When it comes to doing laundry, many people rely on dryer sheets to add a fresh scent and reduce static cling. However, dryer sheets contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin or contribute to environmental pollution.

Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly and more effective alternative to dryer sheets or want to avoid potential health hazards, there are many alternatives worth considering. This article will highlight eight fantastic non-toxic alternatives to dryer sheets that will leave your laundry feeling soft, static-free, and smelling great.

What Exactly Do Dryer Sheets Do?

Dryer sheets are small, fragrant sheets commonly used in laundry to make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. They may be coated with numerous chemicals like lubricants, fabric softeners, and fragrances. And they serve various purposes.

Static electricity builds up when clothes rub against each other in the dryer, causing garments to stick together. Dryer sheets contain ingredients that help neutralize this static charge, preventing clothes from clinging and making them easier to separate. Dryer sheets also add a pleasant fragrance to your laundry. Infused with scented oils released during the drying cycle, dryer sheets can help leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. 

Moreover, a dryer sheet can help soften fabrics. The sheet contains lubricants that coat the fibers of your clothes, making them feel smoother and reducing any roughness. This softening effect can be particularly beneficial for items like towels and linens. Dryer sheets also have the benefit of being multi-use. You can use dryer sheets at least twice before needing to replace them.

Why Should You Stop Using Dryer Sheets and Use An Alternative?

You should stop using dryer sheets and find an alternative because dryer sheets might not be as harmless as they seem. Not only can they trigger discomfort for those with sensitive skin, but dryer sheets also contain chemicals that could cause allergic reactions.

One study discovered that the fragrances commonly found in dryer sheets could be associated with optical and respiratory irritation, migraines, contact dermatitis, and asthma symptoms. Whether you opt for conventional or store-bought dryer sheets, the outcome remains the same – they can leave behind a layer of dust on your clothes, leading to potential skin irritation. 

The chemicals in dryer sheets can leave a stubborn residue, causing your garments to fade prematurely. As time passes, this residue accumulates and forms a sticky film that clogs the lint filter, reducing airflow and leaving more lint on your clothes. The chemicals can also build up inside the dryer, increasing wear and tear. Moreover, dryer sheets can diminish the absorbency of your towels and make them less effective at drying. 

Dryer sheets also contribute to unnecessary waste. They end up in landfills after use, adding to the growing plastic pollution problem. The synthetic fibers in dryer sheets also shed microplastics, which can contaminate waterways and harm marine life. Instead of using dryer sheets, it’s to your benefit to consider more eco-friendly alternatives.

The 8 Best Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dryer Sheets That Are Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly

Here are the eight best alternatives to dryer sheets, from wool dryer balls to vinegar and more, that can help you save money on laundry, prevent dangerous home hazards, and be more sustainable.

Dryer Angels

Dryer Angels by Truly Free are one of the best alternatives to dryer sheets. They are 100% free of silicone softeners and synthetic fragrances. There’s no solution you have to mix or measure. The Dryer Angels come with preformulated refill packets. Simply insert them into the angel and they’re ready to work their magic.

Dryer Angels provide a non-toxic, refillable solution to dryer sheet alternatives for soft, odor-free laundry, free from harmful effects. They use plant-based essential oils to scent your clothes, leaving a natural and refreshing aroma.

Hand-crafted by women, each Dryer Angel provides the best natural dryer sheet alternative for your laundry experience and is incredibly easy to use – simply toss one into your dryer with each load for fresh, odor-free clothes.

Vinegar

Believe it or not, vinegar is one of the most versatile household products. This all-rounder product saves the day with its strong acidic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. But did you know that it is also an effective alternative to dryer sheets?

Adding half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle or a cloth dampened with white vinegar into the dryer will help soften your clothes and prevent static cling. 

Both apple cider and white vinegar work. Also, don't worry about any lingering vinegar smell; it dissipates during drying, leaving your clothes fresh and static-free. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant that eliminates soap residue, resulting in odor-free natural fabrics and softer and fresher clothes. 

Baking Soda

Looking for a more natural way to make your clothes softer? Try using baking soda. Add baking soda to your washing machine and laundry detergent during the wash cycle. You'll notice that your clothes come out with fewer wrinkles and a softer feel. That's because baking soda acts as a natural fabric softener.

It also helps eliminate any lingering odors from your garments. For added freshness and odor-free clothes, mix a few drops of essential oil and baking soda before adding it to the laundry machine.

Wool Dryer Balls

Baking soda and vinegar do an excellent job of softening clothes; however, they don't do much for static. This is where wool dryer balls come in – they're a natural, eco-friendly, and reusable alternative to dryer sheets and are readily available online. 

Made from 100% sheep wool, dryer balls can help soften laundry without using chemicals or synthetics, making them ideal for people with sensitive and delicate skin.

In addition, wool dryer balls work by separating your clothes, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently, which reduces drying time and minimizes static electricity. It helps with lowering energy consumption and bills. They also help prevent heavy items from becoming tangled or scrunched up. You can reuse wool dryer balls to help prevent static-cling and soften and fluff clothes, towels, blankets, and sheets. 

For added fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils to the dryer balls before each use. By using dryer balls, you can eliminate synthetic dryer sheets that are harmful to the environment, irritate your skin, and leave behind chemical residues on your clothes and dryer.

Aluminum Foil

One unexpected alternative to dryer sheets can be found right in your kitchen: aluminum foil. You heard that right! You can create a great temporary dryer ball by rolling up about three feet of aluminum foil into a smooth ball. 

As your clothes tumble in the dryer, friction generates numerous electrons, causing them to cling to each other. However, the aluminum foil interrupts this process by preventing positively charged garments from sticking to negatively charged ones. 

Bamboo Dryer Balls

Bamboo is a rapidly growing plant that requires minimal water and generates 35% more oxygen than trees. It can easily be turned into yarn to make home linens, clothing, and eco-friendly dryer balls. 

Bamboo dryer balls provide a vegan-friendly option compared to conventional wool balls as they contain no animal-related products. 

Crafted with care, handmade bamboo dryer balls include natural activated charcoal that helps attract and absorb odors and fresher-smelling laundry.

Lavender Dryer Bags

If you love the fresh scent of lavender, consider using eco-friendly lavender sachets filled with dried lavender flowers as an alternative to dryer sheets. 

Fill small fabric pouches with dried lavender flowers and place them in the dryer with your clothes. The heat will release the aromatic scent, leaving your laundry smelling delightful.

These sachets can be reused multiple times. Every once in a while, refill the sachets with a fresh batch of dried lavender flowers. If you have lavender in your garden, you can make your own sachets. 

Overall, it's a popular option for eco-warriors who want fresh-smelling laundry but not at the cost of environmental damage.  

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional dryer sheets. Made from the dried fruit of saponin-containing trees in South-East Asia, soap nuts act as a surfactant to remove grime and dirt from clothes. 

It's very easy to use. Simply put a few shells in a cloth bag with wet clothes and run the dryer. The heat releases saponin, leaving your laundry smelling fresh and feeling soft. 

What's great is that soap nuts are eco-friendly and reusable – just dry them after each use, and they'll be ready for your next load. 

Explore An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Dryer Sheets With The Dryer Angel From Truly Free

Whether you want eco-friendly organic dryer sheets or generic non-toxic alternatives to dryer sheets, there are various options to choose from that can help you protect your health and save the environment one load at a time.

Ditching your regular dryer sheets for organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternatives will give you peace of mind that the laundry is safe, soft, and chemical-free.

Truly Free offers one of the best alternatives to dryer sheets on the market with the Dryer Angel. You can purchase a single order, or subscribe to save money on Dryer Angel refills moving forward. Your purchase of this dryer sheet alternative protects the environment, gives you peace of mind knowing your family isn’t being exposed to harsh chemicals, and supports women rescued from poverty and sex trafficking. Have questions about the Dryer Angel or any of our other eco-friendly home cleaning products? Don’t hesitate to contact us by filling out an online contact form.