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What exactly do dryer sheets do, and are they really needed? While laundry detergent is essential, you might wonder if additional products—like dryer sheets—are truly worth the investment or if they’re just adding extra steps and costs to your routine. So, we dug into the details of dryer sheets, their function, and whether we should use them. Here's what laundry experts had to share.
Wirestock/Getty ImagesWhat are Dryer Sheets for?
Dryer sheets are thin, fabric-like sheets, typically made from polyester or cellulose, coated with fabric softeners and fragrances. While they are often recognized for their signature 'fresh laundry' scent, dryer sheets do more than just add fragrance. They can help reduce static electricity, minimize wrinkles, and leave your clothes and linens feeling softer.
“Dryer sheets are activated by the heat and motion of the dryer,” says scientist Sammy Wang. “As the sheet moves with the fabrics in the dryer, it helps distribute the softening, anti-static, and freshening agents throughout the entire load.”
This makes dryer sheets ideal for fabrics that tend to generate static, such as wool, polyester, and rayon. They also help reduce wrinkling in fabrics prone to it, like cotton and linen, while making them feel particularly soft to the touch.
Are Dryer Sheets Harmful to Clothing?
Since dryer sheets are an optional laundry product, you may be wondering if their use could harm your clothes. While we wouldn’t say they're inherently bad, there are certainly optimal situations for their use. Keep these tips in mind before tossing one in your dryer.
Be Aware of Potential Irritants
The anti-static ingredients and fragrances in dryer sheets can sometimes trigger skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. “If you or anyone in your home has skin sensitivities, it’s worth researching as dryer sheets may cause discomfort,” says cleaning expert Leanne Stapf. If you’re sensitive to scents, look for fragrance-free alternatives.
Avoid Certain Fabrics
Don’t use dryer sheets when washing fabrics designed to wick moisture, such as activewear, microfiber, and absorbent towels. “The ingredients in dryer sheets coat the fibers, preventing water from absorbing properly and causing them to become non-absorbent,” explains cleaning expert Jill Koch. If you're unsure, Stapf recommends checking the care labels on your items to ensure you're drying them correctly.
Here are other fabrics you should avoid using dryer sheets with:
- Towels: Dryer sheets can reduce the absorbency of towels, making them less effective at drying.
- Flame-resistant clothing: Using dryer sheets may damage the flame-resistant coating on certain garments, especially children's clothing, making them less safe to wear.
- Water-repellent fabrics: The chemicals in dryer sheets can deteriorate the water-repellent coating on items like raincoats, reducing their effectiveness.
Use in Moderation
Koch notes that over time, dryer sheets can leave residue on your clothes and inside dryer vents. Since residue can also accumulate on the lint screen, it’s important to clean the screen with soap and water once a month, in addition to delinting it after each load.
Follow the recommended instructions for dryer sheets, which typically suggest one sheet for a small to average-sized load. To use less, you can throw a sheet in every one to two loads instead.
How to Properly Use Dryer Sheets
Using dryer sheets is incredibly simple—just toss one in the dryer and hit 'start.'
Step 1: Move Wet Clothes
Once the washing cycle is finished, transfer all the clothes to the dryer. This is when you'll add the dryer sheets.
Step 2: Insert Dryer Sheets
“Although dryer sheets are beneficial for every load of laundry, it's crucial to use the correct number of sheets based on the load size to ensure you’re getting the full benefits of softening, anti-static, and anti-wrinkle effects,” says Wang.
A simple way to estimate the size of your load—and determine how many dryer sheets to use—is the 'armload' method, according to Wang. If you can easily grab all your laundry in one armful or less, use one dryer sheet. If your laundry is a full or overflowing armful, use two.
Step 3: Start Drying
Next, allow your dryer to complete a full cycle so you can enjoy the benefits of the dryer sheets. Afterward, you can throw the sheets away since they’re designed for one-time use only.
Alternatives to Dryer Sheets
If you appreciate the benefits of dryer sheets but prefer a reusable option, consider alternatives. One option is to use wool dryer balls (available scented or unscented), which offer similar anti-static and fabric-softening effects. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.
“Another option is to add half a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle for softer laundry,” says Koch. “Or you could soak a washcloth or a torn t-shirt in vinegar and toss it into the dryer with your clothes.” Don’t worry—it won’t leave a vinegar smell on your clothes!
Dryer sheets are usually one-time use items made from synthetic fibers that don't break down easily. After being used once, they often end up in landfills, contributing to long-term waste. This is why considering eco-friendly options like reusable dryer balls or natural fabric softeners may be a better choice.
Alternative Uses for Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets can serve more purposes than just softening laundry. Many people use them to dust surfaces like furniture, blinds, and electronics. For instance, dryer sheets can clean TV and computer screens by reducing static and removing dust, all without scratching the surface.
You can also place unused dryer sheets in closets, drawers, or shoes to act as air fresheners, helping to keep your clothes and spaces smelling fresh. Additionally, dryer sheets are excellent for picking up pet fur. Rub one over furniture or clothing to easily collect loose hair, as the texture helps grab and hold onto the fur.
