People love the feeling and smell of their clothes when they are fresh out of the dryer, and dryer sheets can enhance those effects. Dryer sheets and other fabric softeners use chemicals to achieve that as well as to reduce static electricity and make items easier to iron. This was useful in the mid-1900s when dyes and dryers were harsh on clothes, but as technology has improved, the need for fabric softeners has decreased.
These days, dryer sheets do more harm than good for various reasons.
- The coating from dryer sheets can affect some fabrics. For example, towels can become less absorbent, and some studies show it can make kids' clothing less flame resistant.
- Dryer sheets leave a coating of residue inside of dryers. This can affect the lint-catching system, so if you find lint on your clothes or find lint difficult to remove from the filter, dryer sheet chemicals may be to blame.
- The coating can also impact the dryer's sensors and its ability to dry.
- Disposable sheets create waste that goes into landfills.
- Some people have reported that ingredients cause skin irritation.
What can be used instead?
- To replace fabric softener, add 1/4 cup baking soda or 1/2 cup white vinegar to the wash during the rinse cycle. Don't use vinegar in front-loading washing machines. as the acid can eat through the door seal, and never mix it with bleach.
- Another option is wool dryer balls, which soften fabrics by adding to the contact as the items tumble instead of using chemicals. They also help heat circulate evenly and can help prevent static buildup.
- Balled-up aluminum foil achieves the same effect at a fraction of the price but can be noisier and a little harsher than wool balls.