Dryer sheets are a commonly used laundry solution, but they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. For those who are looking for an option that’s sustainable and zero waste, there are alternatives you could find right in your home.
These dryer sheet alternatives are affordable, get the job done, and help reduce your carbon footprint.
We’ve rounded up a few options that will keep your clothes feeling fresh while also honoring the environment.
From essential oils to aluminum foil, you’d be surprised what you can do to spruce up your loads of laundry.
Why Use Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets are used for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common uses include reducing static in clothing, releasing wrinkles, softening fabric, and adding a clean, fresh scent.
They’re quick and convenient, offering noticeable results with little effort. They work by transferring a solution (fabric softening agents, for instance) found on the sheets to clothing as they heat in the dryer, and voila, fluffy clothes that smell great!
Are Alternatives Better?
Many of us want are clothes to feel and smell fresh after washing, but at what cost?
Traditional dryer sheets are often filled with toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Sure, these chemicals quickly make your clothes feel soft and smell like roses, but they also transfer those same chemicals onto your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, sensitivities to harsh chemicals, or simply prefer to be more environmentally conscious, traditional dryer sheets may not be the best option for you.
Beyond personal health, single-use dryer sheets aren’t biodegradable, meaning once they’re used they go straight to a landfill.
Switching to dryer sheet alternatives allows you to cut back on chemical exposure and environmental impact. Many of the available options are cost-effective (or free) and already availabe in your home.
So, how what dryer sheet alternatives will help you toss the chemicals and embrace the natural? Keep reading!
Vinegar
Whenever we think of natural all-purpose cleaning solutions, vinegar is usually at the top of the list. Plus, it’s something you can easily find right in your kitchen.
To make this dryer sheet alternative, apply a mix of 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup water to a rag or cloth, then add it to clothes during the drying cycle.
Using vinegar will help your clothes feel clean and soft and minimize static.
And if you are worried about a strong vinegar smell, there’s nothing to fear – there’s no lingering scent, but a little essential oil can naturally offer a nice scent boost.
Note: Be sure to avoid using vinegar if you’ve used bleach in your clothes due to any potential chemical reactions.
Baking soda
Baking soda isn’t just for neutralizing smells in your refrigerator; it also works on clothes!
It naturally adjusts to your water’s pH levels, working to eliminate odor, bacteria, and helping clothes feel softer. We recommend adding 1/2 or 1/4 cup (depending on load size) to the laundry before adding detergent, then proceeding with your usual wash settings.
This alternative is a great option for those extra smelly laundry loads, especially thanks to its bacteria-busting power. Just make sure not to mix with vinegar, or else your laundry will turn into a science project!
Ice cubes
This is probably one of the easiest dryer sheet alternatives on the list since it’s using the most readily available item in your home: water.
Just freeze up some ice cubes to get this idea going and add them during the last 15-20 minutes of your dryer cycle.
It probably seems counterintuitive to use ice cubes for all the reasons you could think, but it works. The steam from the ice cubes works to reduce wrinkles and static.
Just a couple of ice cubes will do for a small to medium-sized load.
Aluminum foil balls
Foil as a zero waste dryer sheet option may be the most surprising on the list. But before you skip ahead, here’s why it works.
The negative ions from the aluminum foil discharge static electricity which releases which works to make your clothes static-free.
You’ll want to add two or three small balls of foil to your dryer with your wet clothing. Remember foil won’t soften your clothes or boost scents – but other options on the list will do the trick.
Wool dryer balls
Dryer balls made from wool are a great, eco-friendly option because they reduce static and soften clothes.
This natural fabric softener is loved for being so sustainable because they made with natural fibers and is designed to be reusable with multiple loads. Adding them to your dryer can also reduce drying time and increase airflow as the balls work to soak up extra moisture in fabrics.
Wool balls are also great for sensitive skin because they are free from synthetic fabrics and dyes.
Give them an extra boost by adding your favorite drops of essential oil (like lavender or citrus) to help naturally improve the scent of your clothes without harmful chemicals.
Soap nuts
Soap nuts, or dried berries, are made from saponin-containing trees. They serve multiple purposes: you can use them by adding them to the washer, dryer, or on their own.
Saponin contained in soap nuts helps remove dirt from clothing during the washing process and releases a fresh scent during drying.
Simply add a few soap nuts to a muslin or cotton drawstring bag to use for washing and transfer the same bag to the dryer.
After use, remove the bag and let it completely dry – soap nuts can be reused for several more wash cycles.
Special note: Soap nuts are also compostable and can be added to your garden after you’re done using them.
DIY Dryer Sheets
Feeling ambitious? Try making your dryer sheets.
This is an especially useful option if you’d prefer an alternative that closely matches traditional dryer sheets. All you need is an old cloth – think a worn-out t-shirt or some old hand towels – and cut a few squares to size.
Place them in an airtight container, adding a little vinegar (until damp) and essential oils. Next time you have a load of laundry to dry, you can toss one of these in without any extra prep.
One of the simplest DIY options is just hanging your sheets out to dry. Yes, it’s very traditional, but the sun naturally sanitizes. Make sure to shake your clothes before hanging, and if you have allergies, consider hanging to dry indoors.
Dryer sheets are a commonly used to keep laundry fresh and fluffy post-dryer, but the harmful ingredients may give you pause. If you have sensitive skin or just prefer a more sustainable zero waste option, there are plenty to choose from vinegar to aluminum foil. Here’s to happy washing (with less worry).
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