Dryer sheets also have other benefits outside of your laundry. Not only are dryer sheets fantastic for keeping your laundry soft and fresh, but they have multiple uses that go beyond your laundry including freshening up your home.
Use Sparingly
Use dryer sheets as directed, which generally entails using one sheet for a small to average-sized load. You can also reduce usage by throwing a dryer sheet into the laundry once every one to two loads.
Dryer sheets mean you're drying the clothes too much. They add oil to grease up your clothes to offset that. The oil will tend to damage the dryer. Solution? Take a few minutes off the drying cycle, instead.
To get the best results from your laundry routine, add one dryer sheet on top of your laundry inside the dryer.
Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.
While the coating left by dryer sheets is designed to soften fabrics and reduce static cling, it also raises concerns for the longevity of your garments.
Wool dryer balls are made of all-natural products, last longer than dryer sheets, and are compostable when they're no longer being used in your laundry routine. They cut down on the amount of electricity you'll be using and don't contain harmful additives or single-use packaging.
Distilled White Vinegar Rinse
Adding one cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle can give your clothes and linens the softness you desire without using dryer sheets. The mild acetic acid in the vinegar cuts through any detergent residue left in the fibers that makes the fabric feel scratchy.
It can also decrease static. But that residue isn't only on your clothes—it builds up in your dryer, too. As such, Rich counsels against relying on dryer sheets. “Dryer sheets may be better than liquid softener, but they can leave a residue on the dryer moisture sensor reducing its effectiveness,” he says.
Do not leave laundry outside at night as it risks humidity and bad odors. Better to spread it out during the day for good drying in the air fresh.
But there are a few concerns when it comes to your appliance and what dryer sheets leave behind: Waxy buildup can accumulate in the dryer vent, increasing drying time and straining your dryer. Residue can clog the mesh screen of your dryer's lint filter, which may restrict airflow and cause overheating.
For example, dryer sheets can remove soap scum and hard water stains from bathroom and kitchen fixtures, wipe up problematic spills, and eliminate pet hair, dust, and lint.
Dryer sheets are a single-use item, as they are disposed of. You need to change them frequently for each drying cycle. This also means you need to increase the waste of a chemically infused item in your home, which can be dangerous.
Dryer sheets actually ruin the softness of throws, blankets, towels, etc. the chemical that battles the static is left on your blanket.
Your Mail Carrier Left That Dryer Sheet
But the reason they left a dryer sheet in your mailbox is pretty simple: to deter wasps and yellow jackets! If you've ever had the displeasure of experiencing a sting from one of these guys, you know it can really ruin your day.
"Dryer sheets are not required for proper care of laundry but are largely a matter of personal preference," says Joun. "If you find static to be an issue or your clothes coming out rougher than you want them to be, dryer sheets can be helpful to rectify those issues."
ULTIMATE DRYER HACK: Throwing a dry towel in the dryer with the wet clothes absorbs most of the moisture, making your items dry faster. Not only does the method cut down on the drying time, the process uses less energy so you're likely to save some money along the way!
Dryer sheets work to eliminate static cling, help make your clothes softer to the touch and can infuse a fresh scent.
Use Dryer Sheets On Your Hair
"Another trick that always works is to rub a dryer sheet over your hair," Marino explains. "The way they work to prevent static cling on your clothes, it does the same for your hair!"
Cons Of Dryer Balls:
Make a loud noise when drying clothes. Wool can fall off with extended use and move into the lint drawer. Not as effective with large loads of laundry.
So, should you put tennis balls in the dryer? The option is really up to you. Some people swear by dryer balls, which claim to speed up the drying process, reduce static cling, and soften clothing. Experts suggest a clean tennis shoe will also do the trick2!
That depends on the size of your load. For a small load, use 1. For a medium sized load, use two. For a large or extra-large load use 3.