What are the health risks of dryer sheets?
Dryer sheets promise soft, fresh-smelling laundry, but they contain hidden health risks. These popular products are made of harsh chemicals that can harm your health, your laundry, and the environment.
Learn how dryer sheets impact your well-being and discover healthier options for your laundry routine.
Quick links:
What are dryer sheets made of?
Health risks of using dryer sheets
How do dryer sheets affect the environment?
Who should avoid dryer sheets?
Natural alternatives to dryer sheets
Our pure New Zealand wool dryer balls offer a reusable, safe option to soften fabrics and reduce static. These natural alternatives to dryer sheets work without synthetic scents or harmful chemicals.
What are dryer sheets made of?
Dryer sheets contain many ingredients. While some of these components are harmless, others can pose health risks. Here's a list of the harmful ingredients found in many dryer sheets:
- Quaternary ammonium compounds can trigger asthma and may be toxic to reproductive systems.
- Benzyl acetate provides a floral scent but can irritate the respiratory system and eyes.
- Chloroform, sometimes used as a solvent, is considered a carcinogen and can damage the liver and kidneys.
- Linalool is a fragrance ingredient that may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Camphor is used for its strong scent but can cause respiratory issues and nervous system effects in high concentrations.
- Phthalates help fragrances last longer but are known endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Many of these ingredients are not disclosed on product labels, often hidden under the term "fragrance." Some may pose health risks, especially with long-term exposure or for sensitive individuals.
Health risks of dryer sheets
Dryer sheets are bad for your health, linked to everything from respiratory irritation to hormone disruption and increased cancer risk. Let’s take a look at some of the major health concerns associated with these laundry products.
Skin irritation
Dryer sheets contain harsh chemicals that can lead to skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. The chemicals and fragrances in dryer sheets may lead to:
- Red rashes
- Blisters
- Itching
- Burning sensation on the skin
- Contact dermatitis
These reactions can occur immediately upon contact or develop over time with repeated exposure. The residue left on clothes by dryer sheets can prolong skin contact with irritants, potentially causing chronic issues. In some cases, symptoms may appear not just where clothing touches the skin, but also on the hands of those handling freshly dried laundry.
Respiratory issues
The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from dryer sheets can potentially irritate the respiratory system. Steinemann et. al. (2013) identified over 25 different VOCs emitted, including nine classified as toxic or hazardous. These chemicals, including acetaldehyde, acetone, and limonene, trigger different respiratory symptoms:
- Asthma attacks or worsening asthma symptoms
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Nose and throat irritation
- Coughing and sneezing
- Sinus congestion and headaches
- Chest tightness or discomfort
Even in healthy individuals, constant exposure to VOCs may lead to respiratory sensitivities over time.
Hormone disruption
Some chemicals in dryer sheets, such as phthalates and parabens, can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone regulation in the body. These substances mimic and interfere with hormone production, leading to imbalances in estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones.
Over time, this disruption could contribute to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased risk for hormone-related diseases.
Carcinogens
Dryer sheets release hazardous chemicals, such as acetaldehyde and benzene, during the drying cycle. Both of these substances are considered carcinogens by health authorities.
Long-term exposure to such chemicals, especially through inhalation, may increase the risk of developing cancer. Reducing or eliminating the use of dryer sheets lowers exposure to these harmful compounds.
Environmental impact of dryer sheets
Dryer sheets pose significant environmental concerns beyond their immediate health effects. These seemingly small laundry aids contribute to pollution and waste in several ways:
- Non-biodegradable waste: Most dryer sheets are made from synthetic fibers that don't break down in landfills, adding to long-term waste accumulation.
- Water pollution: The synthetic chemicals from dryer sheets wash out of clothes and enter water systems, potentially harming aquatic life and contaminating drinking water sources.
- Air pollution: VOCs released during the drying process contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. They affect air quality and potentially contribute to smog formation.
- Microfiber shedding: Synthetic dryer sheets can release microfibers into the environment, increasing microplastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
Who is the most vulnerable to dryer sheets?
The most vulnerable populations to the health risks of dryer sheets are:
- Children: Developing bodies and higher respiratory rates make them more susceptible to chemical exposure.
- Elderly individuals: Seniors often have weaker immune systems and may be more sensitive to irritants.
- People with pre-existing conditions: Asthma or other respiratory issues, allergies or sensitive skin, or hormone-related health problems experience respiratory irritants most often.
- Pregnant women: Exposure might affect fetal development due to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- Individuals with chemical sensitivities: These people often experience severe reactions to the synthetic fragrances and compounds in dryer sheets.
- People with compromised immune systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals.
- Frequent users: Those who do laundry often or work in laundry facilities face increased exposure.
- Residents of poorly ventilated homes: Poor ventilation leads to a higher concentration of VOCs in the living space.
These groups should be especially cautious about using dryer sheets and may benefit most from switching to healthier alternatives.
What are the best natural alternatives?
Let's explore some excellent non-toxic choices to soften clothes and reduce static:
- Wool dryer balls
- Aluminum foil
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Line drying
Wool dryer balls
Our reusable wool balls are a game changer! As they bounce around the dryer, wool balls separate and fluff your clothes, cutting down on drying time.
Wool's natural static-reducing abilities also mean fewer wrinkles. Plus, wool's magical moisture-wicking properties let it soften clothes without any funky chemicals.
Aluminum Foil Dryer Balls
For a cheap option, crumple aluminum foil into tennis ball shapes. These DIY foil balls separate clothing in the dryer while the metal cuts down on static, reducing wrinkles. Make balls from heavy-duty foil and replace them periodically as they wear down.
Distilled white vinegar
Either add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the washing machine's rinse cycle or spritz it directly onto wet clothes before throwing them in the dryer. Vinegar naturally softens fabrics and neutralizes funky odors. Its acidic properties also reduce static electricity.
Baking soda
Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of baking soda onto clothes in the washing machine or dryer. It softens fabrics and absorbs odors without leaving a smell. Baking soda also helps remove detergent residue. For a light, natural fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil.
Line drying
Skip the dryer altogether and let clothes air dry the old-fashioned way. Hanging wet items to dry in the fresh air softens fabrics naturally and gives them an outdoorsy, sun-kissed scent. It's best for delicate fabrics. Use clothespins, hangers, or a drying rack to get a fresh, line-dried feel without hazardous chemicals.
Dryer sheets FAQ
Are dryer sheets bad?
Dryer sheets are terrible for human health, for clothes, and for the environment. They contain harmful ingredients that contribute to adverse health effects, reduce fabric quality, and contribute to air and water pollution.
Can dryer sheets affect the performance of my clothes dryer?
Dryer sheets can impact your dryer's performance. The waxy residue they leave behind accumulates on the lint filter, reducing air circulation and efficiency. This build-up leads to longer drying times, increased energy consumption, and potentially creates a fire hazard if not addressed regularly.
How do dryer sheets affect indoor air quality?
Dryer sheets release hazardous air pollutants and dryer vent emissions, which can reduce indoor air quality. Scented laundry products contain many chemical ingredients that become airborne during the drying process, potentially causing respiratory irritation and other adverse health effects, especially for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Are dryer sheets toxic if ingested?
Yes, dryer sheets contain chemicals that could be toxic if ingested, especially for small children. You should keep dryer sheets safely out of reach.
Should you avoid liquid fabric softener?
It's generally advisable to avoid fabric softener. Most fabric softeners contain chemicals that can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and harm the environment. They can also reduce the absorbency of towels and decrease the effectiveness of flame-retardant clothing. Natural alternatives of fabric softeners, such as vinegar or our wool dryer balls, soften clothes without these drawbacks.
Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets?
Dryer balls are much better than conventional dryer sheets. They're reusable, reduce waste, and don't release harmful chemicals. Wool dryer balls naturally soften fabric, reduce static, and cut drying time. They're also customizable with essential oils for fragrance. Unlike dryer sheets, they don't leave chemical residue on clothes or dryer vents, making them a safer, more eco-friendly option.
Check out our comprehensive comparison of wool dryer balls vs dryer sheets.
How do you stop static without dryer sheets?
You can reduce static by using wool dryer balls, adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle, or using aluminum foil balls in the dryer. Moisturizing your laundry by not over-drying clothes also helps.
Further reading
What are the benefits of wool dryer balls?
Are plastic dryer balls any good?
What are the benefits of natural clothing stain removers?
Will essential oils on dryer balls stain clothes?
The complete guide to using essential oils in laundry
Detergent sheets vs liquid laundry detergents: who wins?
The best essential oil recipes for wool dryer balls
Resources
Goodman, N. B., Wheeler, A. J., Paevere, P. P., & Agosti, G. (2018, November 28). Emissions from dryer vents during use of fragranced and fragrance-free laundry products. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-018-0643-8
