Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Michelle
When I first learned that laundry dryer sheets might not be the best choice for our family’s laundry, I started to do some research. I now rely on two options for drying our family’s clothes.
This post contains affiliate links. Go here to read the full (ultra fun) legal disclosure about that.
But first, why I’ve banned dryer sheets from our laundry room…
What’s Wrong with Dryer Sheets?
In a study published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, researchers explained that when dryer sheets are in use they emit more than 25 volatile organic compounds (VOC)s. Ummm, what?
Since VOCs are linked to respiratory illnesses and cancer, I have no interest in bringing them into my home. In fact, it turns out that VOCs emitted from dryer vents after using popular brands of laundry detergent and scented dryer sheets included chemicals like acetaldehyde and benzene, all of which are carcinogenic.
So, yeah, I will not be buying another box of dryer sheets. Ever.
But before I get too high up on my no-dryer-sheet soap box, I guess I should explain two things.
- Organizations like the American Cleaning Institute (never knew such an institute existed) have rebutted the claims of studies such as this. You can read about that here, if you’d like.
- You can absolutely make your own homemade versions of dryer sheets. My friend, Lisa Bass, includes directions in her awesome new book, Simple Farmhouse Life, which you can order here and simultaneously support your local bookstores, or you can order it here, on Amazon.
Listen in to this episode on my podcast for lots more info on how to work towards a non-toxic home: 6 simple ways to detox your home & improve your health (S5 E19)
Why Air Drying Clothes is a Great Option
There are so many reasons why my favorite way to dry clothes is the old-fashioned way, outside, in the fresh air and warm sunshine.
Just a few of those reasons?
- Air-drying clothes uses no energy, which of course saves lots of money in a family of 6, in the course of a year.
- Air-drying, amazingly, prevents static cling, so no need for those carcinogenic fabric softeners in that department.
- Air-drying also gives your clothing a fresh, clean smell, which is reason #2 that there’s no need for those carcinogenic fabric softeners.
- Air-drying avoids the natural wear and tear on your clothing that it experiences in a dryer.
- Air-drying leads to stiff towels and wash cloths.
Okay, that last one would not be a benefit in everyone’s book, but we love the natural loofah nature of air-dried towels. A nice, stiff, air-fresh bath towel can get all the itchy dead skin cells off your back in just a few swipes when you step out of the shower in the morning.
But possibly my favorite reason for using a clothesline to dry our laundry isn’t even on that list. Call me crazy, but I love standing out early on a sunny morning, in the crisp breeze, snapping clothes pins on the shoulders and waistbands of our clothes, held up against the clothesline. Humming a hymn, thinking about the day ahead, and enjoying a reason to just be still in the midst of the beginning of the day.
Yeah, maybe I’m crazy. But I’m good with that.
Why Using Wool Dryer Balls is a Great Option
As the days get shorter and shorter and warm sunshine is in short supply in New England in the fall, I start using our dryer much more often these days. But I feel just fine about this after discovering the amazingness of wool dryer balls, like these.
- Dryer balls make your clothes dryer more efficient, preventing clothes from clumping together by tumbling between the layers.
- Dryer balls reduce drying time by allowing warm air to circulate better between the fabric.
- Dryer balls help prevent wrinkles by preventing clothes from wadding up in the dryer.
- Dryer balls prevent static cling if you simply spray the balls with a little water before using them. This increases the humidity level in the dryer.
- Dryer balls are great at softening clothes.
- Dryer balls, if you add just a drop of essential oil to each, make your clothing smell wonderful.
- Dryer balls retain the heat of the dryer and distribute it better throughout the clothing.
I find I use 6 balls in each load of laundry, with one drop of essential oil on each.
How to Use Wool Dryer Balls
Using wool dryer balls is so simple, and yet so brilliant.
- Use the appropriate number of balls for your size of load. If you’re using my favorite dryer balls, that would be 2-3 for a small load and up to 6 for a medium- to larger-sized load.
- Drop one drop of essential oil on each ball. Side note, I’ve never sold oils, so when I went looking for a reliable online source, I fell in love with these essential oils. (See why below.)
- Spray a few balls with water if you’re concerned about static cling. I keep a mason jar of water with this spray nozzle in the laundry room. (Better yet, I love this 5-piece set of lids.)
- Toss the dryer balls into the dryer before turning it on.
- Remove the balls with the dry laundry and keep them handy for the next load. I keep my dryer balls in a bucket like this.
Great Scent Combinations to Use with Dryer Balls
I like to place one drop of essential oil on every ball I toss in the dryer. I’ve found always making one of the options minty or citrus makes the laundry smell wonderfully, naturally fresh. If I’m doing a load of just Bill’s clothes I often choose Frankincense for it’s nice manly, warm smell.
Some of my favorite combinations:
Peppermint & this wonderful floral oil
Lavender & this extra soothing scent
Why these oils are a great choice:
I love that I can now get these highest quality oils without the hassle of a Multi Level Marketing (MLM) company and without the overheard that comes along with an MLM.
There are no membership fees. No monthly purchase required. Instead, I can get top-notch oils at direct-to-consumer pricing. And these are purity-grade oils, guys. (Beware of the watered down oils you can get at any big box store; they’re actually costing you money instead of saving it.)
Enjoy at 20% off all the time! Choose from any and all of the great oils right here and use code SOULYRESTED to take 20% off your entire purchase. Every time. Seriously.
My Favorite Dryer Balls
So when I decided I wanted to switch my routine from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls, I feel in love with these all-natural dryer balls. They’re high-quality for an amazing price and I’m supporting a small family business that I love.
More articles you’ll like:
How to use an old farmhouse door as a laundry room divider.
How to make your own organic bug spray.
5 Things you Need in your Natural Health Medicine Cabinet
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I’ve been using dryer balls for years and really love the way they cut down on static. I dry my clothes on the line most weeks, but toss them in the dryer for a short tumble before folding.
Hanging clothes on the line connects us to our foremothers and honors their legacy. It’s a spiritual connection like no other.
Enjoy your week!
Funny you said that because I indeed do think of my mom OFTEN when I’m hanging clothes on the line. She’s the one who taught me it was the best way to do your laundry. 🙂