This Is Why You Should Attach a Clothespin to the Shower: The Simple Trick That Makes Your Bathroom Smell Amazing
The best part of this trick is that it requires very little preparation.
You only need a few basic items:
One unfinished wooden clothespin.
A suitable essential oil or fragrance oil.
A clean, dry surface.
A safe place to attach the clothespin near the shower.
Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Clothespin
Select a clean wooden clothespin that has not been painted, varnished, or treated with chemicals.
Untreated wood is preferable because it can absorb small amounts of oil more easily than coated wood.
Avoid clothespins that are dirty, damaged, moldy, or have rusty metal springs.
Step 2: Select Your Favorite Fragrance
Choose an essential oil whose scent you enjoy.
Some popular options include:
Lavender: Known for its soft, floral fragrance.
Lemon: A fresh, clean-smelling citrus scent.
Sweet orange: Offers a warm, cheerful aroma.
Peppermint: Has a cool, minty smell.
Eucalyptus: Provides a fresh, distinctive scent.
Rosemary: Has an herbal, slightly woody fragrance.
Remember that natural essential oils are concentrated substances. More is not necessarily better.
Step 3: Add a Few Drops
Place approximately two or three drops of your chosen oil onto the wooden part of the clothespin.
Allow the oil to absorb into the wood.
Avoid soaking the entire clothespin. Excess oil can drip onto surfaces, damage certain finishes, or irritate the skin.
Step 4: Attach the Clothespin Safely
Clip the clothespin onto a suitable fixed object near the shower, such as an appropriate shower curtain ring or another secure bathroom fixture.
Make sure it is away from the direct stream of water.
It should also be positioned where it cannot fall onto someone, interfere with the shower controls, or obstruct the water outlet.
If there is no suitable place to attach it safely, simply place it on a stable, dry shelf outside the shower enclosure.
Step 5: Enjoy the Fragrance
As warm air circulates through the bathroom, some of the fragrance may gradually evaporate from the wood.
The scent will usually be subtle rather than overpowering.
When the fragrance fades, you can add another small amount of oil after the clothespin has dried.
3. Why Warm Steam Makes the Trick Interesting
One reason people enjoy this trick is the relationship between warm water, humidity, and fragrance.
When you take a warm shower, the temperature of the surrounding air rises and water vapor increases.
These conditions can help volatile fragrance compounds evaporate from an absorbent wooden surface.
That is why the scent may become more noticeable during a shower than when the clothespin is sitting in a cool, dry room.
However, there is an important distinction: the clothespin does not actually need to touch the showerhead or sit directly under running water.
In fact, keeping it away from direct water is usually better.
A wooden clothespin that becomes repeatedly soaked may develop unpleasant odors, deteriorate, or encourage mold growth if it does not dry properly.
The goal is to expose it to the warm bathroom atmosphere, not to turn it into a permanently wet object.
4. Five Fragrances You Can Try
Choosing the right fragrance is a matter of personal preference. Different scents can create different atmospheres in your bathroom.
Here are five popular choices.
Lavender for a Calm Bathroom Atmosphere
Lavender is one of the most recognizable essential oil fragrances.
Its soft floral aroma is popular in soaps, candles, bath products, and home fragrance products.
If you enjoy gentle scents rather than strong perfumes, lavender may be a good starting point.
Use only a small quantity, especially if other people share the bathroom.
Eucalyptus for a Fresh, Clean-Smelling Shower
Eucalyptus has a distinctive fresh and slightly medicinal aroma.
Many people associate it with spa environments and scented bathroom products.
Its fragrance can make a bathroom feel fresh, although it should not be considered a treatment for congestion, respiratory infections, or other medical conditions.
People with asthma or fragrance sensitivity may find it irritating.
Lemon for a Bright Citrus Aroma
Lemon essential oil offers a crisp citrus fragrance.
It can be a pleasant choice for people who prefer fresh, light scents.
Because citrus oils can be irritating to some individuals, avoid direct skin contact with concentrated oil.
Also, remember that adding lemon oil to a clothespin does not disinfect the bathroom or replace regular cleaning.
Peppermint for a Cool, Refreshing Scent
Peppermint has a strong, recognizable mint fragrance.
A little can go a long way, so begin with a very small amount.
It may not be suitable for every household, particularly where young children, pets, or people with fragrance sensitivities are present.
Sweet Orange for a Warm, Pleasant Aroma
Sweet orange is another popular option.
Its fragrance is generally perceived as fruity, sweet, and cheerful.
It can be a nice alternative if you find floral or herbal fragrances too strong.
5. Is a Wooden Clothespin Better Than a Plastic One?
Yes, for this particular purpose, an untreated wooden clothespin is generally the better choice.
The difference comes down to the materials.
Wood has a porous structure that can absorb small amounts of essential oil.
Plastic, on the other hand, is generally nonporous. Oil tends to remain on its surface rather than being absorbed.
This means a plastic clothespin is less effective as a simple fragrance holder.
However, not every wooden clothespin is suitable.
Some are coated with paint, varnish, or other finishes that prevent proper absorption. Others may contain adhesives or treatments that are not intended for repeated exposure to fragrance oils.
For the best results, choose a plain, untreated wooden clothespin.
You should also inspect the metal spring occasionally. If it becomes rusty, replace the clothespin rather than continuing to use it in a humid bathroom.
