How to Keep Linens Smelling Fresh Naturally

By Caryn Gehlmann

Do you have childhood memories of snuggling into a fresh bed after your bed linens had been dried on a clothesline out in the sunshine? It smelled so crisp and clean and reminded you of the fun you’d had that day, as you drifted off to sleep. Dryer sheets are touted to recreate that same clean, fresh smell, but in doing research I found that they contain chemicals that can be hazardous, even carcinogenic!

For example, the University of Washington wrote about how scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents, and the Dr. Axe website has this thought-provoking article: Stop Using Dryer Sheets Immediately! So then, are liquid fabric softeners the answer? Not according to this Scientific American article. They, too, contain harmful chemicals.

So what are you to do if you don’t live where there’s clean, fresh country air to hang and dry your linens outside? Or you don’t have the time or facilities to line-dry your linens? How can you safely recreate that wonderful experience?

Our Joni Keim shares some DIY recipes and tips on how to keep linens smelling fresh, plus linen closets and bedrooms, too! Before you get started, keep these things in mind:

Reminders about using essential oil spritzers on your linens and in your house:

•    Essential oils are hydrophobic, please shake the bottle before each use.

•    Avoid getting the mist in your eyes.

•    Do not use spritzers around pets. Though some essential oils can be used for dogs, they can be harmful to cats, small mammals (such as hamsters), birds, and fish.

Note: All of the number of drops given in the recipes below can be adjusted for your personal preferences. The proportions given are guidelines to help you get started.

Basic Linen Spritzer Recipe 

• 4-ounce mister bottle that produces a fine mist (It should not be drippy.)
• 4 ounces of filtered (or distilled) water
• 10-30 drops of 100% pure essential oil(s)

Shake well before each use. Mist lightly as desired. (The item should not be made wet.)

Tip: The number of drops depends on the essential oils you choose and the results you are trying to achieve. YOU need to determine the number of drops that work for you. We suggest you start with fewer drops and add more, if needed.

If you would like to calculate your formula by dilution percentage, follow these guidelines: In a 4-ounce mister bottle, use 20-25 drops of essential oil to make a 1% dilution. For a 2% dilution, use 40-50 drops. For a 3% dilution, use 60-75 drops, and so on.

Sweet Dreams Bed Sheets, Pillow Cases & Linen Closets

• 4 ounces of filtered (or distilled) water in mister bottle
• 10 drops Lavender
• 10 drops Mandarin
• 5 Chamomile Roman

Shake well before each use.

Alternative: e3’s Sleeptime, Peace, Child Harmony

Mist lightly as desired — the item should not be made wet (Since you wash linens regularly, staining shouldn’t be an issue, but you might want to test your linens first, in an inconspicuous place.)

Tip: To keep your linen closet smelling fresh, mist a few cotton balls with this Spritzer and stick them in the corners of the closet, not touching the fabrics, so you don’t stain them. Refresh as needed.

In the Mood for Romance Bed Sheets and Pillow Cases

• 4 ounces of filtered (or distilled) water in mister bottle
• 10 drops Mandarin
• 5 drops Sandalwood
• 5 drops Ylang Ylang

Alternative: e3 Adventurous

Shake well before each use. Mist lightly as desired. (The item should not be made wet.)

Tip: Before you saturate the room with scent, make sure it’s not offensive to your partner. Since aroma is so personal, what you like may not be what others like.

Freshen Up the Room, Upholstered Furniture and Carpet Deodorize

• 4 ounces of filtered (or distilled) water in mister bottle
• 10 drops Bergamot
• 5 drops Lemongrass
• 5 drops Eucalyptus Radiata

Alternative: e3 Purify

Shake well before each use. Mist lightly as desired. (The item should not be made wet.)

Tip: For more information about individual essential oils, please use the Product Search feature at the top right of the page; it looks like a magnifying glass.

For your convenience, E3 makes ready-to-use spritzers for a variety of uses. They are made with 100 percent pure essential oils in filtered water, in varying strengths appropriate to their purpose. No need to mix or measure. The cobalt blue glass bottles protect the product from deterioration and the spray applicator allows for quick and convenient use.

Joni always has such good ideas to share with us! We’re curious as to which oils you’ll choose to use on your linens. Would you like to share your picks with us? We welcome your feedback, and if you’d like to learn how to confidently mix your own blends, make sure you have, and use, both of our free ebooks, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils and Listen to Your Nose! An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

First photo by Carly Mackler