Scented beads add that unmistakable fresh laundry scent, but can you use them in every laundry load? If you've never used scented laundry beads before, they are are small bead-like capsules you add to the washer along with your detergent. The beads dissolve in water and add a fresh scent to your laundry. They are not meant to be used instead of a laundry detergent, but in addition to it.
Think of the beads as a perfume or deodorant—they don't do the cleaning or stain fighting, they impart scent and help prolong freshness. But is it smart to use them all the time? Daniel Skelly, formulations scientist for fabric enhancers at Snuggle, shares everything you need to know about scented beads and how to use them.
What Are Scented Laundry Beads?
Scented beads are small beads or capsules that dissolve in water when added to a load of laundry. The scent boosters are not an equivalent or alternative to laundry detergent, as they don't act as a cleaning solution or stain remover. Instead, their role is to add fragrance and freshness to a load of laundry. They are designed to leave behind a long-lasting fragrance and are available in a variety of scents. If you love the smell of clean laundry, scented beads are an excellent way to achieve that and to enjoy it for longer. "There are different kinds of scent boosters—beads, salts, and packs out there, so make sure that you use one that dissolves completely," Skelly advises. Additionally, make sure you only add scented beads to the washing machine and never to the dryer.
Laundry Items You Should Never Wash with Scented Beads
Delicate fabrics, including silk, cashmere, and lace: Avoid using scented beads with any fabrics whose fibers are too delicate. (These items will likely not be washer-safe anyway, but if you do throw them in on a delicate cycle, skip the scented beads.) This includes materials such as silk, cashmere, and lace, and any other fabric that could potentially be damaged during a wash cycle.
Baby items: Avoid using scented beads on any baby clothing, as the fragrance can cause irritation. Additionally, skip the beads when washing items that will come in contact with a baby's skin, such as blankets or stuffed animals.
Clothing of anyone with allergies: If you or someone in your home has particularly sensitive skin, check the ingredients inside the scented beads to make sure they don't cause irritation.
Anything that's extra dirty: Since the beads are not a substitute for laundry detergent, don't use them instead of detergent, or on heavily soiled clothing, such as muddy jerseys. Remove stains and excessive dirt first, then run the items through the washer with the scented beads.
When (and How) You Can Use Scented Beads
"Scented beads typically are safe to use on all fabrics," Skelly says. "If the fabric is washable, then it is typically safe to use scent boosters on delicates or colored fabrics." He adds that in addition to towels, bedding, and clothing, as long as it is machine-washable, you can also use scented beads on active wear to give the items a long-lasting, clean scent. Use them to eliminate musty smells from towels, or give bedding a boost of fresh scent.
The amount of scented beads you add to a load depends on its size—as a general rule of thumb, the larger the load, the more beads you add in. For specific amounts, follow the manufacturer's directions. As long as the items are machine-washable, you can use scented beads with the following:
- Lights and darks
- Towels
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Hot and cold wash cycles
- Athletic wear
- Jeans
- Kids' clothing
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Sabella, M. (2025, January 13). 4 Laundry Items You Should Never Wash with Scented Beads. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/when-not-to-use-scented-laundry-beads-8760638