July 24, 2025, 3:04 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The internet is full of curious tricks–some are quite helpful, while others are less advisable. Among them, bay leaves in the washing machine are said to have a beneficial effect. myHOMEBOOK consulted a professional to find out if this life hack is really worth it.
Bay Leaves Against Washing Machine Odor? What the Theory Promises
Numerous online guides claim that bay leaves in the washing drum can neutralize unpleasant odors. Their essential oils are said to not only provide freshness but also have a mild antibacterial effect. Additionally, bay leaves are purported to serve as a natural fabric softener substitute. However, whether these effects are noticeable during washing is hardly scientifically proven.
Expert Doubts Effectiveness
“I am not aware of any studies on the effectiveness of bay leaves in washing machines against bad odors,” explains Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. While the expert acknowledges that bay leaves are attributed with antimicrobial properties, he also clarifies: “Assuming that’s true, I wonder how many leaves would be needed for the concentration of the active ingredient to be sufficient to have an antimicrobial effect in a washing machine when diluted with water.”
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How Many Bay Leaves Would Be Needed?
There is no consistent recommendation for dosage on social media and online forums. Some suggest simply putting “a few bay leaves” in the drum. Dr. Glassl is not impressed by this vague suggestion: “From this formulation, I conclude that there is no precise research behind the tip.” He adds: “I wonder, for example, how many bay leaves ‘a few’ means and how large they should be. Among the bay leaves available as a spice, some are as large as an adult’s little finger, and others are as small as a thumbnail.”
Sometimes, a quantity of “two to three bay leaves” is recommended. Here too, Dr. Glassl remains skeptical: “That would mean the leaves would have to contain quite potent active ingredients.” Again, the question of the specific leaf size arises.
How to Really Keep the Washing Machine Odor-Free
Instead of relying on questionable home remedies, the expert recommends proven methods to avoid unpleasant odors in the washing machine. According to Dr. Glassl, the following measures help:
- Remove laundry promptly: After the program ends, take out the textiles as quickly as possible and dry them–either in the air or in the dryer.
- Leave the machine open: Keep the door or lid and the detergent drawer slightly open so the machine can dry out inside.
- Regular cleaning: Clean the detergent drawer regularly, at the latest when dark spots or residues appear.
- Hot wash with bleach: Once a month, choose a wash program that actually reaches 60 degrees Celsius–ideally with a bleach-containing detergent. The eco program or other energy-saving modes are not sufficient for this.