Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

WARNING: This TikTok Laundry Hack Could Cause a Fire in Your Dryer

I was scrolling through TikTok (as you do), and came across this video about adding essential oils to your laundry before bunging it in the tumble dryer. Everyone in the comments was hyping it up like it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread.

But no one, and I mean no one, was talking about how dangerous this can be. So, let me tell you why this could be a disaster waiting to happen.

We’re talking about a serious fire risk here, people. And yes, your cosy home, your fave clothes, and even your family could be at stake.

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TikTok Creator Says “Laundry Hack,” But Reality Says “Could Cause Fire Attack”

Essential oils are lush, aren’t they? They smell amazing, they’re natural, and they’re better for the planet than all those chemical filled fabric softeners. But popping them in your tumble dryer? Not the brightest idea.

See, essential oils are basically just oils (duh), and oils are flammable. This means they can catch fire, especially when you throw heat into the mix. And your tumble dryer? It gets pretty toasty in there.

What Causes Essential Oils To Catch Fire?

Here’s a quick science lesson about the flashpoint of essential oils: The flashpoint is the temp where an oil creates enough vapour to ignite. Not as dramatic as a fireball, but still not ideal.

Most essential oils like; lemon, bergamot, eucalyptus, and all those other dreamy smells, have flashpoints between 38 C and 54 C. Now, the low heat on your dryer is around 52 C, medium is 58 C, and high is 63 C. See where this is going? It’s a risky game, my friend.

“But Everyone on TikTok Does It!”

Sure, loads of people slap a few drops of essential oil on an old cloth, put it in the dryer and swear by it. And hey, most of them get away with it. But here’s the thing: there have been cases of fires caused by this exact hack.

Why? Because dryers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Plus not all essential oils play by the rules, with some actually igniting before reaching their supposed flashpoint temperature. A lot of it depends on how much essential oil has been used and the exact temperature settings of your dryer (they’re all different).

Your mate’s scorching hot could be your dryer’s low heat. And as the clothes dry, they get even closer to the flashpoint. Basically, you’re playing with fire, literally.

Are Wool Dryer Balls The Safer Way?

If you’re dead set on making your laundry smell like a spa, you can use essential oils with wool dryer balls, but dilute the oil with water first (1:1 ratio).

This helps lower the risk. And don’t overdo it, 1 or 2 drops per ball is plenty. Oh, and give those balls a good wash now and then to stop oil build-up.

Other Ways to Make Your Laundry Smell Amazing (Without Burning Your House Down)

Two people putting clothes in a laundry basket from the washer

Let’s be real, there are way safer ways to get that fresh smell without turning your dryer into a fire hazard.

Add Oils To The Wash
Pop 2 to 3 drops of essential oil into unscented detergent before you stick it in the washing machine. The water keeps everything safe.
DIY Fabric Softener
Mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil with white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda for a chemical-free softener.
Fabric Spray
Fancy a quick fix? Make a spray with around 10 drops of essential oil, 6 tablespoons of distilled water, and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Spritz it on clothes before ironing or wearing.
Scented Drawer Sachets

Add a few drops to fabric pouches and chuck them in your drawers or wardrobe. Classy and safe.

In The Steam Iron
Just add 2 or 3 drops of your favourite essential oil into the water tank of your steam iron. Every time you spray, your clothes get infused with essential oil.

Let’s Talk About Fragrance Oils

Quick heads up: Fragrance oils are synthetic and packed with chemicals. They’re still oils, which means they still have a flashpoint. Long story short, don’t chuck those in the dryer either.

Real Talk About Safety

Essential oils might smell divine, but they’re classified as flammable liquids for a reason. If they’re not considered safe to transport without precautions, they’re probably not safe in your dryer either.

Oh, and one more thing, some oils can irritate your skin or harm your pets. So, handle with care and keep the fur babies away.

Your Turn, What Do You Think?

Have you tried this TikTok hack before? Did your laundry smell like heaven, or did you have a close call with disaster? Share your stories in the comments, we’d love to hear! And don’t forget to share this with your mates who are obsessed with essential oils. They need to know!

Stay safe, keep it fresh and remember less is more when it comes to essential oils and tumble dryers.

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