Are dryer sheets really harmful?

May 02, 2019

Yes, they are! And, for that matter, so are liquid fabric softeners. Both claim to make our clothes softer, smell better, and reduce static cling. But, the chemicals used to do these tasks are toxic after prolonged use. And, that is a problem is for me. You see, I am sure that manufacturers truly believe that their products are not harmful – in small doses. But, over many years of use – compounded with the thousands of other toxins we are exposed to from other products – these chemicals can wreak havoc in our bodies.

I have learned that dryer sheets and fabric softeners leave chemical residue on your clothes, and often contain fragrance ingredients associated with skin irritation, endocrine disruption, allergies and asthma. Eliminating these products help reduce the chemicals you and your family inhale. There are more than 3,000 fragrance ingredients in common household products – and scarcely any way to know what they are. And, let’s not forget about the colorants and preservatives contained within.

Here is a short list of some of the most harmful ingredients in dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners according to Sixwise.com:

benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer)
benzyl alcohol (an upper respiratory tract irritant)
chloroform (a neurotoxin and carcinogen)
ethanol (linked to central nervous system disorders)
limonene (a known carcinogen)

Who doesn’t love a fresh scent in our cleaned laundry?

But, is all this pleasure really worth the health risk? Let’s face it, this entire process is about getting our clothes clean, right? Nothing else. We have been conditioned to believe that cleanliness must be accompanied with softness and added fragrances. Not only for our clothing, but our skin, too! And, this is simply untrue, and we need to learn what it really means to be clean. Let’s face it – if our clothing has an odor, it’s due to bacteria – not because we’re missing an added fragrance which simply masks the odors. Cleaning our clothes should be about removing stains, and the bacteria that cause these odors. Eliminate the bacteria – eliminate the smell. Sounds simple enough.

I’m guilty of this one, for sure! The one pleasure of doing the laundry for me is the sensory bliss I get from taking sheets and towels out of the dryer as soon as the timer goes off. I love the warmth of the fabrics (particularly on a cold day), the baby softness, and the wonderful scent present as I bury my face into the laundry, breathing even more deeply to intensify the sensation. It’s almost addicting!

Just Say ‘No’ to Dryer Sheets & Fabric Softeners

As a young girl, I remember my mother hanging our clothes out to dry. Even though she had a dryer she could use, she loved the freshness of air-drying our clothes outdoors. Even in the cold, winter months she never added fabric softeners or dryer sheets when forced to use her dryer indoors. She never saw the need. But, we are so conditioned to add more products and chemicals to our laundry routine when soap is all that is truly needed.

In my opinion, why not start with fabrics that are soft to begin with? I’ll let you in on a little secret – all of my life, I have loved sleeping in a man’s T-shirt. Nothing was more comfortable to me. I didn’t enjoy the scratchy lace and assorted ribbons and sewn ruffles that always seem to don a young girl’s nightgown. I borrowed my dad’s T-shirts to wear, and never looked back. And, I’ve continued this trend as an adult. My point is, start with fabrics that are naturally soft. To me, there’s nothing better than pure (organic) cotton for softness.

Laundry Solutions

Whether you want to add softness to your fabrics, reduce static-cling, or simply add a scent of freshness, here are my recommendations to achieve these goals – simply and affordably.

Wool Dryer Balls

I love these! The money you save alone is worth switching as wool dryer balls last a very long time. No need to add fabric sheets and bottles of liquid softener to your shopping list anymore. According to the manufacturers, the balls will last for approximately 1,000 loads. These dryer balls actually do a better job softening your clothes without the toxins and harsh chemicals. And, they reduce drying time by approximately 25% (more savings) by getting in between items in the dryer, and helping to separate them as they tumble. This promotes better air circulation within the dryer helping to more quickly evaporate moisture in your garments and draw it away.

When I purchased my first set of wool dryer balls, I was a bit hesitant because they smelled like sheep! I was concerned that my clothes and I would smell like a small farm animal. But, to my surprise, the scent did not transfer to my clothing, and after the first use, the smell seemed to dissipate. But, still, there are those of you who would like to add a bit of your favorite scent. Do this with just a few drops of essential oils. Let the essential oil soak on the dryer balls for 10-20 minutes before you use them. The more the oils are absorbed into the dryer balls before use the more slowly they will be dispersed in the dryer, and slower is better!

Another benefit of discontinuing the use of liquid fabric softeners is the removal of those huge plastic bottles from our landfills. There is no reason to be using non-recyclable containers of toxins any longer. Such a great benefit for our environment! Along those same lines, I recommend not buying the plastic dryer balls. Honestly, why purchase anything made of plastic when there are better alternatives available?

Some people are concerned about the potential skin irritation of wool balls. In fact, I have such sensitivities. I used to love wearing wool sweaters, and now for some reason, I can no longer even tolerate cashmere! So, as far as those short, bristly fibers in sheeps' wool, the only way the dryer balls could cause an irritation is if you were to rub them directly on your skin. Wool dryer balls are hypoallergenic and safe to use for babies’ laundry and for people with sensitive skin. It’s because they do not contain any harsh chemical or fragrance – like dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners do.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great option to soften fabric for those who have sensitive skin since it is a natural mineral. As you probably know, baking soda has about a million uses for household tasks and personal hygiene. And, it works great as a diy fabric softener, too. Added to your laundry routine, baking soda will also help to further fight odor, ensuring that your clothes come out smelling extra clean and fresh.

Something else I learned recently is that the reason for static cling is the combination of different fabrics. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, particularly when combined with natural fibers, are one of the main culprits of static cling. When dried separately, garments made from synthetic fabrics aren’t given the opportunity to charge up all the other clothing. Consider pulling synthetic fabrics out of the wash and hanging them on an indoor or outdoor rack instead of throwing them in the dryer with everything else.

To use, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into your washing machine while it is on the rinse cycle. By pouring it in at this time you are coming in after the detergent has done its work and is now being rinsed away.

Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar added to your laundry does double-duty, not only making your clothes soft, but also helps with static cling. And, there is no concern about your laundry smelling like vinegar. Just add one cup of distilled white vinegar, and once your items are completely dry, the vinegar smell will completely vanish.

In fact, if you are not the type to wait for the rinse cycle, you can also spray white vinegar on a clean washcloth, sock, or a pre-cut piece of cloth and toss it into the dryer with the rest of your load to be dried. The vinegar in the dryer will keep static down – and again, the vinegar smell will be gone once things are dry.

So try one – or, try all of these alternatives in combination to find your best results! You will be totally surprised of the outcome.