Scent Beads [The New Laundry Fragrance Booster]

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Let’s be honest, most of us do not look forward to laundry day. But what’s even worse than washing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away? Going into your closet or drawer a week or two later only to realize that the freshly washed outfit you want to wear doesn’t even smell like it’s clean.

Considering how much laundry fresheners have been trending in recent years, it’s clear that a lot of people are fed up with their recently washed garments smelling less than April fresh just a few days after being washed. And the big detergent brands have figured out a great way to fix the problem.  

There are all sorts of laundry fresheners on the market, but some of the most popular ones are scent beads. Today we’re talking all about those colorful, freshly scented little laundry beads, including how to use them and why you might (or might not) want to try them.

Here’s what you need to know about scent beads, the new laundry fragrance boosters!

Our Favorite Laundry Scent Beads:

What Are Laundry Scent Beads?

Laundry scent beads are exactly what they sound like:

Small little pellets that make your clothes smell better.

They come in all sorts of fresh scents and fragrances, and they make your clothes smell fresher longer, so the clothing you wash today will smell good next week and the week after and for weeks after that. The fragrance doesn’t last forever, but because it gets absorbed into the fabric, clothes continue to smell freshly laundered for weeks on end.

Keep in mind that laundry scent beads are not a substitute for detergent or fabric softener. They contain fragrances, not cleaning agents, so don’t let the scent fool you into thinking that your clothes are clean. Without detergent, they’re not clean clothes – they’re just dirty clothes that smell good.

Scent beads are quite small, and they’re completely dissolvable. When put through washing and rinsing cycles in your washer, the fragrance gets absorbed into your clothing without leaving any residue behind.

How to Use Laundry Scent Beads

You know that little well in your washing machine where you pour fabric softener? DO NOT put scent beads in there.

Scent beads get added directly into the washer drum before you start the cycle or add your clothing. Once the beads are in the wash basin, proceed by starting the wash cycle, adding your laundry detergent, and adding your clothes.

Scent beads are not for use in the dryer. They need water to dissolve, so do not add them to a dryer cycle thinking that they’ll help give your clothes an added scent boost.

Like all household products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much (or how little) to use to get your desired effect.

Related: How To Create Homemade Laundry Detergent [Is It Worth It?]

The Pros and Cons of Laundry Scent Beads

There are a lot of benefits to using laundry scent beads, but they have their drawbacks as well. Here are the pros and cons to using scent beads that you might want to consider before ordering a bottle right now for same-day delivery.

PRO: They Smell Good!

There’s no doubt about it, scent beads will make your laundry smell fresher. Some brands boast that their beads can provide a prolonged scent for up to 12 weeks of freshness.

Bonus Tip: Scent beads don’t have to go in the wash cycle to freshen your clothes. You can also use them to fill sachets to tuck into your drawers and closets. With scent beads stashed in drawers and closets, your clothes and linens will smell better, even if they weren’t washed with the beads.  

PRO: They’re Easy to Use

Scent beads are incredibly easy to use. Just toss a capful in your washer, and you’re good to go! They’re safe to use on all washable colors and fabrics and safe to use in all washers, including HE washing machines.  

CON: They Can Clog Your Washing Machine

No matter what type of scent beads you buy, be sure to follow the directions on the packaging and use the proper amount. Some people complain about them clogging their washing machine, but if you use them properly, you shouldn’t have a problem.

CON: They’re Not Cheap

Scent beads are an added expense, so if you’re trying to cut costs this month, they’ll only add to the cost of a load of laundry. Depending on the size of the bottle, scent beads typically cost between $10 and $20. Depending on how many you use per load, they can add nearly 30 cents to the cost of each load of laundry, on top of what you’re already paying for laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and energy and water costs to run your washer and dryer.

CON: You Need to Store Them Securely

Like detergent pacs and pods, scent beads must be stored out of reach of children and pets. Some scent beads sort of look like candy, so be sure to keep them in a safe place where little ones and furry ones can’t get to them.

Related: Laundry Strips: What Are They And Do They Really Work? 

Best Scent Beads to Try Now

Whether you prefer the scent of an airy ocean mist or the essence of lavender & vanilla, here are some of the most highly rated scent beads, available in all sorts of fragrances to make your laundry smell oh-so-fresh.

1. Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads

Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads are some of the most popular laundry scent booster beads on the market. They provide long-lasting freshness to make your laundry smell good for up to 12 weeks after washing, and they come in an array of lovely fragrances.

Pick up a bottle of Downy Unstopables Lush if you love the scent of lavender or Downy Unstopables Fresh if you prefer a crisp, airy scent. Downy Unstopables also come in a popular Tide Original Scent as well as Old Spice, if that’s your thing.  

2. Downy Infusions Calm Scent in Wash Scent Beads

The Downy Infusions Calm Scent In Wash Scent Beads smell incredible in a combination of lavender and vanilla bean. Use with Downy Infusions Calm Liquid Fabric Softener or dryer sheets to give your laundry an even more soothing, calming, and lasting aroma.  

3. Downy Cool Cotton In Wash Scented Booster Beads

Downy Cool Cotton In Wash Scented Booster Beads smell like – you guessed it! – natural cotton. Which is pretty much exactly what you want fresh laundry to smell like if you don’t love a ton of fragrance. On Amazon, these scent booster beads have an impressive five-star rating with over 25,000 reviews.  

4. Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster Beads

For those that love the smell of classic Gain laundry detergent, check out the Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster Beads. In the original Gain scent, these tiny little yellow beads offer up to 12 weeks of freshness and are safe for use on all colors and fabrics.

5. Dreft Blissfuls In-Wash Scent Booster Beads

Add a boost of baby fresh scent to kid’s clothes with the Dreft Blissfuls In-Wash Scent Booster Beads. These little pink pellets are safe for use on all children’s clothing and linens, including soft and delicate infant clothing. They can be used in combination with any detergent, but they’re specifically designed for use with Dreft detergent for sensitive baby skin.

6. ARM & HAMMER Clean Scentsations Laundry In-Wash Scent Booster, Purifying Waters Scent

ARM & HAMMER Clean Scentsations Laundry In-Wash Scent Boosters have a fresh, natural scent that smells like crisp ocean water mixed with jasmine and lavender. In addition to fragrance, it’s made with pure ARM & HAMMER baking soda which, even alone, is super effective at absorbing odors.

7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Scent Booster

Fans of the cruelty-free Mrs. Meyers brand are sure to love the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Scent Booster. It’s a perfect option if you’re looking for a laundry booster with a garden-inspired scent, such as honeysuckle, lavender, or lemon verbena.  

Do Scent Beads Actually Work?

Scent beads aren’t a household essential, and they’re not a must-have when doing laundry … but they sure are a nice addition! They do help to keep your laundry smelling fresher longer, and once you find a scent you love, you just might wonder how you ever did laundry without them. 

You might also be interested in: How to Fold a Fitted Sheet [4 Foolproof Methods]

The Best Scent Beads: 

1. Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads
2. Downy Infusions Calm Scent in Wash Scent Beads
3. Downy Cool Cotton In Wash Scented Booster Beads
4. Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster Beads
5. Dreft Blissfuls In-Wash Scent Booster Beads
6. ARM & HAMMER Clean Scentsations Laundry In-Wash Scent Booster, Purifying Waters Scent
7. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Scent Booster