Your laundry comes out of the machine clean, but that fresh scent is gone again after two days. Scent beads solve that problem — but how exactly do they work, and what makes them different from fabric softener?
Everything about scent beads: how they work, how to use them, and how they differ from fabric softener
Scent beads — also called fragrance boosters or fragrance beads — are small solid granules that you pour directly into your washing machine’s drum. They slowly dissolve during the wash cycle, allowing fragrance oils to penetrate deep into the fibres of your textiles.
That is the difference between scent beads and a detergent designed for cleaning: scent beads do nothing to remove dirt. They are purely for fragrance, and for a fragrance that lasts a long time — even after your laundry is dry and put away.
What is the difference from fabric softener?
This is the misconception that comes up most often. Scent beads and fabric softener may seem to serve the same purpose, but they work in completely different ways.
✓ Scent beads
- Designed for long-lasting fragrance
- No greases or coatings
- Safe for towels and sportswear
- Dissolves completely, even at 30°C
✗ Fabric softener
- Coats fibres with a greasy layer
- Reduces towel absorbency
- Can cause grease buildup in the machine
- Scent penetrates less deeply
Fabric softener is essentially a conditioner for fibres: it softens textiles by coating them with a layer. Useful for some fabrics, but not ideal if you want your bedding to still smell fresh weeks later.
How do you use scent beads?
No hassle with liquids or sticky caps. Lavoa scent beads come with a cap that also serves as a measuring cup — there is a 5-gram measuring line on the inside, the standard dose for one wash.
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Measure with the cap 5 grams is enough for a normal load. Want your bedding to stay fresh for even longer? Add a little more. You decide the intensity.
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Beads first, laundry second Sprinkle the beads into the empty drum. This way, they dissolve as soon as the water enters and do not get stuck between the rubber door seal.
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Add your laundry strip Place a Lavoa laundry strip on top of the laundry. The strip cleans, while the beads provide the fragrance.
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Run your programme as usual The beads dissolve completely, even at 30°C. No residue is left in the machine or on your clothes.
By putting the beads in the drum before adding the laundry, you prevent them from getting stuck between the rubber door seal — so every bead dissolves completely.
What are scent beads best suited for?
Not every load needs them. Scent beads are most useful for items where fragrance really matters: bedding, towels, sportswear, and anything you store away for a long time.
- Bedding that needs to stay fresh in the cupboard for a long time
- Towels — safe because they contain no greasy coating that reduces absorbency
- Sportswear where regular detergents do not completely remove the odour
- Children's textiles that are used intensively
For a standard wash of T-shirts and trousers, laundry beads are not necessary. The Lavoa laundry strips already provide a fresh base scent — the beads are a deliberate choice for loads where you want just a little more.
Combining laundry beads with laundry strips
Combining a laundry strip with scent beads is simple: the strip takes care of cleaning, while the beads provide a more intense, longer-lasting fragrance. They do not interfere with each other — the beads contain no ingredients that disrupt the laundry strip's performance.
The Lavoa Ocean Fresh scent beads cost €14.95. How many washes you get depends on your dosage — at 5 grams per wash, they last a long time.
Combine the scent beads with a laundry strip from the same fragrance line for a more consistent result — they enhance each other without creating a clash of scents.
Frequently asked questions about laundry beads
Are laundry beads the same as fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener coats fibres with a greasy layer to make them softer. Laundry beads are focused purely on fragrance: they contain no softening agents and do not affect the quality of your textiles. They do not make towels less absorbent, and they do not cause grease buildup in your machine.
How long does the scent last?
It varies by situation. Bedding that you put away in a closed cupboard retains the scent the longest. Sportswear worn daily retains it noticeably less. Your own nose also plays a role — scent intensity is perceived differently by everyone.
How many laundry beads should I use per wash?
5 grams is the standard dosage for a normal load. That is one full cap, up to the measuring line on the inside. For a stronger scent — for example with bedding or a large load — you can use a little more. There is no risk of damage when using a higher dosage.
Do laundry beads also work at low temperatures?
Yes. Lavoa's scent beads dissolve completely, even at 30°C. No residue is left on your clothes or in the drum. You do not need to adjust your programme.
Where do I put the laundry beads — in the drawer or the drum?
Always put them directly in the drum, before adding the laundry. They do not dissolve properly in the detergent drawer and therefore work less effectively. Adding them to the empty drum first also prevents them from sticking to the rubber door seal.
Can I use laundry beads without a laundry strip?
You can, but laundry beads do not clean. They are intended solely as a scent booster. Always use them together with a detergent — Lavoa laundry strips work well with the beads and have the same fragrance line.
Try Lavoa's scent beads
Combine them with the laundry strips for fresh laundry — without the hassle of liquids or heavy bottles.
View the scent beads →
