A few years ago, I started learning about all the harmful chemicals that come in our cleaning products, which lead to hormone disruption, disease (and more!). Its shocking and gross. So many illnesses are being linked to these chemicals used in our floor/window/table cleaners, laundry detergents, and basically everything we use to clean our homes (and ourselves)!
So I started switching to non-toxic brands, and experimenting with making some of my own products (with vinegar, baking soda and essential oils, you can do so much!).
But it was until more recently that I found out how bad laundry DRYER SHEETS were.
It turns out that dryer sheet manufacturers are not required to list actual ingredients, including the chemicals used in fragrance blends. But many scientists have done experiments to find out what harmful chemicals are released from dryer sheets and found 7 hazardous air pollutants and 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of these (like acetaldehyde and benzene), are not safe at any level! And increasingly, people are tying their health issues to scented laundry products including dryer sheets. Most commonly, they're linked to hormone disruption and asthma.
So yes, if you want to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals (which we all should) then STOP using dryer sheets.
What to do instead?
I did my personal research (and trials), and found that they are not necessary. Plus, there are awesome alternatives just as effective.
I personally use organic wool dryer balls, and add a few drops of essential oils to them. I personally use doTerra (I use a blend called onGuard), or you can use these lavender and peppermint essential oils (less expensive option). I have been using my dryer balls now for over 2 years, and can promise you are a great non-toxic way to keep your clothes soft and feeling fresh.
Other recommendations:
- Switch to a plant-based, unscented laundry detergent. I use this one and this one (and both are great). Or, make your own homemade laundry soap, using castile soap.
- Add ¼ cup white vinegar to your washer’s rinse cycle (or just 1/8 if it’s a small load).
- When possible, hang your clothes outside to dry. And when you use the drying machine, use the wool dryer balls (which also cuts down on drying time).
p.s. Want to further cut back on the toxicity in your life and diet, and start on a cleaner slate for 2018? Join my 10 day detox starting Jan 22nd! Too soon? Join my 7 day detox starting Feb 5th. Feel free to Contact me with any questions/concerns/comments about the info on this blog or my detoxes!
Love and Non Toxic Laundry,
Mariana