Can You Use Essential Oils on Cloth Diapers?
Essential oils are often added to wool dryer balls to give laundry a light, natural scent. But when it comes to cloth diapers, we have a clear recommendation:
No - we do not recommend using essential oils on cloth diapers.
Here's why.
Why Essential Oils and Cloth Diapers Don't Mix
Essential oils are oils, and oil repels liquid.
Cloth diapers rely on absorbent fibers to do their job properly. When oils transfer onto fabric, whether in the wash or the dryer, they can:
- Coat the fibers
- Reduce absorbency
- Cause repelling
- Lead to leaks
Even small amounts can build up over time and affect performance.
Because it's impossible to control where oils transfer in the dryer, the safest and most reliable approach is to avoid using them altogether with your diaper laundry.
What If You're Trying to Improve Odor?
If you're reaching for essential oils because your diapers smell, especially ammonia or a strong "barnyard" odor, that's usually a sign that your wash routine needs adjusting.
Fragrance doesn't fix odor problems, it only masks them.
Persistent smells can indicate:
- Inadequate wash cycles
- Too little detergent
- Hard water issues
- Buildup in the fabric
The solution is correcting the wash routine - not adding scent.
If you're dealing with ammonia, read: How do I deal with ammonia?
The Bottom Line
To protect absorbency and prevent leaks:
Skip the essential oils when washing or drying cloth diapers.
Keeping your diapers residue-free ensures they perform exactly as designed - clean, absorbent, and leak-free.
