Are Dryer Sheets Bad or Good?

Doing the laundry is not the most exciting household chore for many, but there’s no doubt that everyone appreciates the difference between stiff, rough clothing and soft, fragrant clothes. How do people get this luxurious result? Dry sheets. Unfortunately, with numerous studies over the past decade on this product, many more are asking, “Are dryer sheets bad or good?”

What Do Dryer Sheets Do?

First, let’s start with the purpose of dryer sheets. These dryer items are meant to reduce static in clothing and add fragrance and a feeling of softness. Tossed around with the wet clothing, they keep clothes from clinging to one another while releasing a pleasant aroma. 

What Are They Made Of?

Dryer sheets consist of polyester or cellulose fiber coated with a fragrant chemical or oil. In the dryer, heat helps to release the chemicals or oils into your clothing. 

Are Dryer Sheets Bad?

Are dryer sheets bad? This is the question that many are asking. One should keep in mind that one should not add these sheets into loads with special fabrics like waterproof or fireproof clothing, athletic wear, or towels, as the oils or chemicals could damper their performance. 

Even so, numerous studies have revealed that the chemicals used in many name-brand dryer sheets are toxic and can lead to respiratory illness, migraines, hormone disruption, and even pancreatic cancer. The topic is still up for debate and needs more research. On the other hand, the Federal Trade Commission does not mandate manufacturers to list all ingredients in detail, so the public is still somewhat in the dark about what really is in them.

Best Dryer Sheets & Alternatives

Organic brands like Method, Mrs. Meyers, and Seventh Generation offer dryer sheets that are biodegradable and can be composted after use. Likewise, big brands offer non-scented sheets, which work just as well. Alternatively, you could use dryer balls instead, which actively keep clothing from sticking together or wrinkling as much. You can also use clean tennis balls scented with a couple drops of essential oil. 

Best Practices

Now equipped with your good dryer sheets, you can follow the best practices for even better drying results. Remember these following tips:

• Don’t crowd the dryer, but make sure the barrel is well-filled.
• After loading in the laundry, toss in your dryer sheet or place it on the top.
• Clean your dryer lint filter once a month to remove excess oils or chemicals

With these helpful tips and information, you’re now ready to conquer that laundry load!

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