In my laundry organization post, I mentioned that I had discontinued using dryer sheets {which I used to LOVE by the way!} once I found out how many toxic chemicals they contained. I had a few people ask me about it so I thought I would share some of the information that I have come across. I am in no way an expert on the matter but I have learned a lot over the past year as I switched over our laundry habits.
So what does “clean” actually smell like? In reality, “clean” should have no smell at all. These days, however, I think we tend to associate “clean” with those artificial fragrances added to the typical household cleaning products. It could be the pine or lemon-fragranced sprays or the scent of bleach or ammonia. For me, clean was that dryer sheet scent that I would breathe in as I pulled my laundry out of the dryer.
A typical dryer sheet contains a variety of toxic chemicals including benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, alpha-terpineol, ethyl acetate, camphor, chlorofrom, linalool, pentane, and, of course, the catchall “fragrance” ingredient. These have been linked to cancer, CNS disorders {Alzheimer’s, ADD, dementia, seizures, strokes, MS, etc.}, headaches, impaired respiratory function, dizziness, skin reactions, allergies, liver or kidney damage, and more. The heat from the dryer releases these chemicals into the air where we breathe them in. As well, they are also embedded into our clothing and can be absorbed through the skin. Not really what I was going for with that nice “clean” scent! {Note: Dryer sheets can also coat your lint tray and pose a fire hazard. If you use these sheets, make sure you scrub down your screen every month or so.}
Now just because you don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets doesn’t mean that you have to suffer with static and funky smelling clothing. There are lots of alternatives out there – you just need to find out what is best for you.
For Static Reduction:
- Add a 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to your wash. Given the smell of vinegar, I was a little hesitant to do this but I promise the smell does not remain on your clothes at all. Vinegar is also great for removing nasty smells from both clothing and your washing machine.
- Make sure that you are not overdrying your clothes and towels. The longer they dry, the more static can build up. Ideally it is best to remove your clothes just before they are dry {or line dry} but I am not a big fan of this option.
- Choose clothing with more natural {rather than synthetic} fibers.
- Use good quality dryer balls. I say good quality because there are a lot of them on the market and, in my opinion, the wrong ones do not work and can be just as harmful. Make sure the balls are labelled NON-TOXIC {toxic plastic is not a good thing to be heating up in your dryer!}. The balls should also be relatively soft and squishy. One set of balls that I tried made it sound like I had two big rocks rumbling around in my dryer. Not a pleasant sound and not very healthy for my dryer! These are the Norwex balls that I use. They are supposed to last 3-5 years. I am now going on to year three and they are still going strong! {and I do about 7 loads of laundry per week!}
{Note: Dryer balls are often promoted as reducing drying time but I haven’t really noticed this myself. I do find, however, that there is less lint build up, less static and softer clothing}
- Try re-usable, chemical-free dryer sheets. They have a special weave that helps to reduce static. I have not tried these myself but let me know if you have!
For scent:
- I have a little sachet that is filled with lavender and sewn shut. I add a few drops of essential oil to it every couple of loads. It doesn’t really produce a strong smell but is a nice, light touch.
- Make sure you have a clean washing machine. This is especially true for front loaders which do not drain the water as well as top loaders. {You can read about my stinky story here}
- Transfer your laundry to the dryer {or line dry} as soon as possible after washing.
- Add a drop or two of essential oil to your laundry soap {if you use unscented or natural laundry soap}.
Well, there you have it! Are you sorry you asked now? LOL! I hope you find the information helpful. I am always looking for other ideas out there if you have any to share.
Want to learn more about organizing your laundry room? Join in on the Household Organization Diet! You can find all of the posts pinned HERE and can always find me here…
Who knew? I never really thought twice about it, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much. I got sucked right in to this post. I have MS and it really got me thinking.
Love you blog! I am your newest follower!
I just disovered your blog tonight and it’s already one of my favorites! <3 it! One question though: Where do you buy your Norwex detergent? I can’t find it on Amazon or Walmart.
Hey Christina! I can’t access your email so I’ll just post for you here and hope you read it! The Norwex products have to be purchased through a rep. I sell it but, if you are in the States, it would probably be cheaper for you to find a rep down there. You should be able to google it. Let me know if I can help!
Jenn
Hi Jenn! The pic of your little guy watching the dryer is so adorable!! What a cute! I miss those days, as my kids are older now. I stopped using dryer sheets almost 15 years ago now when my oldest was born when I read about how harmful the chemicals on the dryer sheets are. Static is also caused by clothes being over-dried, so the new dryers with settings that say ‘more dry’ or ‘less dry’ help with keeping the clothes from being over dry. We never have a problem with static on our clothes and I don’t use anything!
Great blog post! Angie xo
Jenn and Friends I think it is wise that we all go as natural as what will fit into our lifestyles. When my dryer broke a couple years ago. I made the decision not to replace it. I now use a clothes drying rack. It is simple great for my house hold budget as well as I am not adding chemicals to my clothes and I am doing a tiny part to reduce my electricity use. Since I live in a area that uses coal for electricity I am also hopefully reducing the amount of environmental damage. I think it is important that we all start considering what it is we are doing to our bodies and our environments.
what are laundry chemicals and from where i can easily buy it