Dryer Sheets … Not so Soft and Cuddly (How to Keep House)

Greetings Fam Bam!

Did you know that most commercial dryer sheets on the market today contain chemicals that are harmful to you? Some even have carcinogens in them. Some of the top chemicals used in dryer sheets are as follows:

1. Alpha-Terpineol- causes central nervous system disorders. Can also cause loss of muscular coordination, central nervous system depression, and headache.

2. Benzyl Alcohol- causes central nervous system disorders, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system depression, and, in severe cases, death.

3. Camphor on the US EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Central nervous system stimulant, causes dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles, and convulsions.

4. Chloroform on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Neurotoxic and carcinogenic.

5. Ethyl Acetate on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Narcotic. May cause headaches and narcosis (stupor).

6. Linalool causes central nervous system disorders. Narcotic. In studies of animals, it caused ataxic gait (loss of muscular coordination), reduced spontaneous motor activity, and depression.

7. Pentane causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors causes central nervous system depression.

These ingredients are not always listed on the box. 

If you still want all of the benefits of dryer sheets, without all of the yucky stuff, try these tips:

1. Add baking soda to the wash cycle

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. You can start by adding 3 Tbsp baking soda into the washing machine during the wash cycle to soften the clothes. 

2. Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle

White vinegar can remove detergent residues and take the stiffness out of dried clothes. It also reduces static to some extent.  Try adding  ¼ cup vinegar in the rinse cycle. Vinegar can even remove mildew.

5. Use reusable dryer cloths

You can purchase chemical free dryer cloths that are reusable. They come with or without natural fragrances. The ones I use are fragrance freee, but you can add dropps of your favorite essential oils to make them fragrant. 

6. Use dryer balls

Wool dryer balls are chemical free and reusable. They help keep the clothes soft and static-free. Dryer balls mainly work in two ways.

When you put in several highly absorbent dryer balls with the wash load, they quickly absorb moisture from the clothes. This helps dry the clothes faster. At the same time, the balls continue to release some amount of moisture, keeping the air inside the dryer slightly humid. As you know very well, humidity reduces static.

As the dryer balls move around with the clothes in the dryer, they also minimize the contact between the fabrics. This reduces the buildup of electrical charges that make clothes cling to one another.

7. Shift to natural fibers

Synthetic fibers make easy-care materials. However, a healthier alternative would be sticking with natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool according to the prevailing weather. They are good for your skin, and also eliminate the need for harmful chemical additives.  

With love,

-De