Dryer sheets, also called fabric softener sheets, supply wonderful scents that can make the task of doing laundry a more enjoyable experience.
These thin sheets are made of nonwoven polyester fabric covered with softeners to help soften clothes and reduce static cling and fragrances to produce a fresh smell.
However, aromatic sheets can be harmful, causing unnecessary exposure to “toxic chemicals” and carcinogens.
While it’s a good idea to be a conscious consumer, it’s essential to remember that not all chemicals are bad. Nearly all chemicals commonly found in dryer sheets are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Nevertheless, one lingering problem is the scents used in dryer sheets and other laundry products. More research is needed to specify the potential health consequences of scented laundry products.
In the meantime, switching to fragrance-free products or all-natural dryer sheet choices may be your best bet.
Ingredients in Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets contain many ingredients, but the most standard is:
- Dipalmethyl hydroxyethylammoinum methosulfate, a softening and antistatic agent
- Fatty acid, a softening agent
- Polyester substrate, a carrier
- Clay, a rheology modifier, which helps retain the viscosity of the coating as it begins to dissolve in the dryer
- Aromas
Products that may include fragrance ingredients, but are not spread to the body, like dryer sheets, are controlled by