What Should You Put on the Clothespin?
This is where I'd make an important distinction.
You may see online recipes recommending that you soak the clothespin with undiluted essential oil.
I wouldn't recommend casually putting concentrated essential oil directly onto a piece of wood that could come into contact with your skin.
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances. They can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and some can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled at higher concentrations.
Instead, consider using a commercial shower-safe fragrance product according to its label directions.
If you're using an essential-oil product specifically designed for aromatherapy or shower use, follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than improvising the concentration.
That's the safer way to enjoy the idea without turning a cute household hack into a chemistry experiment.
Where Should You Put the Clothespin?
This part matters more than it might seem.
Do not place it directly underneath the showerhead.
You don't want it sitting in a constant stream of water, and you certainly don't want scented oil or another slippery substance washing onto the shower floor.
Instead, attach the clothespin somewhere:
Near the shower but outside the direct spray
On a suitable shower caddy
On a stable shower rod or accessory designed to hold it
High enough to stay away from your feet
In a position where it won't fall into the tub or shower floor
The goal is for the clothespin to be lightly exposed to the warm, humid air—not become soaked.
A Simple Way to Try the Trick
Step 1: Choose a Wooden Clothespin
Use a clean, unfinished wooden clothespin.
Avoid clothespins that have been painted, treated with unknown finishes, or previously exposed to cleaning chemicals.
Step 2: Choose Your Fragrance
Use a fragrance product that is specifically appropriate for aromatherapy or shower use.
If the product contains essential oils, read the label carefully.
Don't assume that because something is natural, it's automatically safe for every person or every method of use. Essential oils can cause irritation and allergic reactions, and some oils can be hazardous if swallowed.
Step 3: Apply Only the Recommended Amount
Don't saturate the clothespin.
More fragrance isn't necessarily better.
A strong concentration can be unpleasant, and some people may experience coughing, irritation, headache, or other reactions to fragrances.
Step 4: Clip It in a Safe Location
Attach the clothespin somewhere near the shower—but safely away from the water stream and your feet.
Make sure it's secure.
Step 5: Turn on the Shower
As the bathroom warms up, the fragrance may gradually become more noticeable.
And that's the whole trick!
Why This Little Hack Is So Appealing
I think the real charm of this idea is its simplicity.
We're so used to seeing gadgets for everything.
A gadget for making coffee.
A gadget for charging your toothbrush.
A gadget for adding fragrance.
A gadget for organizing your bathroom.
And then somebody looks at a clothespin and says:
“What if we just used this?”
I love that kind of thinking!
Does It Actually Create Aromatherapy Benefits?
This is where it's worth separating enjoying a scent from making a health claim.
Aromatherapy is commonly used as a complementary practice, usually involving inhaling essential-oil aromas or using diluted products on the skin. However, research into many claimed benefits is still limited, and results can vary depending on the oil, method, and purpose.
So if lavender smells calming to you, there's nothing wrong with enjoying that fragrance during a shower.
But I wouldn't promise that a clothespin infused with lavender will treat anxiety, insomnia, congestion, headaches, or another medical condition.
That's a much bigger claim than this little trick can support.
Why the Shower Environment Makes Sense
Warm showers naturally create a humid environment.
That warmth can help fragrances become more noticeable, which is part of why scented shower products can be so enjoyable.
The clothespin simply provides a convenient little surface for holding the fragrance near you.
It's less about some mysterious chemical reaction and more about fragrance + warm humid air + a porous wooden holder.
Simple!
Safety Tips You Shouldn't Skip
This is the part that doesn't make for quite as exciting a social-media headline, but it's important.
Keep Fragrance Out of Your Eyes
Even products intended for pleasant scents can irritate the eyes.
If a product gets into your eyes, follow the product's first-aid directions and rinse appropriately.
Don't Put Essential Oil Directly on Your Skin
Unless a product is specifically formulated for topical use and provides instructions for application, don't treat pure essential oil like body lotion.
Concentrated essential oils can cause skin reactions and should be used according to product directions.
Keep Oils Away From Children and Pets
Essential oils should be stored securely because accidental ingestion can be dangerous, particularly for children.
Be Careful if You Have Asthma or Sensitive Airways
Strong fragrances can trigger coughing or breathing symptoms in some people.
If a fragrance makes you cough, wheeze, feel short of breath, or otherwise uncomfortable, stop using it and get fresh air.
Don't Create a Slipping Hazard
This might be the most important practical rule.
Never put an oil-soaked clothespin where dripping liquid can land on the shower floor.
A slippery shower floor is absolutely not the spa experience we're going for!
Keep It Away From Flames
Some essential oils and fragrance products are flammable. Keep them away from candles, open flames, and other inappropriate heat sources.
What If the Clothespin Gets Completely Soaked?
Take it out and let it dry completely.
You don't want a constantly wet wooden clothespin sitting in your shower indefinitely because it can deteriorate or develop unpleasant odors.
Replacing the clothespin periodically is inexpensive and easy.
That's another reason this hack is so appealing.
There's no expensive gadget to maintain.
Can You Use a Plastic Clothespin?
You can use plastic as a holder, but it won't work in exactly the same way.
The traditional idea relies on wood being porous and able to absorb a small amount of fragrance.
Plastic doesn't have that same absorbent quality.
So if the goal is fragrance diffusion, unfinished wood is the more logical choice.
Can You Use Different Scents?
Absolutely.
That's where you can have a little fun.
Depending on the product and its instructions, you might prefer:
Lavender
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Rosemary
Vanilla-inspired fragrance
Floral scents
Fresh or clean fragrances
Just remember that different scents affect different people differently.
A fragrance that smells refreshing to one person may be overwhelming to another.
Start with a small amount.
Can This Replace a Shower Steamer?
Not really.
A shower steamer is specifically formulated to dissolve in water and release fragrance as it does so.
A clothespin is simply a reusable—or easily replaceable—holder for a small amount of fragrance.
They're two different things.
But if you want something inexpensive and simple, the clothespin idea can certainly be fun.
How Long Does the Scent Last?
There's no universal answer.
It depends on:
The type of fragrance product
How much is applied
The type of wood
Bathroom ventilation
Shower temperature
Humidity
How often the shower is used
Once the scent becomes faint, replace or refresh the clothespin according to the product directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting a clothespin in the shower really work?
It can work as a simple fragrance holder. Porous wood can absorb some scented liquid, and the warm, humid shower environment may help make the fragrance noticeable.
Why does it have to be wooden?
Wood is porous, so it can absorb and slowly release a small amount of fragrance. Plastic doesn't have the same absorbent properties.
Can I use pure essential oil?
It's better not to improvise with concentrated essential oils. Use products according to their intended application and label directions. Pure essential oils can irritate skin and, depending on the oil and exposure, can cause other adverse effects.
Can I put the clothespin directly under the showerhead?
No.
Keep it out of the direct water stream so it doesn't become soaked and create a slippery mess.
Can the scent help me relax?
A pleasant fragrance may make the shower feel more relaxing for some people, but specific health or therapeutic effects shouldn't be assumed. Research on aromatherapy varies by purpose and remains limited for many claims.
Can I use eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus fragrance is commonly used in aromatherapy, but eucalyptus oil is concentrated and can irritate the skin and respiratory tract when used improperly. Follow the product's instructions and keep the oil away from children and pets.
What if the smell is too strong?
Remove the clothespin, ventilate the bathroom, and use less fragrance next time.
You don't need the entire bathroom smelling like a bottle of perfume!
Can children use this trick?
Use extra caution around children. Essential oils can be dangerous if swallowed, and some fragrances may irritate sensitive airways. Keep concentrated oils and scented products securely out of children's reach.
A Few More Clever Uses for Wooden Clothespins
Once you start looking at clothespins differently, you'll realize they're surprisingly useful little household helpers.
You can use them to:
Keep opened food bags closed
Hold recipe cards upright
Organize charging cables
Clip notes to a wire or string
Hold photographs
Keep gift-wrap ribbons organized
Create simple craft projects
Hang lightweight decorations
I promised you this was more than just a laundry-room gadget!
Final Thoughts
Who knew a humble clothespin could have a second career in the bathroom?
The idea is incredibly simple: use a wooden clothespin as a small fragrance holder, position it safely near the shower, and let the warm, humid air help disperse the scent.
That's really all there is to it.
It won't replace a fancy spa diffuser, and it shouldn't be presented as a miracle wellness treatment.
But if you enjoy fragrance and love clever little household hacks, it's an inexpensive idea that can make your daily shower feel just a little more special.
And that's what I love about these simple ideas.
Sometimes the best household tricks aren't complicated at all.
They're hiding in the drawer right in front of you!
Have You Tried the Clothespin Shower Trick?
If you have, I'd love to know what you used and whether you liked it!
Did you go with lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, or another scent? Leave a comment and share your experience. If you enjoyed this little household hack, save it to Pinterest so you can come back to it later.
