When it comes to using liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, it’s probably best to avoid both and try other alternatives. According to Consumer Reports, you should ditch fabric softener as it irritates skin, leaves residue on clothes, harms the efficacy of towels, and even damages your machine.
Is fabric softener bad?
We don’t recommend it. It’s time to go beyond what’s available to purchase at the store and look for eco-friendly and cost-effective substitutes. So, if you’re looking to eliminate static or make your clothes softer, there are other options that can achieve similar results—some of them are probably sitting in your house right now.
Fabric softener vs. detergent vs. dryer sheets
Usually available in powder or liquid form, detergent is a cleaning agent that—you guessed it—cleans dirty clothes. And if you want, you can buy a detergent that’s scented or unscented.
Fabric softener and dryer sheets are the similar ones here. The end result for both is to eliminate static and help make clothes feel soft. It’s the “how” that’s different. Fabric softener is typically added during the wash cycle, and it’s a chemical compound that gets into fabric fibers and causes them to become fluffy while adding anti-static properties. Unfortunately, fabric softener can build up in your washing machine and cause problems unless you’re cleaning it a lot.
On the other hand, dryer sheets are added when you’re using your dryer to keep clothes feeling soft and static-free. Dryer sheets are coated with stearic acid, which melts in the dryer and coats clothes to provide these benefits. If you decide to use dryer sheets, remember that the dryer sheet goes on top of the clothes after loading the dryer.
What is a natural fabric softener?
Because of these and other concerns with fabric softeners and dryer sheets, some people have tried alternatives with some success. A natural fabric softener would be an option that doesn’t use chemicals to achieve anti-static and to soften clothes.
What are some fabric softeners alternatives?
Here are some eco-friendly and cost-effective substitutes for fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Aluminum Foil
Here’s an easy, affordable option made with only one item that can be found in most kitchens. Tear a sheet of aluminum foil about as large as the width of the dryer, fold corners and edges in, and then roll it into a ball shape.
Tennis Balls
For a simple substitute for fabric softener, look no further than a tennis ball. In addition to softening clothes and eliminating static, they can also help reduce wrinkles, fluff up stuffed items, and speed up dry times.
Wool Dryer Balls
This solution is similar to tennis balls. Reusable and cost-effective, wool dryer balls soften clothes by gently tumbling around clothes. After a couple years of use, you should replace it with a new one. However, if you’re feeling crafty and have a DIY spirit, you can create homemade wool dryer balls with some wool yarn and a pair of nylons.
White Vinegar
White vinegar does not always reduce static, but it has been found to soften clothes. Add one-half cup (for a large load) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle when the tub is full of water to avoid bleaching and a vinegar smell.
Air Dry
If you have the space available, consider air drying clothes to reduce the static that’s caused by fabrics rubbing together.
Water softener
Now this solution is a bit more complicated, but hard water can be a problem if you’re looking for softer clothes. Hard water leaves deposits on your clothes in the wash. Certain areas might have harder water than other areas. If you can install a water softener, it’ll help with softness.
Make your own natural fabric softener and dryer sheets
Another great alternative to store bought fabric softener and dryer sheets is to make your own with natural ingredients. Both are easy to make with just a few items.
Natural fabric softener recipe
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil (favorites include lavender, lemon and tea
Method:
1. Mix vinegar and essential oil in a container with a lid
2. Shake well to mix
3. Add ¼ to ½ cup of this mixture to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Natural dryer sheet recipe
• Squares of cotton fabric (6 to 8 inches)
• Natural fabric softener from above
• Small bowl
Method:
Pour natural fabric softener into a bowl. Place a few fabric squares into fabric softener and let them soak until saturated. Squeeze excess liquid from each square. Lay the squares flat on a drying rack. Once dry, store the squares in an airtight container. To use, toss a sheet on top of your clothing before you start the dryer. Note that these sheets are reusable. You can use each sheet multiple times and then resoak the sheet in fabric softener when it’s no longer effective.
When you’ve decided to move on from dryer sheets and fabric softeners, the simple and affordable fabric softener alternatives will keep your clothes soft and without static.