Scented beads have become a go-to step in the laundry process. For the most part, they’re easy to use, and always leave your linens smelling fresh. But they’re not a foolproof product—and if not used properly, they can stain your garments by leaving unsightly residue. 

You might already know that there are certain fabrics you should steer clear of if you plan to use scented laundry beads, but the order in which you use them for your acceptable fabrics is also important. Daniel Skelly, formulations scientist for fabric enhancers at Snuggle, explains that laundry beads are meant to be added at a certain point in the wash cycle. 

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1. Add the Beads Before Tossing in Your Clothes

When it comes to how you should use scented beads, following the manufacturer's directions is key. "Regardless of the type of scent bead you use, it is important to always use the product as directed," Skelly says. For a start, only add them to a washer, never a dryer.

"The proper way to add scent beads into your wash is to add them into your washing machine drum prior to adding in your clothes," Skelly explains. This way, the beads aren't being added directly on top of your clothing, which can potentially lead to stains and residue. 

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2. Skip the Quick Wash Cycle 

Because laundry beads are made with a water-soluble polymer, they don’t dissolve right away in the water. That’s great news if you’re looking for the fresh smell to last through the end of your wash cycle, but could lead to unwanted residue if your clothes aren’t in the washer for long enough. Next time you run a ‘quick wash’ cycle, skip the scent-boosting beads, as they probably won’t have enough time to fully dissolve.

3. Use Warm or Hot Water

As for an optimal water temperature, Skelly says the beads should dissolve in both hot and cold water, though you can use warm or hot water to ensure the beads are dissolved properly. You can also look for dye-free options to avoid any colorants transferring to your garments.