Why switch from dryer sheets?
Dryer sheets are a laundry room staple. They can soften your clothes, reduce static, and add a nice spring scent. But lately, they’ve been collecting haters thanks to a number of troubling aspects:
They’re wasteful: Sheets are single-use, and you’re likely using multiple per load of laundry. That means you’re creating more waste and spending more money — never ideal. On the flip side, dryer balls can last up to 1,000 cycles, and you can compost them afterward.
They can ruin your clothing: According to the Environmental Working Group, “heat-activated dryer sheets can pack a powerful combination of chemicals that can harm your health, damage the environment, and pollute the air, inside and outside your home.”
Cora Harrington, author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie, told HuffPost in an email: “They work by putting a film of lipids and fragrances on your garments, which builds up over time and can contribute to clothing and towels smelling ‘musty’ or ‘stale’ even after they’ve been washed and dried.”
The coating can also make towels less absorbent, athletic gear less moisture-wicking, and some children’s sleepwear less flame-resistant. 😬
They can mess with your dryer: Patric Richardson of the Laundry Evangelist explained that the residue could damage the electronic moisture sensor in the drum, leading to over-drying and — oh no! — increased utility bills. The buildup could also coat the mesh of the lint catcher, leading to a potential fire hazard.
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