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Laundry is a very important task; whether you do one load a week or maybe you do multiple loads a day, either you like doing it or not. One thing’s for sure having clean fresh clothing boosts your mood, esteem and senses. It just makes you feel better!
If you use dryer sheets, you may want to start thinking about switching to a better alternative for yourself and the environment.
Until a couple months ago I really had no idea why many were ditching the dryer sheets(& fabric softeners) and switching to dryer balls. Honestly, I just thought it was a fad. I did a little research and found some very good reasons why you should ditch the dryer sheets.
Did you know dryer sheets and fabric softeners are really not necessary for your laundry?
Dryer Sheets are generally made from polyester that’s been soaked in harmful chemicals. They are some of the most toxic products around. Sure, they may make your clothes smell great, but all those chemicals are eventually soaking into your skin. Some of these chemicals have been linked to serious health problems.
They’re single use, so after you’re done with your one load of laundry the dryer sheet gets thrown into the landfill. It can take years for a dryer sheet to break down.
The chemicals can build up and clog your dryer’s lint screen, which makes your dryer less efficient.
The alternative to toxic dryer sheets?
Wool Dryer Balls
After learning how bad dryer sheets were for the environment and my family, I immediately ordered us some wool dryer balls. They’ve worked better than I imagined.
Wool Dryer Balls don’t contain any toxic chemicals, soften your clothes, gets rid of static cling and wrinkles. They save you money, last for thousands of loads, saves you time and energy by cutting down on drying time.
If you can find them at your local retail store, grab a pack to give it a try, but if you can’t find them or just want what’s convenient(like myself) you can find them on Amazon for any amazing price.
6 Pack of Cute Panda design on sale right now for only $15 – can’t beat that price! We’ve been using these ones and they are great and still have a ton of life in them even though I wash a load of laundry every day.
6 Pack of plain white ones under $17
3 Pack of plain white ones under $6
If you’re local to me and only shop local, I’ve seen them at Trader Joes, Whole Foods and A Drop in the Ocean Shop sells them as well.
If you’d like to just use the wool dryer balls to dry your laundry load, you just simply throw one in with your load. I’ve personally used one dryer ball on three loads, one after the other – they don’t melt!
If you’d like to add a little natural scent to your load, which I love to do, it leaves your clothing and house smelling amazing! The best part is, it’s very simple.
Get yourself some essential oils, a whole set is nice to have in your house but if you’re only able to purchase one or two – that’s completely okay! Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. There are many benefits to using essential oils, someday I’ll share more on the topic.
Make your own scented wool dryer balls.
Pick out your favorite scent(s). Right now I’m loving orange and cinnamon leaf reminds me of fall!
Add 2-4 drops of essential oil throughout the dryer balls, put in a bag or a bowl to dry in the laundry room.
I try to remember to re-do the essential oils weekly, but you know life happens and I’ll do every other week. Just be sure you let the essential oil dry before placing in your dryer.
Are you going to ditch the dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls? Do you have a favorite essential oil mix?
What do you think?