Are dryer sheets toxic?

Why yes, in fact many traditional dryer sheets can be toxic. The EPA even notes that there are tons of toxic chemical goodies in normal old dryer sheets. They’re also totally unnecessary. Think about it. First off, if you hang dry (which is an eco-solution) you don’t need them anyhow. If you do use your dryer, why do you actually need dryer sheets? In most cases dryer sheets supposedly reduce cling, make clothes smell fresher, and make fabrics softer.

If you buy naturally made fiber clothing it’ll be softer naturally. As for the cling – well, how hard is it to shake out your clothes? Not much. And, once you wash your laundry it should smell fresh via that soap you used.

Still some folks love their fabric softener for that extra pump of fresh or what have you, so to mimic this sans dryer sheets, grab one reusable washcloth, sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on it and toss it in the dryer with your load. Your clothes will smell great and there’s nothing to toss. You can reuse the washcloth over and over.

Still if you insist on dryer sheets at least buy ones that are natural, biodegradable, and not full of chemicals, like…

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Basil Dryer Sheets – made with a vegetable-derived softening agent and natural essential oils on a new biodegradable paper sheet.

Sun & Earth dryer sheets are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, biodegradable and safe to use. Available in scented “Fresh Citrus Scent” and “unscented”.

Do you use dryer sheets? Why or why not?