From the start I should admit that I am not a fabric softener or dryer sheet person. I gave these products up many years ago when I realized that they aggravated my allergies. I don’t know whether it was the scent or the other ingredients, but my eyes and skin would itch when I came into contact with items washed or dried with softeners. So I stopped using them.
And honestly, I didn’t really notice much difference. Did my clothes really feel not soft? Nope. Static cling is noticeable (my socks often get stuck to my other clothes) but I don’t find that to be much of a hassle. And I have saved a lot of money over the years, not having to buy these products.
But fabric softener, which is packaged in plastic bottles, and dryer sheets, which are made from polyester (aka plastic) are big plastic polluters. And while I don’t see the need for using these products, many people do, and it is important to find a plastic-free alternative.
Luckily, there is an easy, cost effective substitute for softeners and dryer sheets: dryer balls. These balls, usually made of wool, can be tossed in the dryer, and claim to soften your laundry and reduce static cling.
An Easy Swap
Dryer balls are an easy switch. Simply buy the balls, and leave them in your dryer. You don’t have to do more than that. I have found that if you spray some water on the balls before each use, it cuts down on the static cling. So I keep a small spray bottle on my dryer and give them a little spritz before each load.
I am not a big fragrance person, especially when it comes to laundry. But if you like to add scent to your laundry, you can add a couple of drops of your choice of essential oil to one of your dryer balls with each load.
As Good As Dryer Sheets?
I don’t really know how these stack up vs. dryer sheets or fabric softener. If you spray water on them with each use, I do find the static cling is less, and my laundry is less wrinkled than when I don’t use them. And I like that they are fragrance-free. All in all, a win for me.
I also like that you can get, 4-6 dryer balls for about $10. You break even pretty quickly when replacing fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Things I Love:
- Plastic-free!
- Just leave them in the dryer
- No scent, but you can add essential oils if you like
Things I Don’t Love:
- Nothing!
Product Info:
- Available at Target, Walmart, CVS and online
- There are lots of brands of dryer balls
- 4-6 balls for about $10
Dryer Balls Rating:
Performance
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Thx!