Who doesn't look forward to laundry day?
It's an inevitable part of every weekly routine: toss your clothes in, suds them up, and give them a nice hot trip to the dryer. Dryer sheets are great at cutting down on static in your clothes while adding a boost of fragrance, but these polyester squares are not innocent when it comes to the environment.
Are dryer sheets bad for the environment?
Well, they're certainly not good - that is for sure.
While dryer sheets may do the job of leaving your clothes, towels, and sheets smelling fresh (and free of static), they are not without their cost to the environment.
Why are dryer sheets bad for the environment?
There is some evidence that the chemicals in dryer sheets can be harmful, though they are effectively just fabric softeners. Still, some of the most common ingredients found in disposable dryer sheets are benzyl acetate, alcohol ethoxylates, and synthetic fragrance oils. You don’t have to be a chemist to know that they don’t sound like the most eco-friendly or natural ingredients.
What cannot be denied though is the fact that dryer sheets are made of polyester which cannot be recycled or composted. Thanks to the extreme durability of dryer sheets (they are designed to withstand the intense heat of a dryer) they can last for many (even hundreds) of years in a landfill. Because they are not biodegradable they will simply break down into smaller particles which make their way into the soil and ocean.
Why use a dryer sheet alternative?
If the above didn't convince you, here are some rock-solid reasons to swap out dryer sheets in your laundry room for something a bit more environmentally friendly.
- Save money on wasteful dryer sheets, especially with some of the cheaper options below
- No harmful chemicals, you control what is touching your skin
- It's eco-friendly and better for the environment
- They work just as well as the big box brands with none of the harmful impact/effects
You can keep your clothes smelling nice and minimize your impact on the environment with these eco-friendly dryer sheet alternatives.
The best eco-friendly dryer sheet alternatives
1. Skip them
Dryer sheets aren't required to dry your clothes, they're completely unnecessary and only contribute to the waste created from your laundry routine and add up to the cost of keeping your clothes clean.
One of the best things you can do to help the environment is cut down on consumption,. and where better a place to start than something as unnecessary as dryer sheets?
Not convinced? Don't worry, we've got some other alternatives for you to browse.
2. Vinegar or Baking soda
Why does it feel like vinegar or baking soda are always mentioned when it comes to household cleaners?
Need to de-funk your fridge? Baking soda.
Need a safe counter-cleaner? Vinegar?
Need a science experiment? Vinegar and baking soda.a
In all seriousness, these two household cleaners pack a punch and make a fine substitute for dryer sheets (but not at the same time, remember the science experiment).
Either add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle for softer clothes or dampen a washcloth with vinegar and throw that into the dryer. White or apple cider vinegar works. Don’t worry about the scent, the vinegar smell dissipates,and your clothes won’t smell like they’ve been rinsed in pickle brine.
Or add about a teaspoon of baking soda to the wash cycle. This will help soften your clothes and leave no scent or residue.
3. Public Goods wool dryer balls
Price: $9.50
Materials: Made of 100% New Zealand wool.
Brand ethics: Public Goods is committed to bringing sustainable, zero/low-waste products to market to provide alternatives to everyday household items.
Wool dryer balls are a classic alternative to dryer sheets. These dryer ball from Public Goods are made of 100% New Zealand wool and work more effectively than standard dryer sheets by separating clothes in the dryer which allows air to circulate and dry clothes faster.
4. Method paper dryer sheets
Price: $4.29
Materials: Made of paper (may or may not be compostable depending on where you live) and plant-based static control.
Brand ethics: While Target is a large company, they have often led the charge for big brands as a leading ethical brand in diversity, employee treatment, and sustainability.
Yes an alternative to dryer sheets is... dryer sheets. These dryer sheets from Method are made of paper not polyester meaning they can be composted and will break down rather than create more plastic waste. Note they can only be composted, they cannot be recycled.
Adding Natural Fragrance to Your Laundry
Miss the fresh scent of traditional dryer sheets? Natural alternatives can keep your laundry smelling great without synthetic fragrances. The most popular method is using essential oils with wool dryer balls. Here's how to do it effectively:
Using Essential Oils with Wool Dryer Balls: Add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil to each dryer ball about 20 minutes before use. This waiting period allows the oil to absorb into the wool, preventing any oil spots on your clothes. Popular essential oil choices include lavender for calm, citrus for freshness, or eucalyptus for a clean scent. The scent typically lasts 3-4 loads before needing reapplication.
Natural Scent Alternatives:
- Dried herbs like lavender or rosemary can be placed in a small muslin bag and tossed in with your dryer balls
- A few sprigs of fresh herbs in the dryer can add a subtle fragrance
- Natural sachets made with dried flowers and herbs can be stored with your dryer balls between uses to maintain a light scent
Caring for Your Wool Dryer Balls
Proper maintenance of wool dryer balls ensures they remain effective and last longer. Here's what you need to know:
Maintenance:
- Brush the surface occasionally with a soft brush to remove any fiber buildup
- If they start to feel less dense, toss them in a hot wash with your towels to help re-felt the wool
- Keep them away from fabric softener, which can coat the wool and reduce effectiveness
