Everyone loves the scent of fresh-smelling laundry, especially when it just comes out of the dryer or off the clothesline.

However, you don’t need endocrine-disrupting fragrances to get that laundry-fresh scent.

That’s right! You can absolutely achieve that fresh-air laundry smell, minus the toxic chemicals and the hefty price tag of conventional detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets.

Want to learn how? Read on to learn how to get fresh-smelling clothes naturally every time you wash.

Why Choose Natural Methods for Fresh-Smelling Laundry?

We have been conditioned to believe that fresh-smelling laundry comes from scented detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets.

Although these products certainly impregnate their scent on your laundry, they are entirely unnecessary to get fresh-smelling clothes.

Before modern laundry products were invented, people achieved fresh-smelling laundry the natural way, by using homemade laundry soap, laundering frequently, and letting clothes dry completely before storage.

Fortunately, we don’t have to return to washboards and grated homemade soap, but many of the same principles apply.

Choosing natural methods for fresh-smelling laundry helps you avoid some of the most toxic and pervasive household chemicals, including:

• Synthetic Fragrances: These are among the worst and most misunderstood chemicals, which can contain dozens of chemicals in a single signature scent. Fragrances are considered one of the top five allergens. They are also asthmagens and endocrine (hormone) disruptors linked to diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, obesity, sick building syndrome, cognitive issues, respiratory distress, reproductive complications, and hormone-driven diseases.[1-3] 
  
• Natural fragrances: Many well-meaning companies use “natural fragrances” as a substitute for synthetic ones. However, a study analyzing 25 top-selling products labeled as “organic” and “natural” fragrance found that they emitted just as many hazardous chemicals as conventional products with fragrance.[4] 
  
• Bleach: This beloved laundry ingredient is poisonous to people and the environment and linked to asthma, microbiome disruption, fertility issues, DNA damage, an increased risk of infection in children, respiratory problems, severe eye and skin burns, organ damage, an increased risk of cancer, and more.[5-8]
  
• Optical brighteners: These chemicals help create brighter-looking laundry. Unfortunately, studies suggest a potential link between optical brighteners and reproductive toxicity, skin and eye irritation, and developmental toxicity. They’re also highly toxic to aquatic life.[9]
• Sulfates: Sulfates, such as SLS and SLES, are commonly used surfactants in laundry products. However, multiple studies link them to biochemical and cellular changes, developmental/reproductive toxicity, ecotoxicology, endocrine disruption, irritation of the skin and eyes, organ toxicity, and neurotoxicity.[10-11] SLES, sodium laureth sulfate, may also be contaminated with 1-4 Dioxane and ethylene oxide, Group B2 probable human carcinogens.
  
• Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates (LAS): These 'anionic surfactants' are petrochemicals, and one of the most common surfactants in laundry detergents. Their production releases carcinogenic and reproductive toxins, such as benzene. They also biodegrade slowly, posing a hazard to the environment. 
  
• Phosphates: The primary ingredient in many detergents and household cleaners, phosphate residues have been shown to cause nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritation. They are also persistent chemicals capable of creating a toxic fertilizer effect on waterways, killing fish and aquatic ecosystems. 
  

This is not an exhaustive list of all the ingredients to avoid in laundry products, but it paints a life-changing picture of what we’ve been sold as “safe, clean, and wholesome” for our households.

Learn more by clicking the links above, and in: How To Toss Your Toxic Laundry Detergent & The Toxic Chemicals Hidden in Dryer Sheets & Fabric Softener.

8 Natural Methods for Fresh-Smelling Laundry

By now, I’m sure you can see the detriments of using scented laundry detergent, stain removers, laundry boosters, fabric softener, and dryer sheets, whose chemicals impregnate and linger on clothes, sheets, towels, and all your other laundry. (And if not, go back and re-read the previous section and click the links—this is important stuff!).

The good news is that you can still achieve fresh-smelling laundry naturally and economically by following these tips.

Method 1: The Vinegar Rinse 

Vinegar may not be associated with “fresh smelling,” but it works wonders in laundry as a natural stain remover, deodorizer, bleach alternative, and fabric softener.

To use, simply run 1 cup of distilled white vinegar through the rinse cycle (add it to the bleach compartment of your washing machine), and you’re done!

And don’t worry, the smell will come out in the dryer, resulting in soft and fresh-smelling clothes.

Curious about vinegar as a stain remover? Check out: Natural Stain Remover Rescue! How To Remove 7 Of The Toughest Stains Naturally.

Method 2: Baking Soda Pre-Soak for Stubborn Odors

We buy this natural cleaning and laundry powerhouse in bulk because it’s so safe, economical, and effective!

Baking soda is a natural bleach, a non-scratch scouring agent, a natural fabric softener, a stain remover, and a deodorizer.

There are many ways to use baking soda to freshen your clothes, but one of our favorite methods is the baking soda pre-soak for stubborn odors.

To use:

1. Fill a large sink, basin, or bowl with warm water and 1 cup of baking soda.
   
2. Stir to dissolve.
   
3. Soak clothing for 30 minutes to several hours.
   
4. Launder as usual.

You can also use this method in your washing machine on the presoak setting.

Learn more about how to use baking soda for laundry in: 7 Legit Natural Fabric Softener Alternatives.

H3: Method 3: Wool Dryer Balls with Essential Oils

Pure, steam-distilled, organic, or wild-crafted essential oils can be an excellent way to add scent to your laundry, without chemicals.

The easiest way to do this is to drop a few drops of your favorites on wool dryer balls and let them release their scent in the dryer.

We recommend this with a few caveats:[12]

#1: Some essential oils are endocrine-disruptive and should not be used around babies, small children, pregnant women, or anyone who is chronically ill.

#2: Not all essential oils are created equal, so be sure to choose 100% organic or wild-crafted, steam-distilled, pure essential oils.

#3: Terpene-containing essential oils can react with ozone and create formaldehyde in the air. Crazy, but true. So, if you live in an area with ozone alerts or use any type of ozone generator in your home (not recommended!), consider avoiding essential oils.

Related reading: Dryer Balls Vs. Dryer Sheets: What's The Difference? 

Method 4: Sunlight As A Natural Disinfectant And Freshener

Ironically, conventional fragrance-laden laundry products often showcase laundry drying on a clothesline as a way to sell their signature, often toxic, scents.

Why not just put your clothes out in the sun and get the real thing...for free?!

Sunning your clothes imparts a natural fresh-air smell and also helps remove stains, kill germs, and offgas any lingering scents or chemical residue from fabric manufacturing.

It doesn’t take much either. Even just half an hour in the sun can do your clothes a world of good.

A few tips on sunning:

• Check the weather. No one wants to risk their life retrieving a batch of fresh laundry in a thunderstorm (or have to re-wash an entire load).
  
• Turn colored clothes inside out to avoid fading.
  
• No need to line-dry completely. Natural line-drying isn’t realistic for most people all the time. Therefore, we like to put our clothes out as much as possible. Even just 30 minutes straight out of the dryer makes a noticeable difference in the smell and freshness.
• While you can invest in a clothesline, there are also temporary set-ups, such as camping clotheslines, collapsible drying racks, or even patio furniture.

Learn more in: Sunning: How to Take Advantage Of The Summer Sun by Outgassing (AKA Offgassing)

Method 5: Branch Basics Laundry Detergent

Branch Basics NEW Laundry Detergent is a MADE Safe Certified, plant- and mineral-based, biodegradable, water-free formula designed to clean, freshen, remove stains, soften, deodorize, and brighten your clothes with just one small scoop.

We also offer Branch Basics Laundry Dilution, a liquid formula made by combining Branch Basics’ signature Concentrate with water in a refillable glass or plastic bottle. This formula is ideal for those who prefer a liquid detergent and is enzyme-free, making it suitable for individuals with very sensitive skin or those who are chemically sensitive.

Either way, these products are both MADE Safe certified, rated 1-2 on the EWG, 100% biodegradable, and plant- and mineral-based, free from all the harmful chemicals previously discussed. They are some of the most effective natural and environmentally responsible laundry products on the market.

Learn more in: 

How To Use Branch Basics For Laundry and Comparing Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Vs. Laundry Dilution: What's The Difference? 

Method 6: Lemon Juice For Brightening and Freshening

Lemon juice has been used for centuries as a natural laundry stain remover, brightener, deodorizer, natural bleach, and freshener.

It's natural citric acid, a popular ingredient in cleaning products, that works to break down stains and lift and remove dirt, oil, and odors, naturally.

To use:

• Add a cup to the rinse cycle to deodorize, brighten, and freshen your clothes.
  Use undiluted as a natural stain remover and bleach alternative.
• Lemon juice is also an ideal vinegar alternative for individuals with respiratory issues or those who cannot use vinegar due to its smell or reactions to acetic acid.

Related reading: Why We Recommend These Substitutes for Vinegar in Cleaning

Method 7: Proper Washing Machine Maintenance

Washing machines get dirty and require cleaning at least once a month, sometimes more, depending on use.

In fact, a dirty washing machine is one of the leading causes of clean clothes that don’t smell clean.

Most washing machines have a built-in self-clean setting, making it easy to clean them on a regular basis.

However, do not use bleach! Instead, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice as a safe and natural alternative.

Get more tips in: How To Clean And Detoxify Your Washer And Dryer

Method 8: Strategic Laundry Sorting, Washing, And Storage

Fresh-smelling clothes start with strategic laundry sorting, washing, and storing.

Let’s break this down.

How To Sort Laundry

In addition to sorting colors from whites, avoid the temptation to overload your washer!

Overloading will compromise your washer’s ability to thoroughly clean your clothes, resulting in a less-than-fresh-smelling load.

Aim to fill just below the “max fill line” for best results.

How To Wash Laundry For Fresher-Smelling Clothes

How you wash your clothes matters for freshness. Here are some tips:

• Follow the instructions above for not overloading your washer.
  
• Add the recommended amount of natural laundry detergent; no need to use too much.
  
• Use a laundry booster for soiled or stained loads, such as Branch Basics Oxygen Boost.
  
• Add baking soda or vinegar for extra deodorizing or fabric-softening power.
  
• Avoid using commercial fabric softeners, as they coat clothes and reduce the effectiveness of detergents over time.
  
• Wash sheets and towels in hot water to kill off dust mites.
  
• Address hard water issues by choosing Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, specifically designed for use with hard water.
  
• If you’re washing in cold water, be sure to choose a natural laundry detergent specifically designed for use in cold water. Branch Basics Laundry Detergent is perfect for cold loads.
  
• Remove clothes promptly from the washer to avoid unwanted smells or mildew.
  

How To Store Laundry

Here are some tips on how to store your laundry for maximum freshness:

• Make sure it’s completely dry before storing.
  
• Hang as many clothes as you can to maximize air circulation.
  
• Put away folded clothes neatly and don’t overstuff drawers.
  
• If needed, add some natural clothing sachets and/or baking soda boxes or pouches to absorb moisture, keep laundry fresh, and deter bugs.
  
• HEPA vacuum closets and drawers regularly to prevent dust mite build-up and moths.
  
• Follow the instructions here on how to store clothing in the off-season.
  

Fresher Laundry with Branch Basics

Isn’t it empowering to know you don’t have to rely on toxic scented laundry detergent or go back to slaving over a washboard for fresh, clean-smelling clothes?

By following these tips, you can do your laundry entirely naturally without compromising on cleanliness or freshness—and win-win!

Additionally, natural laundry solutions are significantly better for the environment and the indoor air quality of your home.

Interested in trying Branch Basics for laundry? Here’s what we’ve got for you:

• Branch Basics Refillable Laundry Kit: The OG, available in plastic or glass, this kit has everything you need to make Branch Basics Laundry dilution with our signature Concentrate, plus Oxygen Boost.
  Branch Basics Laundry Detergent: This new waterless formula cleans, deodorizes, freshens, removes stains, and softens with just one scoop. Available as a stand-alone product or in a two-pack.
  Oxygen Boost: The ultimate chlorine bleach alternative, this 2-ingredient mineral-based product contains sodium percarbonate (powdered peroxide) and baking soda, acting as a super-effective stain remover, soaking aid, laundry booster, and scouring agent.
  Wool Dryer Balls: These sustainably sourced dryer balls replace all fabric softeners and dryer sheets, are 100% natural, reusable for several years with proper use and care, reduce static, soften clothes, grab hair and lint, and even cut down on drying time, saving you energy and money.

Happy natural laundering!

References:

1. https://www.oapublishinglondon.com/article/611 
   
2. https://www.ewg.org/research/not-so-sexy 
   
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10051690/ 
   
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3018511/ 
   
5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-hypochlorite#section=GHS-Classification 
   
6. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/chlorine.pdf 
   
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056765/ 
   
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9718740/ 
   
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10818959/
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4651417/ 
    
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405665023000033 
    
12. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/cleaning-products-indoor-air-quality