Quick Answer

Add your laundry scent booster directly to the drum before loading clothes, then add detergent to the dispenser and run a normal cycle. This order keeps the booster dissolving evenly and prevents residue on fabric.

Why Order Matters

Scent boosters are designed to dissolve slowly during the wash to release fragrance throughout the cycle. If you toss them on top of clothes, they may not dissolve fully, leaving visible residue or concentrated spots of scent. Putting them in the drum first ensures they spread out and work with the water flow.

Detergent, on the other hand, works best when it's dispensed at the right time—usually mid-fill—so it can lift dirt and oils without being rinsed away too early. Using both correctly means you get clean clothes and lasting fragrance.

Dosage and Load Size

Check the booster's label for the recommended amount per load. Most products, like the Signature Spin Fresh Citrus Laundry Scent Booster, come with a dosage cup to make measuring easy. For a standard load, use the suggested amount; for larger or heavily soiled loads, you can adjust slightly, but avoid overloading the booster—too much can leave a strong scent that some find overwhelming.

If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, use the same order but be mindful of water levels. HE machines use less water, so the booster needs more room to dissolve—adding it to the drum before clothes helps.

Step-by-Step: Using a Scent Booster with Detergent

  1. Check the booster label: Read the recommended dosage for your load size. Most boosters, like Signature Spin, include a dosage cup—use it to measure the right amount. Using too much booster can leave residue; too little may not give the scent you want.
  2. Add booster to the drum first: Sprinkle the booster directly into the empty washer drum before adding clothes. This allows it to dissolve evenly as water fills. Never put the booster in the detergent dispenser—it may not dissolve properly and can clog the dispenser.
  3. Load your clothes: Place your laundry on top of the booster, but don't overcrowd the drum. Leave enough space for water to circulate and dissolve the booster. Overloading prevents thorough cleaning and can leave booster granules on fabric.
  4. Add detergent to the dispenser: Pour your regular detergent into the dispenser as you normally would. The booster works alongside the detergent—they don't need to be mixed. If you use detergent pods, place them in the drum, not the dispenser, and keep them separate from the booster.
  5. Run a normal cycle: Select a standard wash cycle with warm or hot water if possible. The booster dissolves best in warmer water, but cold water works if that's your norm. Check that the booster is fully dissolved after the cycle; if you see residue, reduce the amount next time.
  6. Dry as usual: Transfer clothes to the dryer or hang them to dry. The fragrance will remain on the fabric after drying, so no additional steps are needed. If you use dryer sheets, the scent may mix—choose a complementary fragrance or skip sheets for a purer scent.

Products That Help

  • SIGNATURE SPIN - FRESH CITRUS LAUNDRY SCENT BOOSTER: Signature Spin Fresh Citrus Laundry Scent Booster features a crisp blend of dewy melon, Italian citrus, tart rhubarb, lily of the valley, Indonesian patchouli, and classic white musk. This concentrated booster adds a long-lasting, clean citrus scent that pairs well with any detergent, keeping clothes smelling fresh even after the wash and dry cycle.

    SIGNATURE SPIN - FRESH CITRUS LAUNDRY SCENT BOOSTER

    SIGNATURE SPIN - FRESH CITRUS LAUNDRY SCENT BOOSTER

  • OLD MONEY - WOODY AND SPICED LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Old Money Woody and Spiced Laundry Detergent combines cardamom, tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood, and musk to clean and fragrance laundry. If you prefer a cozy, rich scent, this detergent alone can deliver fragrance, but you can still add a booster for extra intensity if desired.

    OLD MONEY - WOODY AND SPICED LAUNDRY DETERGENT

    OLD MONEY - WOODY AND SPICED LAUNDRY DETERGENT