Are Scented Laundry Beads Bad for Your Washing Machine?

Scented laundry beads are a sure way to inject a fresh and clean scent into a load of laundry. Whether you're washing towels or a load of stinky sports jerseys, scented beads impart that unmistakable fresh laundry scent without much extra effort on your part. The scented product has become popular in recent years, but are the beads bad for your washing machine? And worse, could they be damaging your plumbing system?

To learn more about the potential effects of this popular laundry product on your appliance and home's plumbing system, Frontdoor experts Drew Leeland and Eddie Linares are sharing their professional insights. While they don't rule out using scented beads in a load of laundry altogether, they stress the importance of correct usage and following the manufacturer's directions.

They share that issues can arise if you use an excessive amount of scented beads in a load or if the beads don't dissolve. Both of these scenarios can affect the performance and lifespan of the washing machine and your plumbing system, and can lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Read on to find out more about what the experts have to say about the popular scent booster.

 

What Are Scented Laundry Beads?

Scented beads are small bead-like capsules which are designed to impart a fresh and clean fragrance to a load of laundry. They are not an alternative to a laundry detergent or a stain fighter, as their primary job is to add scent, not to clean. The beads dissolve during the laundry cycle, leaving your clothes smelling fresh for longer. The product is available in a variety of scents and is intended for use in a washing machine only, never to be added to a dryer.

 

Are Scented Beads Bad for Your Washing Machine?

A washing machine can be a significant investment, so proper use is essential to prolonging its lifespan and maximizing its efficiency. This includes using safe laundry products and avoiding those that could potentially damage the appliance or affect its performance. When it comes to using scented beads in your washing machine, Leeland says there are several factors to consider. "Though scented laundry beads offer a nice fragrance alternative to using solely detergent, they are a fairly new product concept, so any long-term impacts to both plumbing systems and washing machines are still unknown," he says.

Scented beads aren't meant to be used instead of laundry detergent, as their job isn't necessarily to clean, but to impart that unmistakable fresh laundry scent. While the products longterm effects on a washing machine aren't clear yet, given that it's still a relatively new product, Leeland says that if you want to add scented beads to a load, it's essential you do so correctly. "If you do use them, to avoid issues to your washer and get best results, be sure to follow the instructions on the scented bead packaging, and your washing machine manufacturers' usage instructions," he says.

To ensure your washing machine continues to work as it should, Leeland recommends a simple regular maintenance step: "For best results, periodic ‘clean washer’ cycles should be performed as they also work to aid in reducing and eliminating odor from both washing machines and clothing," he says.

 

Can Scented Beads Damage Your Plumbing?

As for the effect of scented beads on plumbing, Linares says there are some cons to using them that you should be aware of. "If they are not used properly, for example the proper amount is not dispensed for the washing size load, the beads may not completely dissolve and could cause drainage issues in the plumbing system," he explains.

While using too many scented beads can leave a residue on your clothing, it can also affect your plumbing. "Excessive use could also result in straining the washer’s drain pump, causing premature failure," Linares says.

Another plumbing issue can occur if the scented beads don't dissolve. "When beads don’t fully dissolve, they can coat the inside of the washer’s inner basket and outer tub, requiring more self-clean washer cycles to be performed," Linares says. He explains that can become a problem if your plumbing system is older, as it can cause clogging and require professional drain cleaning.

 

 

Sources:

• All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
• Sabella, M. (2025b, March 8). Are scented laundry beads bad for your washing machine? Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/scented-laundry-beads-washing-machine-8772123