Last month we talked about the usefulness of glass or multi-surface cleaners. Now we have another topic to tackle for you. To use or not to use dryer sheets, that is the question. For starters, what are dryer sheets for? Dryer sheets’ primary purposes are: reducing wrinkles, eliminating static electricity, and keeping your clothes soft and fresh, but are they really necessary?

The Negatives

Dryer sheets can contain chemicals that could result in an allergic reaction. If you’ve got any sensitive family members or guests, you may want to go a different route to avoid rashes and other unpleasant side effects. Good alternatives include all-natural dryer sheets, toxin-free fabric softener, or wool dryer balls.

Even though another use for dryer sheets is decreasing lint on laundry, an issue you may encounter when using them is the potential for waxy buildup. The chemical coating on dryer sheets builds up each time that you run your dryer, which could result in making it harder to eradicate lint. Additionally, because of this waxy buildup, dryer sheets can harm fire-resistant clothing and wicking clothing or other items that absorb liquids, like towels. This could decrease the effectiveness of such things over time.

The Alternatives

If you’re thinking about nixing dryer sheets altogether when it comes to your laundry, they can serve other household purposes. Such as: wiping down baseboards, freshening sneakers, keeping your luggage smelling fresh, and many other purposes. There are also some great DIY substitutes out there, such as:

 

  • Aluminum foil: Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball and toss it in the dryer before the drying cycle begins.

 

  •  Vinegar: Add 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of vinegar to a damp washcloth and then place it on top of your clothes before you dry them. (The amount used depends on the size of the laundry load.)

 

  • Baking soda: Add ¼ of baking soda to your washing machine during its main cycle.

 

To sum up, dryer sheets can be very beneficial but may not be the best option for you and your family and are definitely not a necessity. Buying It all boils down to what you think is best. And, as always, enjoy sorting life out one load at a time!