clay, a rheology modifier, which helps control the viscosity of the coating as it begins to melt in the dryer.dipalmethyl hydroxyethylammoinum methosulfate, a softening and antistatic agent.Keep reading to learn more about what dryer sheets are made of, what kinds of chemicals they emit, and what the current research says about how they may affect your health.ĭryer sheets contain many ingredients, but the most common are: In the meantime, switching to fragrance-free products or all-natural dryer sheet alternatives may be your best bet. More research is needed to determine the potential health effects of scented laundry products. One lingering concern, however, is related to the fragrances used in dryer sheets and other laundry products.

Nearly all of the chemicals commonly found in dryer sheets are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While it’s a good idea to be a conscious consumer, it’s important to recognize that not all chemicals are bad. Health bloggers, however, have recently been pointing out that these aromatic sheets can be dangerous, causing unnecessary exposure to “toxic chemicals” and even carcinogens. These thin sheets are made of nonwoven polyester fabric covered with softeners to help soften clothes and reduce static cling, as well as fragrances to deliver a fresh scent. While they have environmental upsides, they can often leave clothes feeling stiff or scratchy.Dryer sheets, also called fabric softener sheets, provide wonderful aromas that can make the chore of doing laundry a more pleasurable experience. Dryer balls are the least expensive and most eco-friendly, as they're typically made with wool or heat-resistant BPA-free plastic. But as convenient as they are, their filmy coating can also leave a mark on your dryer, clogging the filter and making lint on your laundry much more apparent. Their lightweight size makes them easy to lug to the laundromat or pack away for travel. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are less expensive and win in the convenience category. A downside to the liquid kind? It's the most expensive per load and is made with chemicals that can easily irritate sensitive skin.

Liquid softeners were found to be most effective at removing odors and softening clothes-so long as it's not a product formulated with detergent. But according to a study by Consumer Reports, they aren't necessarily equal.

There are three main types of fabric softeners out there: liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and dryer balls. Liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and dryer balls weren't created equal.

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