Essential oil tips for maintaining fresh-smelling laundry

To maintain a fresh scent in laundry and prevent musty odors, particularly in items like towels, using two drops of essential oil can be an effective alternative to expensive additives or heavy fabric softeners. Lavender or orange oils are recommended. To avoid staining clothes, the oil should be applied to a small piece of cotton fabric or a wooden clothespin and placed near the folded laundry in a closet rather than directly on the garments.

Proper drying techniques are cited as more critical than the amount of softener used. To prevent moisture buildup, avoid overcrowding washing machines or drying racks, and ensure there is sufficient airflow between items. It is also advised to remove laundry from the machine immediately after the cycle ends and to clean the washing machine's door seal and filter regularly. Leaving the machine door and detergent drawer open after use helps the interior dry properly.