Best Natural Dryer Sheets
Are you hoping to introduce more natural and sustainable laundry practices into your home?
These days, many of us are becoming more careful about using safe and non-toxic products for our homes and families. You might also be looking for products that are better for the environment.
However, I know it can be tough to let go of the commercial products we’re used to – like dryer sheets!
While dryer sheets are great for eliminating static and adding a scent to clean clothes, there are better alternatives today including natural and nontoxic dryer sheets and dryer sheet alternatives.
These alternatives include a variety of products that can suit your needs and preferences.
Shop the Best Natural Dryer Sheets
- Attitude Reusable Dryer Sheets
- Biokleen Laundry Dryer Sheets
- Molly Suds Dryer Sheets
- Grab Green Stoneworks Dryer Sheets
- Clean People Dryer Sheets
- Public Goods Dryer Sheets
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What are Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets are small sheets usually made of polyester fabric infused with fabric-softening chemicals and fragrances. Most commercial dryer sheets are single-use and discarded after each cycle.
The purpose of dryer sheets is to reduce static cling and add a pleasant scent to freshly dried laundry.
When dryer sheets are placed in the dryer along with clothes, the heat causes the chemicals in the dryer sheet to transfer onto the fabric, providing a soft and static-free result.
It’s important to point out that not all dryer sheets are made equally! While most commercial dryer sheets have a negative health and environmental impact, non-toxic dryer sheets can be used with less guilt.
Below are our favorite natural dryer sheets.
Best Natural Dryer Sheets
ATTITUDE Reusable Dryer Cloths
- LESS WASTE: Reusable dryer sheets for up to 300 loads
- PATENTED FABRIC: Gentle and eliminates static
- FREE OF: Color dyes and fragrances
ATTITUDE’s Static Eliminator and Softener reusable dryer cloths are an eco-friendly replacement for traditional dryer sheets.
These dryer sheets are a hypoallergenic alternative that can be used for up to 300 loads. To use, you put both dryer cloths into the dryer with your load of clean laundry.
They can be reused multiple times but do need to be washed after every three loads to maintain performance.
Pros:
- Each cloth is reusable for up to 300 loads
- Hypoallergenic
- PETA-certified as vegan and never tested on animals.
- Manufactured using processes that minimize energy consumption and offset greenhouse gas emissions.
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some users report that they do not completely eliminate static.
- Do not add fragrance to clothes like traditional dryer sheets.
- Cloths need to be washed after every three loads to maintain performance.
Specs:
- Size: 2 Count, each cloth measures 7.09″ x 4.13″
- Ingredients: 99% Polyester, 1% Nylon
- Reusable: Up to 300 loads
- Scent: Unscented
Biokleen Laundry Dryer Sheets
- Softens fabric & reduces static
- Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant-Based, No Artificial Fragrance, Colors or Preservatives
- Kind to those with chemical sensitivities and allergies
Biokleen’s Laundry Dryer Sheets are plant-based, eco-friendly fabric softener sheets that add a fresh citrus scent while softening clothes and reducing static cling.
These might be a good option if you’re looking for a close alternative to the conventional dryer sheets you currently use.
Biokleen dryer sheets have a light citrus scent and are disposable after one use. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any clear information on whether the dryer sheets might be biodegradable once discarded.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic plant-based formula
- Citrus Essence adds a fresh, subtle scent without being overpowering.
- Made in the USA with processes that minimize energy consumption.
- Affordable
Cons:
- Single-use (not reusable) and unclear whether biodegradable
- Some users report the scent is not very noticeable.
Specs:
- Size: 80 Count (Pack of 1)
- Ingredients: Unbleached paper, plant-based softener and emulsifiers
- Reusable: Not reusable
- Scent: Citrus Essence
Molly’s Suds Compostable Dryer Sheets
- SOFT-STATIC FREE CLOTHES: Our 97% plant-based dryer sheets employ a gentle fabric softening technology to leave clothes feeling fresh, cozy, and comfy. Better for people with sensitive skin, the…
- INSPIRED BY NATURE: Made with essential oils derived from Mother Earth, certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny and Made in the USA. Our dryer sheets are free of waxes, dyes, harsh fragrances, and…
- FEMALE FOUNDED: Molly’s Suds was founded by a pediatric nurse & mom who felt we all deserve cleaning products made with simpler, safer, more transparent ingredients.
Molly’s Suds dryer sheets are an all-natural, plant-based alternative to conventional dryer sheets.
Made with pure essential oils and certified cruelty-free, these dryer sheets leave clothes feeling soft and static-free while safe for sensitive skin and the environment.
These sheets are another option similar to conventional traditional dryer sheets — you add one to your load of laundry and then discard it after use.
Instead of throwing the used dryer sheets into a trash can, try composting after each use! Molly Suds dryer sheets are compostable, so you can avoid adding to the trash pile entirely.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic plant-based formula
- Lavender scent from 100% essential oils
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by Leaping Bunny
- Compostable packaging
Cons:
- Some users report the scent is not very noticeable.
Specs:
- Size: 240 Sheets Total (2 Pack of 120 sheets each)
- Ingredients: 5 Plant-Derived Ingredients (Not Specified)
- Reusable: Not reusable, compostable
- Scent: Lavender
Grab Green’s Dryer Sheets
- Contains: 2- 80 Sheet Boxes of Grab Green Stoneworks Oak Tree Dryer Sheets (160 Sheets Total)
- Naturally Effective: Our Dryer Sheets naturally soften fabrics, reduces static cling and wrinkles and freshens clothing without harsh chemicals
- Oak Tree: Our dryer sheets provide a bold and spicy fragrance. Just toss in your dryer to soften fabrics and reduce static, while leaving your clothes smelling amazing
Grab Green’s Stoneworks Dryer Sheets are plant-based, eco-friendly dryer sheets that soften fabrics, and reduce static cling and wrinkles while naturally freshening clothes.
The female and mother-owned company is dedicated to creating products for a safe and healthy home. All things that we love!
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic plant-based formula
- Available in a variety of scents derived from essential oils
- Biodegradable
- Certified Whole Foods Market Eco-Scale Rating for minimizing environmental impact
- Made in the USA
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some users report the scent is not very noticeable.
Specs:
- Size: 80 Count (Pack of 1)
- Ingredients: fatty acid, di-(palm carboxyethyl) hydroxyethyl methylammonium methyl sulfates, fragrance: contains a blend of lavandula hybrida (lavender) oil, cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) leaf extract, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) flower oil, juniperus virginiana (cedarwood) oil, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) leaf oil + safer man-made ingredients to ensure a long-lasting scent
- Reusable: Not reusable
- Scent: Oak Tree, Birch Branch, Olive Leaf, Rose Petal, Fragrance-Free Rain, & more
Clean People Dryer Sheets
Clean People’s plant-based dryer sheets naturally soften clothes while reducing static cling and wrinkles using natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic plant-based formula
- Available in a variety of scents derived from essential oils
- Compostable packaging
- Vegan formula
- Free from phosphates, parabens, phthalates, chlorine or petroleum
- For every 96 packs sold, Clean People plants a tree.
- Affordable
Cons:
- Single-use and unclear whether biodegradable
- Some users report the scent is not very noticeable.
Specs:
- Size: 160 Count (Pack of 1)
- Ingredients: Rayon and other ingredients specified
- Reusable: Not reusable
- Scent: Fresh Clean
Public Goods Fabric Softener Sheets
Public Goods Natural Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets give you soft laundry naturally with all-plant-based ingredients and without harsh chemicals.
Public Goods is committed to making healthier, more sustainable choices easy and accessible to all.
The sheets are made in Wisconsin using compostable, biodegradable ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals.
Pros:
- Plant-based formula
- Compostable and biodegradable
- Does not include Phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, chloroform, formaldehyde
- Fragrance-free
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Single-use (not reusable) and unclear whether biodegradable
Specs:
- Size: 80 Count (Pack of 1)
- Ingredients: Rayon sheets (plant-based), palm carboxyethyl hydroxyethyl methylammonium methyl sulfates (plant-based softeners), C16-18 fatty acids (plant-derived softeners)
- Reusable: Not reusable
- Scent: Unscented
Why Make the Switch to Non-Toxic Dryer Sheets?
Indoor Air Quality Improvement
Traditional dryer sheets contain chemicals such as phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and benzyl acetate, which can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated.
Even though dryer vents are usually vented outdoors, one study found that 25 VOCs were emitted from dryer vents, with some of these VOCs classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and two as carcinogenic HAPs.
While this study didn’t get into the impacts on human health due to indoor exposure, it may make sense to try to reduce exposure to some of these substances.
It’s also worth pointing out that the strong fragrance most dryer sheets contain can be a respiratory and skin irritant for many people.
Environmental Benefits
Standard dryer sheets are a single-use product made from polyester that has been coated, so it is neither biodegradable nor recyclable.
With that said, many dryer sheets recommended in this article are made from natural materials like plant-based fibers and infused with essential oils for fragrance.
These dryer sheets are biodegradable and less environmentally damaging than conventional dryer sheets.
Reusable options such as wool dryer balls go a step further since they are not a single-use fabric. These options can also help save money too!
Reduced Skin Irritation
The chemicals in traditional dryer sheets can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
On the other hand, non-toxic dryer sheets are generally free from harsh chemicals and are gentler on the skin, minimizing the risk of irritation.
Safer for Fabrics
Conventional dryer sheets can leave a residue on fabrics over time, potentially affecting their texture and breathability.
That was one of the initial reasons I quit using dryer sheets because I started learning how the substances can coat your clothing.
Non-toxic options are designed to be gentle on fabrics, preserving their quality and longevity.
RELATED: Best Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener
Dryer Sheet Alternatives
Are you curious about ways to soften and scent laundry without laundry sheets?
We were too! After years of testing, we created a list of our favorite dryer sheet alternatives.
All of the dryer sheet alternatives we share are eco-friendly, gentle on fabrics, and gentle on the skin, and some can be created using products you already have at home!
One of the most popular dryer sheet alternatives is dryer balls. Dryer balls can shorten drying time, reduce static cling, and when paired with essential oils can also naturally scent fresh laundry.
Natural Dryer Sheet Comparison Chart
FAQs
Once you load your clean, wet clothes into the dryer, add a dryer sheet or two. The dryer’s heat will encourage moisture to evaporate from the clothes and activate the scent and static-reduction properties of the dryer sheet.
By the end of the dry cycle, you should be left with clean, dry clothes that have a fresh scent and no static cling.
Yes, you can absolutely dry your clothes without using dryer sheets. Dryer sheets are optional and serve mainly as fabric softeners and static reducers. If you prefer to forgo dryer sheets or want to explore more natural alternatives, here are a few ideas:
1. Shake Out Your Clothes: Before placing your clothes in the dryer, give them a good shake to help minimize wrinkles and reduce static.
2. Optimize Drying Time: Over-drying your clothes can contribute to static cling. Instead, try removing your clothes from the dryer while they are still slightly damp and allow them to finish drying naturally.
3. Use Wool Dryer Balls: Wool dryer balls are a popular alternative to dryer sheets. They help to soften clothes, reduce static, and even speed up drying time. Add a few wool dryer balls to the dryer with your laundry for a more eco-friendly and chemical-free solution.
4. Try Natural Fragrances: If you miss the scent of dryer sheets, consider adding a few drops of essential oils to a small piece of fabric or a dryer ball and toss it into the dryer with your clothes. This can infuse a natural fragrance into your laundry.
5. Hang Dry: For delicate items or clothes you prefer not to put in the dryer, consider hang-drying them. This can help reduce static and preserve the fabric’s quality.
To make your clothes smell fresh and pleasant in the dryer without using dryer sheets, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a clean cloth or dryer ball and place it in the dryer with your laundry. The heat will gently release the aroma, making your clothes subtly scented and enjoyable.
A Final Word on Natural Dryer Sheets
As you can see, you have many options for alternatives if you’re looking to switch from conventional dryer sheets to a more natural option. Whether you prefer a natural dryer sheet or something with a specific purpose, such as eliminating static — you have choices.
And remember, experiment! It may take some tinkering to figure out which solution works best for your lifestyle, needs, budget, and preferences. If something doesn’t work for you, pass along the remainder of the product to a friend or neighbor via a local Buy Nothing Group.
