Scented laundry beads provide a distinctive fresh laundry scent, but can they be used in every laundry load? If you’re new to scented laundry beads, they are small bead-like capsules that you add to the washing machine along with your detergent. These beads dissolve in water to infuse your laundry with a fresh fragrance. They are not a substitute for laundry detergent but rather complement it by enhancing the scent and freshness of your clothes.
Think of scented beads as you would perfume or deodorant—they don’t perform the cleaning or stain-removing functions, but they add a pleasant fragrance and help extend the freshness of your clothes. Daniel Skelly, a formulations scientist specializing in fabric enhancers at Snuggle, offers valuable insights on scented beads and how to use them effectively.
What Are Scented Laundry Beads?
Scented beads are small capsules that dissolve in water when added to a laundry load, providing a boost of fragrance. Unlike laundry detergent, these scent boosters do not clean or remove stains but rather focus on adding a delightful scent to your clothes. They are designed to impart a long-lasting aroma and are available in various scents. If you enjoy the scent of freshly laundered clothes, scented beads are an ideal way to achieve and prolong that experience. Skelly recommends choosing a scent booster that fully dissolves and advises against adding scented beads to the dryer.
Items to Avoid Washing with Scented Beads
Certain delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, and lace should not be washed with scented beads as their fibers may be too fragile. Similarly, avoid using scented beads on baby clothing or items that will come in contact with a baby’s skin, as the fragrance may cause irritation. If anyone in your household has allergies or sensitive skin, be cautious when using scented beads to prevent potential skin reactions. Heavy soiled items or those requiring stain removal should be pre-treated before using scented beads in the wash.
When and How to Use Scented Beads
According to Skelly, scented beads are generally safe to use on all fabrics that are machine-washable. They can be used on delicates, colored fabrics, towels, bedding, and clothing to infuse them with a long-lasting fresh scent. Adjust the amount of scented beads based on the size of the load, adding more for larger loads. Whether refreshing towels, eliminating musty odors, or enhancing the scent of bedding, scented beads can be a versatile addition to your laundry routine.
When using scented beads in your laundry, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. As long as the items being washed are machine-washable, scented beads can be used with a variety of laundry loads, including lights and darks, towels, bedding, clothing, hot and cold wash cycles, athletic wear, jeans, and kids’ clothing. For best practices, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens for additional tips on laundry care and maintenance.
