Which Essential Oils Stain?

Though pure essential oils don’t leave an oily spot, a handful of oils can leave a stain due to the naturally occurring darker or yellowish coloring from the original botanicals. So be careful using these essential oils around your favorite white layering tee or Grandma’s heirloom linens.

Oils that stain due to a natural dark color:

Blue Tansy

Jasmine

German Chamomile

Oils that stain due to a natural yellow color *The yellowish color fades, but you’ll still want to avoid using it around your whites.

Patchouli

Vetiver

Myrrh

Tangerine

Q: How can these essential oils stain?
A: Applying any of these oils directly on white fabric will leave a stain—which is okay if you’re trying a new tie-dye project. If tinting your t-shirt isn’t the plan, avoid doing the following with these oils:

Applying directly to the skin and then putting on clothes before the oil absorbs

Adding to your laundry

Spilling on clothes or other fabrics
Q: How can I use the darker-colored oils?

A: While it’s true that these essential oils have potential to stain, their bottles are full of powerful benefits. If used with care, you—not your clothes—will be golden! Here are a few ways you can use darker-colored oils:

Add a drop of Blue Tansy to your moisturizer to dilute its color and help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Diffuse Jasmine to fill your home with a rich, sultry aroma.

Combine German Chamomile with our V-6TM Vegetable Oil Complex to enhance your massage.

Make a set of DIY bathtub crayons that double as soap.

FYI, these #essentialoils may stain your diffuser depending on the oil and the amount you use. Be sure to clean your diffuser after each use; check out this post for some helpful tips!
Q: Can I use essential oils as a stain remover?A: You’re in luck! We have a recipe for a stain remover stick made with Lemon essential oil and #Thieves® Laundry soap. You can also use essential oils, and a few other natural ingredients, to clean up after your pets.
BTW, some of your favorite blends include darker oils that could stain, like Peace & Calming® and Valor®. Remember to read the labels before adding them to your laundry!