential oils are flammable. Don’t add them to wool dryer balls unless the oil is fully absorbed and you’re using low heat. Never use them in spin-only cycles or dry cycles where no water is involved.
Best oils for laundry:
- Lavender
- Lemon (in small amounts)
- Eucalyptus
- Tea Tree
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
Oils to avoid or dilute heavily:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Patchouli
- Any oil that feels thick or sticky
Avoid mixing multiple oils without testing them first. Some combinations can create cloudy residue or cause fabric irritation.
Is It Safe to Use Essential Oils in HE (High-Efficiency) Washers?
Yes, but with caution. High-efficiency washers use less water and are more prone to internal buildup. That means precise dilution and placement are critical.
Follow these tips for HE machines:
- Use no more than 5–7 drops per load
- Always dilute in vinegar or detergent
- Use the softener compartment, not the detergent drawer
- Clean your filter monthly to prevent clogs
How to Clean Your Washing Machine If You’ve Used Oils Incorrectly
If you’ve added essential oils directly to your washer in the past and notice buildup, odor, or poor performance, clean it out before it becomes a real issue.
Step-by-step washer clean-out:
- Run a hot wash cycle with no laundry
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer or drum
- Optional: add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to boost cleaning
- After the cycle finishes, leave the door open to fully air dry
- Wipe down the rubber gasket and detergent tray
Repeat monthly if you plan to use essential oils regularly.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are safe to use in your laundry, but only if you do it right. Always dilute before adding, avoid using them in high heat or dry cycles, and never apply them directly to clothing or the drum.
Used correctly, essential oils won’t damage your washing machine, in fact, they can add a luxurious, chemical-free scent to every load.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can essential oils break my washing machine?
Only if you use them undiluted or in the wrong cycle. When used properly with a carrier, they’re perfectly safe
Can essential oils catch fire in a washer or dryer?
Essential oils are flammable, but inside a full water cycle, the risk is extremely low. Never use them in spin-only or dryer cycles without full absorption
Will oils clog my washing machine filter?
Yes, if poured in directly or used too often without dilution. Always mix oils into vinegar or detergent first
What’s the best way to add essential oils to laundry?
Mix 5–10 drops with ¼ cup of vinegar or detergent, and add it to the fabric softener compartment during the rinse cycle
Are essential oils safe for sensitive fabrics?
Yes, but test on older clothes first and avoid applying directly to delicate fabrics like silk or lace
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