Are Dryer Sheets Ruining Your Clothes?

It's a laundry day instinct: You take your wet clothes out of the washer, throw them into the dryer, add a dryer sheet, set it, and 45 minutes later, you have dry, fresh-smelling clothes. Easy peasy. Dryer sheets were first introduced to laundry routines in the mid-1970s and are often praised for their ability to reduce static cling and wrinkles, soften fabric, repel lint, and emit fabulous scents. But for their many benefits, these sheets shouldn’t be used with all fabrics and can actually ruin clothing if used incorrectly. Find out what fabrics work best with dryer sheets and what alternatives are best for the rest of your laundry.

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When You Shouldn’t Use Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are coated with liquid softeners, lubricants, fragrances, and other substances. They have the same benefits as liquid detergent but are instead heat-activated in the dryer.   But for all the good dryer sheets can do, they can also harm your clothing. This is because the same substances that reduce cling and make clothes softer can also result in damaging buildup on certain fibers. This is especially true for synthetic fabrics — such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex — which are more susceptible to the waxy coating. This buildup reduces the fabric’s moisture-wicking ability, leaving clothing like swimsuits and workout pants damp and less effective. Similarly, the wax can cause some items to lose absorbency, especially towels. 

Fabrics That are Dryer Sheet-Safe

There is some good news: Dryer sheets work great with natural fibers, especially cotton and linen. This often includes t-shirts, denim jeans, and bedding. Other types of natural fabrics prone to static, such as wool, also benefit from dryer sheets. Before putting any dryer sheets in with your next load of laundry, take a peek at the instructions. Some brands will specify the maximum safe temperature for the dryer sheets and other best practices.

Dryer Sheet Alternatives

There are plenty of dryer sheet alternatives if you’ve decided that the risks don’t outweigh the benefits. Wool dryer balls can be thrown in with wet clothes to reduce static cling and decrease drying time. Even clean, unused tennis balls can provide similar results. If you miss the scent of dryer sheets, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil directly to the dryer balls. There are also natural dryer sheets that are unscented, compostable, or reusable. These contain less waxy substances and are safer for more types of fabrics.

How to Make Your Own Dryer Sheets

If all else fails, it's pretty easy to make dryer sheets at home. Fill a large jar halfway with vinegar, add a few drops of essential oils, and soak a clean rag, socks, or other small pieces of fabric in the mixture. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener; its scent disappears when it dries, so your clothes won’t smell like vinegar. When you are ready to use, wring out the vinegar-soaked fabric before putting it in the dryer, and when the load is dry, the fabric can return to the jar. This inexpensive alternative avoids the waxy buildup of dryer sheets while garnering many of the same benefits.

Do Dryer Sheets Ruin Appliances?

Dryer maintenance is essential when using dryer sheets because that same buildup that sticks to your clothes can also coat the interior of your appliance. This eventually reduces the efficiency of sensors inside the dryer, which monitor temperature and moisture levels. It also creates a dirtier lint filter, creating a fire risk. To mitigate this, wipe down the interior drum about once a month and check the lint filter for residue buildup after every cycle. Deep clean the lint filter at least twice a year with dish soap and a brush, especially if you use traditional dryer sheets.

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