They are certainly ubiquitous in many households, but are dryer sheets necessary for nice smelling, soft, static-free clothes? No, they’re not, but if you want to use dryer sheets, there are many eco-friendly dryer sheet options to check out. Let’s find out what the pros and cons of dryer sheets are, which ones are eco-friendly, and what our alternative options are.
TL;DR If you want to be eco-friendly and support small businesses, then check out these reusable dryer sheets on Etsy! They’re zero waste and non-toxic. Win-win!
What Is a Dryer Sheet?
Dryer sheets are square pieces of polyester fabric coated with fabric softener and having a mild fragrance. They’re usually tossed into the dryer along with your clothes, and mainly provide three benefits:
1 // They prevent buildup of static that occurs during the drying process.
2 // They soften your clothes.
3 // They add fragrance to your clothes and make them smell nice.
Are Dryer Sheets Necessary?
Dryer sheets were introduced into the market by P&G in 1975, so I’ll give you one guess as to whether they are eco-friendly or not. Dryer sheets today may contain harmful chemicals (including endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC)), and may cause skin irritation and aggravate asthma and allergic reactions, and even disrupt hormones. According to the EWG, the synthetic softening agents used in dryer sheets, called quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats,” can trigger asthma and may cause harm to reproductive systems. The fragrance in dryer sheets may be due to toxic chemicals such as phthalates and galaxolide. In fact, one study pegged dryer sheets as being as toxic as perfumes and air fresheners, with among the highest concentrations of chemicals.
These chemicals are obviously also not good for the environment once the dryer cycle ends. We do not realize that each time we load our clothes on the dryer, there is a certain amount of waste that has to go somewhere. The thing is, you cannot compost dryer sheets, so off they go into the landfill, doing untold damage to the ecosystem.
And as far as the clothes are concerned, the use of dryer sheets may end up reducing the absorbency of fabrics (rendering towels kinda useless) and reducing the sweat-wicking properties of athletic clothing. Dryer sheets can also decrease the effectiveness of the fire-resistant material, which are usually found in kids’ clothing.
So, considering the serious drawbacks of dryer sheets, the answer is no, dryer sheets are not necessary. You can dry your clothes in the dryer without a dryer sheet. They will just be less soft, and with some static on the fabric (the drying action inside the machine produces static electricity that can make your clothes clingy and staticky).
Although, for a more eco-friendly laundry routine, consider air-drying your clothes.
Alternatives to Dryer Sheets
Alternatives to the dreaded dryer sheet, if you want similar results, are some very simple items:
1 // Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls can last over 1,000 cycles and contain no artificial ingredients, and are eco-friendly if you buy from trusted producers who use ethical wool. They’re better for your health and for your wallet.
2 // Non-Toxic Fabric Softener
While some of the concerns with dryer sheets also apply to fabric softeners, they’re considered to be a slightly better alternative. Some eco-friendly options are Ecover fabric softener, Dropps fabric softener, and
3 // Skip the Dryer & Air Dry Your Clothes
Simply air dry your clothes if that option is available to you (space and time constraints are real). It’s the simplest way to dry clothes, and if you can get a bit of Sun to shine on your clothesline, there’s even free disinfecting that gets done!
If you can’t use these options, then don’t worry: there are loads of eco-friendly dryer sheet options in the market, apart from non-toxic DIY things you can make for specific purposes: be it to reduce static, or add fragrance, or make your clothes softer (because not everyone wants all these qualities together!).
The Best Eco Friendly Dryer Sheets
These eco-friendly dryer sheets are manufactured by brands that work along with the environment and human health. These products are non-toxic and way more eco-friendly then traditional dryer sheets. They’re also all made in the USA.
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1 // Biokleen Dryer Sheets
Very good for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies.
2 // Grab Green Stoneworks Natural Dryer Sheets
Effective, naturally-derived products made by a woman-owned company.
3 // Love, Home and Planet Dryer Sheets
These plant-based softener sheets have been dermatologically-tested and have scents crafted with ethically sourced essential oils.
4 // Method Dryer Sheets
These paper dryer sheets are compostable in municipal facilities.
5 // Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dryer Sheets
Made from plant-derived fibers and cruelty-free formula.
6 // Public Goods Fabric Softener Sheets
They’re biodegradable and compostable, and made with non-toxic plant-based and plant-derived ingredients. Also gluten-free and baby-safe.
7 // Seventh Generation Fabric Softener Sheets
Fragrance-free products with plant-based ingredients and USDA Certified Biobased Product 97%.
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There’s a caveat here, though. Many of the commercial products listed above are stuck in the supply chain and expecting shipment delays. So, what do we do? Well, we can make our own dryer sheets, believe it or not, with commonly available (and safe) household ingredients!
DIY Dryer Sheet Substitutes
Make these at home easily! The ingredients you will need are salt, white vinegar, baking soda, cotton or wool fabric, and wool dryer balls.
Soften Clothes in the Laundry
- You can use salt or baking soda to soften the water, which will help soften your clothes. Put in ⅓ cups of salt or baking soda along with your detergent in the wash cycle, and that’s it.
- If you’re using a liquid fabric softener, then you can add ½ a cup of vinegar to the container and mix well, and use as per usual for softer clothes.
- Alternatively, you could soak a piece of cotton fabric in your liquid fabric softener (squeeze out excess liquid) and toss this in as a dryer sheet in your drying cycle.
Reduce Static in Your Clothes
- Dry your clothes naturally in a clothesline. Easy peasy.
- If you’re short on space (or sunlight) for a clothesline, then you can add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This actually reduces static!
- Another tip is to dry your synthetics separately from natural fibers, since synthetics generate more static.
- Use wool dryer balls to reduce static and wrinkles. Get some awesome wool dryer balls on Etsy (and support a small business!).
Make Your Laundry Smell Nice
- Take a piece of cotton or wool fabric (or wool dryer ball) and spritz a few drops of essential oil on it (whichever scent you prefer), and then toss it into the dryer. Simple.
Dryer sheets are super convenient and provide several benefits for your clothes. However, dryer sheets are not strictly necessary, and there are numerous more eco-friendly and healthy options if you do feel the need for dryer sheets.
Read More About Sustainable Living
Zero Waste Bathroom Products for a Green Lifestyle
Sustainable Towels for Your Bathroom
The Best Zero Waste Toilet Paper Alternatives
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