What You Need To Know About Dryer Sheets

Harmful Chemicals Hiding in Dryer Sheets

In the U.S., manufacturers aren’t required to share all the ingredients in dryer sheet products, which means families are often unaware of what’s being transferred onto their clothes and linens. 

Common chemical culprits found in dryer sheets include:

• Toxic surfactants: Harmful surfactants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACS), reduce static but can irritate sensitive skin, trigger respiratory issues, and disrupt hormones.  
• Toxic fragrances: These scents are made with undisclosed toxic chemical blends linked to hormone disruption, migraines, asthma, and skin irritation. 

For little ones with sensitive skin—or anyone in the family who struggles with allergies—these chemicals can be the source of everyday discomfort. 

Fabric Problems You’ll Notice Over Time

Instead of feeling clean, fabrics often collect a filmy residue. That soft coating may feel nice at first, but it can cause long-term damage, making towels and cloth diapers lose absorbency and moisture-wicking workout clothes less effective. Over time, the buildup may make your favorite pieces less functional, less comfortable, and not as clean as they appear. 

Sneaky Environmental and Energy Costs

Every time you dry a load of laundry with a dryer sheet, microplastics shed from the polyester and make their way into our air, soil, and water. Your family can end up consuming these tiny pieces of plastic, too. And since dryer sheets can’t be recycled or composted, it’s estimated that 50 billion end up in landfills each year. 

Even your dryer pays a price. The buildup left behind in your drum can clog vents, coat sensors, and block airflow. That means longer drying times, higher energy bills, and more frequent maintenance.