Ditch the Dryer Sheets! Try These Non-Toxic Alternatives Instead

It’s no longer any secret that most conventional household cleaning products we use on a daily basis contain chemicals that are known to cause negative effects like infertility, asthma, cancer, and more.

And dryer sheets are no exception.

The thing about dryer sheets is that we don’t actually need them! As we’ll see, there are plenty of alternatives to dryer sheets for static and smell.

In this article, we’ll talk about how dryer sheets actually work, the potentially toxic ingredients in them, and a lot of different things you can use as substitutes for conventional dryer sheets.

Let’s get to it.

This guide contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase (though not all links are affiliate!). As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine.

How dryer sheets actually work…

Our clothes generate static when wet fabrics tumble together and generate sticky static electricity.

Before dryer sheets came along, fabric softeners were invented to soften clothes. Extra chemicals were later added to decrease the amount of static generated as well.

The problem, however, was that laundry detergents and softeners couldn’t be put in the washing machine at the same time because one has a positive charge and the other has a negative charge.

So before washing machine manufacturers added an automatic fabric softener dispenser (which would add the softener later on in the rinse cycle), dryer sheets were invented!

Yep: dryer sheets and fabric softeners are actually the same thing, just in a different format.

Static happens when too many loose electrons give fabric atoms a negative charge. So, dryer sheets contain chemicals that balance those electrons with ions (particles with a positive charge), thus reducing static.

Many folks use dryer sheets to “remove odors” as well, but they don’t actually do that. Only soap (aka detergent) can do that be actually getting rid of odor-causing bacteria, etc. Most conventional dryer sheets do ADD scents to your laundry, though (which is what gives you that “mountain breeze” scent).

But as we’ll see in just a sec, those smells can be dubious!

Top toxins in dryer sheets

Dryer sheets might smell “fresh,” but in reality, they’re chock full of toxic chemicals that can cause a host of health concerns. Here are some of the common problematic chemicals that conventional dryer sheets contain:

1. Fragrance

I talk about “fragrance” (or “parfum”) a lot.

The United States (as well as many other countries) allows companies to put over 3,500 chemicals (some totally safe and some harmful) in their products without legally disclosing them under the umbrella term of “fragrance.”

Many of these are volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause health problems.

These chemicals include things like phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and more.

“Fragrance” is not great for anyone, but it’s especially problematic for people with asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity, autoimmune conditions, or other sensitivities. How can you decide if something is healthy for you if you don’t even know what’s in it?

Study after study has shown that anywhere from 35% to 46% of individuals with asthma (which is about 8% of the U.S. population, or over 26 million people) regularly has health issues and/or other negative experiences because of fragrances. (This is why so many workplaces are banning perfumes these days!)

2. Quaternary ammonium compounds (or “quats” for short)

Quats are one of the most common chemicals used to soften fabrics. There are a lot of different chemicals that fall under this category, and sometimes they will be listed under umbrella terms like “cationic surfactants” or “biodegradable fabric softening agents.”

Other times, it will literally just say “quaternary ammonium” on the ingredient label, as in the case of these up&up dryer sheets:

Other quats include things like:

• Benzalkonium chloride 
• Benzethonium chloride
• Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
• Didecyldimethylammonium chloride 

To give you another example, here’s a Bounce “Free & Clear” dryer sheet, which contains a quat called Dialkylester Hydroxyethyl Methyl Ammonium Methosulfate.

Many studies have shown that quats not only exacerbate but actually cause asthma, and there is some evidence that suggests they can be a skin irritant as well. They also release formaldehyde, which is toxic in high quantities. Not only that, but quats are also very toxic to aquatic life.

Not to mention, many quats can also contribute to antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance, which is becoming a serious threat to global health.

3. Other undisclosed ingredients

In addition to unspecific “fragrance,” it’s very common for dryer sheets to contain other undisclosed and “proprietary” ingredients.

Look at these Gain Original dryer sheets at Walmart. All that’s listed is Cationic Softeners, Perfume.” That tells me almost nothing about what the actual ingredients are.

(If I go over to find the same product on Target’s website, I can find more info about the ingredients. But if I’m a Walmart shopper, I shouldn’t have to work that freaking hard to find the ingredients!)

We’re slowly making progress towards increased ingredient transparency, but we still have a ways to go. Whether or not you’ll find a full list of ingredients on your dryer sheet label will depend on the specific brand and store you’re buying from.

To give you another example, take these Downy Infusions Calm “Megasheets,” sold at Walmart. The ingredients are literally nowhere to be found on the product page.

4. Butylphenyl methylpropional

I found this ingredient in at least a few dryer sheets, including Gain Original and Suavitel. Not only is it a fragrance allergen, but it’s also prohibited in cosmetic products in the European Union because it’s a suspected reproductive toxin.

(The Suavitel also includes hexamethylindanopyran, an endocrine disruptor.)

5. Polyester (aka microplastics)

I’m sure you already know that we have a serious microplastic problem, and we’re only beginning to understand the impacts it will have on longterm human health.

One of the ways microplastics enter our waterways and larger environment is by washing synthetic fabrics, like polyester. As these fabrics slowly break down in the washing machine and dryer, they wash teeny tiny pieces of plastic down the drain.

And since most dryer sheets are made from a polyester sheet, they’re not going to be any different.

We have to wear clothes, so unless you have a 100% natural/organic wardrobe, there’s no avoiding washing some microplastics down the drain. But we don’t have to use dryer sheets. So ditching them is one way we can reduce microplastic pollution in our laundry routine.

6. Isothiazolinone preservatives

Some dryer sheets can contain things like methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), and benzisothiazolinone (BIT), although these are more likely to be found in liquid softeners rather than dryer sheets.

MIT is a toxic pesticide that used as a preservative and is linked to inhalation toxicity, allergies, and possibly neurotoxicity. In countries like Japan and Canada, there are legal restrictions on this ingredient.

PSA: Dryer sheets aren’t good for your dryer (or your clothes)

On top of all of the toxic chemicals, dryer sheets can also cause issues for your dryer and fabrics over time. The quats and silicones that coat your dryer sheets melt with heat, slowly forming a layer of film in your dryer vents, basin, and on your lint filter.

This film can reduce air circulation, leading to longer dry times, which not only decreases the life of your clothing but also cost you more money on your energy bill.

The same goes for liquid fabric softener—conventional softeners contain many of the same ingredients, which build up in your washing machine and dryer.

My recommendation: ditch the dryer sheets altogether

The thing about dryer sheets, which I’ve already hinted at, is that we don’t really need them.

They don’t actually clean anything, and as we’ll see in just a minute, there are plenty of dryer sheet alternatives that can help with static and give you softer clothes that still smell good.

Not to mention, even the best “clean” dryer sheets still contain some not-great ingredients. I have yet to find a dryer sheet that I’d really feel confident recommending.

Here are 8 ways to reduce static without dryer sheets

If you’re looking for a non-toxic alternative to dryer sheets, don’t worry—there are actually quite a few safe and effective options!

These options:

• are better for those with sensitive skin
• help decrease indoor air pollution
• help reduce microplastic pollution
• are much healthier for aquatic life and our ecosystems
• pose significantly less risk to short- and long-term health for you and your family

Whether you know it or not, chances are pretty high that you know someone with asthma or another chronic health condition that makes them sensitive to fragrances and other toxic ingredients.

For this reason, we may want to reconsider what we think of as “clean” and “a good smell.” Do we really need our clothes to smell so strongly of artificial “fresh linen” or “mountain breeze”? What if “clean” clothes just smell like… well, nothing! Because they’re clean!

Alright, here are some dryer sheet alternatives for reducing static:

1. Aluminum foil balls

Yep—you can put tin foil in the dryer! Foil won’t do much when it comes to softening clothes or making them smell good, but it will definitely help to reduce static and help your clothes or sheets dry faster.

How to do it:

• It’s super easy: just take a few sheets of foil and bunch them up into a ball about the size of a baseball. You can use one or a few balls at once, depending on how big your load is.

• You can reuse the balls for quite a while too; they will keep working through lots of washes.

• This is one of the most affordable dryer sheet alternatives!

2. Wool dryer balls

Wool balls are a favorite green alternative for many people. I’ve been using them for years! They absorb moisture from your clothes in order to create a more humid environment to reduce static. They also reduce dry time and fluff clothes by keeping things separated in your dryer.

You can use scent-free wool balls as they are, or you can add 10 drops of your favorite essential oils for a light scent.

Plus, they last a really long time—decades if you don’t lose them!

Here are some sustainable brands that offer wool dryer balls:

• Friendsheep wool (they have super cute ones! And you can use the code THEFILTERY for 10% off)
• Branch Basics
• Everspring (available at Target)
• Coyuchi
• Avocado
• Public Goods
• Molly’s
• TruEarth

3. Dryer sachets

• These sachets from Truly Free are another great alternative to traditional dryer sheets. These simple refillable pouches are made from a blend of essential oils (Vanilla, Lemongrass, Rose, Lillies, Orange, Bergamot), Lilac Oil, and corn kernels. The refillable “Dryer Angel” and the canvas bag are both made from cotton. (P.S. Make sure you use the code THEFILTERY to get 30% off.)

• Or you can try these handmade-in-theUSA lavender dryer bags from Miche Niche on Etsy.

• Or, DIY your own if that’s your thing! Here are some tutorials from HelloNest and Katie Normal Girl.

4. Vinegar

To try this method, simply add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle and/or dampen a clean washcloth with vinegar and throw it in the dryer during the dry cycle. You can also try apple cider vinegar, too.

And don’t worry: the vinegar smell won’t stay on your clothes by the time they’re finished drying, whether you put them through the dryer or hang dry them.

5. Baking Soda

You can also add baking soda to your wash cycle to help soften your clothes. Just add about a teaspoon into the washing machine with your detergent.

Just don’t use vinegar and baking soda at the same time!

5. Dry natural & synthetic fabrics separately

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are actually the main culprits of static cling. They produce way more static than natural fibers like cotton or linen.

So, one way to help with static is by drying your natural fabrics separately from your synthetics so that the synthetics can’t charge up all the natural materials. You might want to consider hang drying your synthetics (more on that below).

6. Reduce drying time

Nobody likes damp clothes, so over-drying them is a common mistake. However, when there is no moisture left in the fabric, static electricity is generated more easily.

So, try to only dry your clothes for the just-right amount of time in order to decrease static cling as well as energy costs. Many dryers now have a sensor option that will turn off the dryer when it detects that the clothes are completely dry.

7. Hang dry your laundry

One of the most effective ways to eliminate static in your laundry is just to let it air dry. Obviously, this option is going to be more or less realistic depending on where you live, the season, how much laundry and space you have, etc.

If you have a yard, consider putting up a clothesline and drying everything outside.

If not, set up a drying rack or two inside, preferably next to an open window for increased air flow. (You don’t want your clothes taking TOO long to try because they can develop mold and mildew.)

When you hang them to try, clothes don’t rub together, so they don’t have the opportunity to create static cling.

8. Make your own dryer sheets

It’s actually really easy to make your own dryer sheets. All you need is:

• Fabric scraps (you can use washcloths, cut up old t-shirts, scrap fabric, etc.)
• 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar
• 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus are great options)
• A glass container with an airtight lid (such as a mason jar)

To make your own DIY dryer sheets:

1. Put your fabric scraps in the jar. You can fold them in neatly, but you don’t have to.
2. Mix the vinegar and essential oils together in a separate bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into the jar over the fabric scraps. You want the cloths to be damp, but not soaking.
4. The next time you put a load in the dryer, simply take a pre-cut piece of fabric out of the jar, wring it out over the jar to release any excess vinegar, and throw the cloth into the dryer.
5. You can add more vinegar/essential oil solution and reuse that piece of cloth over and over again in future loads.

Easy, huh?!

Are there ANY non-toxic dryer sheets?!

You might be wondering: what about the “eco-friendly” brands that carry dryer sheets? Mrs. Meyer’s, Clean People, Grab Green, etc…

Like I mentioned before, these brands might be a little better than the conventional brands, but I still don’t recommend them. Most of them still use quats, and then there’s still the problem of the sheet itself.

Some of the more “eco” brands use rayon instead of polyester for the sheet (rayon is a semi-synthetic), but research has shown that rayon contributes to microplastic pollution as well.

I used to use these Fabric Softener Sheets from ATTITUDE because they don’t contain any added chemicals at all, but I don’t recommend them anymore due to the microplastic issue. (Plus, I just don’t understand how they work! It’s a special fabric that is supposed to reduce static and soften fabrics through the special way its woven, but they don’t really give you any details.)

Related:

Home

2 Non-Toxic Fabric Softeners + 6 Alternatives to Try Instead

Do you REALLY need to use fabric softener? Simplify your laundry routine and ditch the extra toxic chemicals by trying these alternatives instead.

So, do you have to use dryer sheets at all? Nope! If you want, you can disregard everything you just read and use nothing at all.

Strategic marketing has convinced us that we can’t do laundry without the use of dryer sheets, but it’s just not true. There are so many safe and non-toxic alternatives to using dryer sheets that will reduce static cling and still leave your clothes smelling fresh.

I hope this article has helped you find a safer option for your laundry routine! Sign up for our email newsletter to get more tips on how to reduce environmental toxins in your home.