Stop Putting Essential Oils in Your Dryer — Here’s Why It’s a Hidden Fire Hazard

As a mom who’s passionate about non-toxic living, I know how tempting it can be to use essential oils in every aspect of your home. Remember the phrase, “There’s an oil for that.” Essential oils are everywhere, aren’t they? They smell amazing and can make your laundry feel fresher, but using essential oils in the dryer is not as safe as it may seem. Here’s why I recommend against it.

1. Essential Oils in the Dryer Pose a Fire Hazard

Most essential oils, including popular oils like lemon and eucalyptus, are highly flammable. Essential oils are considered a Class 3 flammable liquid, meaning they can combust at temperatures between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Since most household dryers reach temperatures of 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, this poses a major fire risk because any essential oils used in the dryer could ignite under such heat.

Even a small amount of oil on a dryer sheet or wool dryer ball can pose a significant risk. No one wants to put their family or home in danger for the sake of a nice-smelling load of laundry.

2. They Can Cause Damage to Fabrics

Essential oils are potent substances that can cause damage to fabrics over time. They can leave oil stains, especially on delicate items, and even degrade the material. If you’re using essential oils on natural fibers like cotton or wool, the risk of staining and fabric wear is even higher. A better approach would be to use a hydrosol spritz or just simply go without any fragrance in your laundry routine.

There are plenty of non-toxic laundry detergents and dryer-sheet alternatives that are fragrance free. And work, just fine. In fact, over time, you’ll get used to the smell of clean laundry that doesn’t smell like lavender or a “fresh country breeze”. I promise!

3. Potential Health Risks

While essential oils are natural, they are not always safe in every application, especially around babies and children. The heat from the dryer can cause essential oils to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Inhaling these compounds can be harmful, especially for young children or those with respiratory issues. The enclosed dryer space also means that these VOCs have no ventilation and nowhere to go, forcing them to concentrate in your clothes.

While essential oils have many wonderful uses, the dryer is not one of them. For the safety of your family and your home, it’s best to find alternative methods to freshen your laundry. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to essential oils.