Adding a Drop of Medicated Oil to Your Laundry: A Special Trick Not Everyone Knows!

To preserve clothes, prevent mold, and keep insects away, try adding a drop of medicated oil to the soaking water before washing. While there are many scented detergents and fabric softeners available, not everyone enjoys their strong chemical fragrances.

Clothes stored in a closet for long periods may lose their freshness due to humidity, mold, or the scent of wooden cabinets. They can also be susceptible to insect damage, especially when folded and placed in storage boxes. While mothballs can help, they often have an overpowering odor that may be unpleasant, especially for children.

The Hidden Benefits of Medicated Oil

Medicated oil contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful for more than just colds and minor ailments. It is generally safe for use, except for individuals with specific allergies.

By adding a few drops of medicated oil to the soaking water and letting the clothes sit for about an hour before washing and drying, you can achieve multiple benefits:

• Clothes retain a fresh, pleasant scent that lasts for months when stored.
• Helps eliminate odors and bacteria, keeping clothes hygienic.
• Reduces musty smells in wooden or plastic wardrobes.

Repelling Insects Naturally

The fresh scent of medicated oil makes clothes unattractive to ants and cockroaches, reducing the need for mothballs. If you want to keep clothes fresh during off-season storage, this method is particularly useful.

For white clothes affected by mold, soaking them in water with a few drops of medicated oil can help reduce mildew stains.

Preventing Odors in Humid Weather

During rainy or humid conditions, clothes can take longer to dry, leading to unpleasant odors. In such cases, you can use steam infused with medicated oil to refresh clothing. Those who sweat heavily and struggle to keep clothes smelling fresh can also try diluting medicated oil in water as a mild deodorizer.

Using Medicated Oil to Freshen Up Your Closet

When cleaning your wardrobe, mix a few drops of medicated oil with a cleaning solution and spray it inside before wiping dry. This keeps the closet smelling fresh and free of unwanted odors.

For ongoing freshness, place an open bottle of medicated oil in a corner of your closet. Ensure the bottle is upright to prevent spills. The scent will gradually spread, keeping clothes fragrant while repelling insects like ants, cockroaches, and other pests.

Beyond clothing, medicated oil is also useful for eliminating odors in shoes, bathrooms, and other spaces. Keeping a bottle on hand can provide multiple benefits for your home!