Laundry scent boosters are like the espresso shot of laundry fragrance. They take your clothes from “clean” to “oh wow, what is that smell and where can I get it?” But somewhere between TikTok cleaning hacks and your aunt’s unsolicited appliance advice, you might’ve considered this question: Are scent boosters bad for your washing machine?
Let’s settle this. Scent boosters are not bad for your washer. Used correctly, they’re as harmless as a load of fresh towels. But (and there’s always a “but”) if you misuse them, you could end up calling your washer repair guy.
In this article, you’ll learn how scent boosters work, why they play nicely with appliances and outfits alike, and how to use them the right way. Here’s the breakdown.
Are Scent Boosters Bad for Washing Machines?
The short answer: No. Scent booster beads are designed to dissolve completely in water, so they won’t clog your washer or leave a mess—as long as you use them correctly.
The fears you’ve heard usually sound like this:
- “They’ll clog your pipes.”
- “They leave sticky residue.”
- “The beads get stuck somewhere in your machine.”
Here’s the truth: the only time you’re courting disaster is if you pour scent boosters into the wrong place—like the detergent dispenser or the fabric softener drawer. That’s not where they’re meant to dissolve, so you’re basically setting them up for failure.
Another thing: If you’re dumping half the bottle into every load, you could overwork your washer’s drain pump over time. Moderation is key—scent boosters are powerful; they’re not meant to be scooped with the same gusto you reserve for popcorn.
Do Scent Boosters Damage Clothing?
Not inherently. In fact, scent boosters don’t do much to fabrics directly. Their job is purely to make them smell incredible. But just like laundry detergent or fabric softener, too much of a good thing can backfire. Excess can sometimes leave residue, especially if you’re working with a cold wash and a machine that’s already overloaded.
If you’ve ever pulled your favorite tee out of the dryer and felt overwhelmed with fragrance, you’ve learned the “less is more” lesson.
How to Use Scent Boosters (the Right Way)
Stick to these steps, and you’ll get all the upside of scent boosters without worrying about emergency plumber visits or mysteriously crunchy fabrics.
- Before adding clothing, shake the desired amount of scent booster directly into the washing drum. Then add your laundry pods, clothes, start the wash cycle, and let Laundry Sauce do its thing.
- Adjust the amount next time depending on how much fragrance you want. Light scent? A sprinkle. Heavy scent? A little more, but still reasonable.
- Do not add scent beads to the detergent or fabric softener dispensers. Also, don’t use them in the dryer.
- Don’t overload your washer. The beads need room to dissolve and work their magic.
The Real Question: Which Scent Booster Is Best for You?
Now that you know scent boosters aren’t plotting your washer’s downfall, you can focus on the fun part: choosing how you want your clothes to smell.
Do you want your outfit to channel the breezy citrus kick of the Amalfi Coast, the warmth of the Spanish countryside, or the crisp freshness of the Pacific Coast? Or maybe you’re into the rugged richness of the Australian outback—the kind of scent that makes your hoodie smell like it came from a high-end boutique.
Whatever your vibe, Laundry Sauce scent boosters make your wardrobe smell exclusive without the price tag of a five-star hotel stay. Bold, alluring, and anything but boring—because life’s too short for laundry that smells like, well, laundry.
