Laundering is dirty business. No, I don’t mean the sort that involves transfers of illegally obtained funds. Picture dirty, used-up clothing going through the magical process that transforms them into bright, sweet-smelling garments that make you look and feel great. Of course, laundering also includes the cleansing and refreshing of household linens such as tablecloths, towels, and bedding. All of these items can benefit from the touch of dōTERRA®! Household managers, domestic engineers, and other superheroes that keep the home running smoothly: it’s time to gather up a few easy and aromatically amazing essential oil recipes to store in our tool belts. Did someone say “make-and-take”? Go for it, because these ideas are too good not to share! You provide the ingredients, then let your friends put them to the test at home and see for themselves just what these powerful little gifts of nature can do for their household.

Encourage stubborn stains to succumb with a simple Citrusy Stain Spray. Combine ½ cup white distilled vinegar with 20 drops dōTERRA Lemon in a glass spray bottle. Spray directly onto stains before laundering.

Commercial fabric softeners are notoriously full of synthetic chemicals that can both harm items in the wash and contribute to a host of health concerns when inhaled. It’s a no brainer to switch to the most natural fabric softener available: a personalized one that you can create in a snap on your kitchen counter! To make Silky Spice Fabric Softener,you’ll need:

1 gallon distilled white vinegar

2 cups baking soda

20 drops Clove

10 drops Lemon

Combine ingredients in a large bowl and add ¼ to ½ cup per load of laundry. Store mixture in airtight container. While Clove and Lemon are great starting points, feel free to use 25-30 drops of your favorite dōTERRA oils, including blends! Your clean laundry will come out both softened and scented by your favorite natural aromas.

Here’s a project to excite the senses of the environmentally conscious: the Double Recycled Dryer Sheet. For this oh-so-easy and practical recipe, you’ll need one piece of cotton or wool cloth measuring approximately 6” x 6”. Recycle #1: use an outgrown T-shirt or sweater. Place your cloth within a container and place 2-4 drops of essential oil directly onto the fabric. Think refreshing Lime, exotic Jasmine, or lovely Lavender. Allow essential oil to dry thoroughly before placing dryer sheet atop your load of wet clothes. Dry load as usual, and prepare for a new sensory experience folding laundry as you revel in the aroma that envelops your warm, freshly tumbled clothes! Recycle #2: Keep reusing the dryer sheet until you notice it has lost its scent, then add more essential oil and repeat the process.

Families who work hard and play hard end up with overflowing baskets of laundry to show for it. By all means, keep it up! Just be sure to invite dōTERRA into the laundry room for natural solutions you can depend on as you manage this important aspect of household management. Wash, dry, wear, and share!