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Are you still adding a dryer sheet every time you do your laundry? It's probably time to leave that outdated habit behind.
Dryer sheets may have been your go-to for softening, adding fragrance, or reducing static in your clothes. However, what you likely don’t realize is that these sheets could be causing more harm than benefit to your clothing, your dryer, and most importantly, the environment.
Although dryer sheets don't technically soften your clothes, they may give the illusion of softness. Patric Richardson, known as the Laundry Evangelist, explains that the sheets are coated with a chemical solution that bonds with your garments during the heated dry cycle.
“What makes your fabric feel softer is the coating, much like slathering a thick layer of lotion on your hands,” said Richardson, who authored Laundry Love. “Your skin doesn’t become softer, it just feels softer.”
Over time, the build-up of this residue accumulates on clothing. Lingerie expert Cora Harrington mentioned in a Twitter thread in 2021 that dryer sheets are, at best, ineffective, and at worst, they can damage your clothes.
@lingerie_addict / Via Twitter: @lingerie_addict“And if you're using a shared machine, like in a laundromat, these residues affect everyone’s clothing,” she added. “Moreover, the chemicals in dryer sheets can trigger reactions in people with asthma, allergies, migraines, or sensitive skin.”
Sumit Mandal, an assistant professor specializing in textile science at Oklahoma State University, explained that this chemical coating can alter the characteristics of certain fabrics. For instance, it may reduce the absorbency of towels, diminish the moisture-wicking properties of athletic wear, and even compromise the flame resistance of some children's sleepwear.
Alternatives to Dryer Sheets
A popular alternative to dryer sheets are wool dryer balls. They gently tumble through your clothes and linens, softening the fabric, and they’re often considered a more eco-friendly choice because they can be reused for several years, depending on your laundry habits.
“You just toss them into the dryer with your damp laundry and let them do their job,” Harrington explained. “Many people notice that their clothes dry faster with wool balls, and unlike dryer sheets, they’re reusable and biodegradable.”
Wool balls reduce drying time, so your clothes are exposed to less heat. This, along with the fact that they leave no chemical residue, makes them a better option for prolonging the life of your garments.
However, if you’re allergic to wool or prefer a vegan option, there are also reusable plastic alternatives.
Another point to consider: People tend to overuse laundry detergent. Excess detergent can leave clothes feeling “crunchy,” as Richardson pointed out, which often leads people to reach for fabric softeners and dryer sheets. By using less detergent in the first place, your clothes will remain soft without the need for additional products.
While wool dryer balls can help with static, Mandal and Richardson suggested using a ball of aluminum foil. Take a few feet of foil, crumple it into a ball the size of a tennis ball, and toss it into your dryer. You can reuse the same ball many times, and you’ll know it’s time to replace it when it shrinks down to the size of a walnut, according to Richardson.
Harrington likes to keep her laundry routine simple. She advises against using anything in place of dryer sheets (though she will accept wool balls “if you must”). She believes clothes don’t need to be “overly scented” — they just need to be “clean.” These small changes in how you approach laundry can lead to long-term benefits.
Harrington explained, 'Making small changes, like avoiding dryer sheets, can greatly improve the quality and durability of your clothes. Sustainability doesn't have to be overwhelming or difficult. Simple, accessible actions can be the first step towards making better fashion choices.'
This article was first published on HuffPost.
