When Your Laundry Starts Talking Back...
The other day, I opened the dryer, pulled out a towel, and—no joke—it thanked me.
Okay, maybe not out loud, but it was so soft, so fresh, and smelled like it had just come home from a spa weekend that I kind of expected it to whisper, “Bless you, woman.” 😂
I use Thieves Laundry Soap and I love it!. It’s my go-to. The no-junk, plant-powered kind of clean that doesn’t punch my family’s skin in the face.
But sometimes… I want a little more.
You know those days when you pour your coffee into your favorite mug, froth the milk, sprinkle cinnamon on top… even though you’re still in yesterday’s leggings and someone’s crying over a missing sock?
Yeah. On those days, I go fancy laundry mode.
My Go-To DIY Laundry Booster (That Feels Like a Treat)
It’s like the coffee with foam art for my clothes.
Softens. Freshens. Smells like I’m winning at life.
And the best part? It’s only three ingredients, and you probably already have them.
🌿 Here’s what you need:
- 3 cups baking soda (the odor-fighting MVP)
- 3 cups Epsom salt (hello, natural softener)
- 30 drops essential oils (you pick the vibe—zen, citrusy, or “just cleaned up toddler throw-up and need a pick-me-up”)
Mix it all together, pop it in a pretty jar (because why not?), and add 2 tablespoons per load of laundry. Straight into the drum.
The First Time I Tried It…
I was skeptical. I had visions of crunchy towels and weird chemical reactions. But the moment I opened the washer and caught a whiff of lavender-citrus goodness?
HOOKED.
I started folding slower. Smiling at my laundry piles. Sniffing shirts like a weirdo. And when my husband said, “Honey, what did you do to my t-shirts? They’re so soft,” I knew this booster was staying forever.
Favorite Oil Combos (Because I Know You’ll Ask 😉)
You really can’t go wrong, but here are some of my tried-and-true faves:
- Lavender + Citrus Fresh – soft and bright (like clean sunshine)
- Purification – when things smell a little too lived in
- Lemongrass + Eucalyptus – spa-day energy for your socks
Tip: Choose oils that are safe for skin (especially if your little ones are like mine and wear their clothes inside-out and backward half the time).
Why This Works (Beyond Smelling Pretty)
This little laundry cocktail isn’t just for fun. It seriously boosts your wash game:
- Leaves clothes soft and fresh without residue
- Neutralizes odors (hi, gym socks)
- Reduces static naturally
- Boosts your detergent’s clean power
- Keeps harsh chemicals far away from your family’s skin
It's especially great for mamas who are already doing ALL the things and just need one small win that smells amazing.
Want to Feel Like You’ve Got It All Together?
Start with your laundry.
Or at least make it smell like you’ve got it all together. 😉
Or at least make it smell like you’ve got it all together. 😉
This DIY laundry booster has become one of those small, sacred rhythms in my home. It doesn’t take long. It doesn’t cost much. But it feels like care. Like creating a space where even your towels get loved on.
Give it a try, and tell me what scent combo you go with—I’m always up for new recipes.
Love and soft hoodies,
Terri
The phone rang close to 3 AM. It was Annalise.
We had been expecting a baby any day now, and since she was planning a home birth, I thought she was calling to say, “Mom, I’m in labor!” or even, “She’s here, Mom!”
But the moment I heard her voice, I knew something was wrong.
I could tell they were in the car. She couldn’t talk, so she...
