The dirt on dryer sheets
Want to keep laundry soft, snuggly, and static-free without using conventional dryer sheets? Check out these alternatives.
... a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:• Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency's hazardous waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
• A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's hazardous waste list
• Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
• Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled
Method Squeaky Green Free & Clear Dryer Cloths @ Drugstore.com ($5.59/40 ct)
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Geranium Dryer Sheets @ Terra Sage($7.99/80 ct)
Dryer Balls @ Gaiam ($18/set of two)
Seventh Generation Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender Fabric Softener Sheets @ Drugstore.com ($5.99/65 ct)
Sun & Earth Dryer Sheets (citrus or unscented) @ Sun & Earth ($5.99/80 ct)
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Comments
I rarely use either dryer sheets or fabric softener. In the dead of winter when the humidity goes below 20% is about the only time I use them (I havent tried the natural ones yet, but I will now.) And when I do use them, they can be thrown back in and reused at least once. Normally, I hang my clothes to dry until they are completely dry. I wet a dish towel or hand towel (how much I wring out depends on how many clothes I need to soften) and throw it in with the hung-to-dry clothes on either.... More
I recently bought a set of dryer balls similar to the ones shown in the article. They do nothing for reducing static. I have also tried aluminum foil balls and found that they do nothing as well. Dryer sheets are the only thing I've found to work. However, I now cut them into little strips instead of using a whole sheet for one load of laundry. I find 1/3 sheet works fine for a load, but less than that will result in static.
to make dryer sheets yourself find old bandanas from your local thrift store and cut into four squares. use a spray bottle and fill 1/4 with a natural liquid fabric softner and the rest with water. spray one fabric square a couple times and throw in dryer with clothes. no waste and your fabric softner will last a long long time!
Re-use dryer sheets? Yes. Use them to clean my tv screen? No way. Not only would it leave residue, but it is quite possible they would scratch the screen as well. A soft cloth (by itself, no chemicals) is best.
I use white vinegar, and it works like a dream, as far as softness. If you still need something for static electricity, I've read that a big ball of wadded up foil works.
Method towels work great, and they smell yummy too.
Ugh, my mom uses fabric softener and dryer sheets. It's gross because it comes off on your hands when you use a towel at her house. It coats everything, so when you pull out a cloth it's hard to get it wet because the water runs right off of it!
As for the static commnet, try wetting your hands before taking your laundry out. In the summer, make sure you hang your clothes outside to dry, though!
Thanks for mentioning Sun & Earth Dryer Unscented Sheets. We are very proud of our all natural products and are glad to hear you liked them.
Sarah
Sun & Earth
www.sunandearth.com
I purchased some of the dryer balls a while back. I do think they allow the clothes to dry faster but I wouldn't necessarily say they make my clothes softer. I use dryer sheets to reduce static electricity buildup in the dryer (I hate being shocked!). Has anyone used any of these products and do they take away that static buildup?
