Why You Should Avoid Toxins and Make Your Own DIY Dryer Sheets
- Cedar Clean Solutions
- Jul 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Though I love the idea of cutting down on static and having my freshly washed sheets smell like a floral waterfall, the store-bought dryer sheets have always been a big no-no for me. For as long as I can recall, I have been super sensitive to chemicals, and dryer sheets were no friend of mine. I found my skin reacting to the strong chemicals and fragrances used in the big-name brands that I found in the stores. I decided to take it upon myself to find a safer alternative...
The Attention on Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets have been the topic of discussion for 2023. With over 12.7 billion dollars spent on dryer sheets last year alone, it's safe to say they aren't going anywhere. Although the majority of people are moving away from dryer sheets, a staggering 75% of millennials are repeat purchasing these products. However, the question still remains, Are they good for you? Are they safe? Let's explore that together.
What Store-Bought Dryer Sheets Are Made of
Most store-bought dryer sheets are largely made from synthetic polyester or paper. These sheets are saturated and infused with strong chemical fragrances which are then released by the heat of your dryer, melting onto your laundry during a drying cycle, ugh!
Not only can these chemicals irritate your eyes and skin, but they can also cause your laundry to become less absorbent, and no one wants that. I found several other independent studies that have also shown that it can reduce the flame-retardant effects in some children's clothing. We definitely want to keep our kids safe too!
Negative Effects Caused by Dryer Sheets
Your Dryer
Not only do these dryer sheets leave a chemical coating on the inside of your dryer, but they can also affect its sensors. These sensors determine the amount of time in which your dryer needs to complete a cycle. This can lead to either an overuse use of power leading to higher utility bills, or finding your partially damp wrinkled clothes with a stale and musty smell. No one wants damp clothes or a bigger electric bill.
The Environment
Sadly, these store-brand dryer sheets are single-use items and cannot be recycled. Materials like polyester never break down and leave microplastic residue in the environment, taking up to 700 years to completely degrade. Don’t worry, I’ve done my research, and I’ve got you covered. Keep reading!
The Plus Side of Dryer Sheets
Not only do dryer sheets leave your clothing feeling soft and smelling like you just bathed in a bouquet of fresh orchids, but they can also reduce the static build-up. This static can cause a spark and ignite the fibres that are regularly found in the lint trap and potentially cause a dryer fire. I’m always careful to clean the lint trap after every laundry load.
Affordable, Fragrance-Free Alternatives
Thankfully I’ve done the research and there are several safe, effective and earth-friendly
alternatives! Wool dryer balls are an amazing option. They are Eco Friendly, Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic, perfect for babies and sensitive skin. They are zero waste and 100% Biodegradable, making them reusable for 1000+ loads. I love the 100% Natural Wool Dryer Balls that last an outstanding three to five years. You can also make your own wool dryer balls here courtesy of wellness momma.com.
DIY Dryer Sheets
Why not skip the headache and make your own? Below, we have the best DIY dryer sheets to keep your laundry fresh and clean! Without the chemicals, of course.
What you need:
Cloth baby wipes (or old scraps of cloth)
Essential oil of your choice. I would suggest: lavender, vanilla, or rose!
White Vinegar
A glass jar with a wide lid or other storage container
Instructions:
1. Mix together 1 cup of white vinegar with 15–20 drops of your favourite essential oils. I usually add lavender and vanilla mint!
2. Fold the baby wipes or cloth scraps and place them in your glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Moisten, but don’t saturate the cloths with the vinegar and essential oil mixture.
4. Remove one wipe/cloth and lightly squeeze out any extra liquid. Use one cloth per dryer load to freshen the laundry. I promise the vinegar smell will evaporate during the drying cycle and the essential oil scent will freshen your laundry safely.
5. Leave the house smelling like a breezy windswept bouquet, while saving
the earth and your sensitive skin!
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