The Best Fabric Softener Alternative

Do you have sensitive skin, or allergies to certain fragrances and chemicals?

Want to save money and reduce effort when washing your laundry?

Then you may want to find a good alternative to the dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners that you’ve been using when you wash your laundry. The good news is there are many options to choose from, but the bad news is that it can be complicated to decide which one is best for you. You’ll have to weigh the costs and benefits of each option, and then make a choice based on your individual wants and needs.

Is the fragrance added most important, or is it the reduction in static? Do you want to just save money, or is it important to make an Eco-friendly choice? Each alternative will be slightly different, so the best one for you will depend on what you care about most.

Continue reading below to discover all of the things you can use instead of regular fabric softeners. Once you have a detailed comparison, it’ll be easy to decide on the method or product that is best for you.

Why Use Fabric Softeners?

Most people use some sort of product or technique to soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles when washing their laundry. They do this because they like the look, feel, or scent of their clothing when they do. The most commonly used product is either a store-bought box of dryer sheets, or a bottle of liquid softener.

When added to a load of laundry, these products will make fabrics look and feel better, and they will also add fragrance to make them smell nice. However, these traditional fabric softeners are not without their risks, and they can pose potential dangers to your health and the environment. They are also quite expensive, so when compared to more renewable options you’ll end up paying more. In this article, we will explore the dangers of fabric softeners and dryer sheets and provide some alternative solutions.

Common Chemicals Found in Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

Not every product is the same, and ingredients will vary, but there is some stuff that is commonly found in a wide variety of fabric softeners. You’ll have to check the package to know what’s in any specific product, but the list below will detail some commonly found chemicals that you may be looking to avoid. Although many people have no problem with the ingredients in these products, some people will have reactions, while others may just want to avoid them due to the environmental impact.

One thing is for sure: One of the biggest concerns with fabric softeners and dryer sheets remains the chemicals and other strange ingredients that they contain. Many of these products are made by using a variety of chemicals that can be harmful to our health. Check the list below to learn about some of the possible ingredients, and why you may want to avoid them.

1. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats):

These are chemicals that are used as a disinfectant and fabric softener. They have been linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.

2. Perfumes and Fragrances:

Many traditional products contain artificial fragrances that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. These fragrances are also known to contain phthalates, which are used as a plasticizer to help make the fragrance last longer. Phthalates have been linked to a number of health concerns, including reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even cancer.

3. Chloroform:

This is a chemical that can be released when fabric softeners and dryer sheets are used. Chloroform is a known carcinogen and can cause liver and kidney damage.

4. Benzyl acetate:

This is a chemical that is commonly used in fabric softeners and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is also a known carcinogen.

5. Ethanol:

This is a solvent that is commonly used, and it can cause skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems.

Health Risks Associated with Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

Although many people can use fabric softeners with every load and have no problem, other people can be immediately affected. Over time, the use of these products may be harmful to anyone, so if you are experiencing any of the health problems listed below, it could be related to the ingredients in your fabric softener. The chemicals in fabric softeners and dryer sheets can pose a variety of health risks, including:

1. Respiratory problems:

When you breathe the ingredients as they are released into the air, they can cause irritation. It may be while the load is washing or drying, but it could also be later on, when you are wearing the clean clothes. The chemicals compounds can irritate the lungs and cause breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

2. Skin irritation:

When the ingredients touch your skin, they can cause instant problems for some people. Those with sensitive skin may be immediately affected when wearing clothes washed with fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Prolonged contact can cause skin irritation, rashes, and hives, especially for people with sensitive skin.

3. Dizziness or Headaches:

The fragrances can combine with other ingredients to cause reactions in certain people. These people may have a light headache with prolonged exposure, or it may be more severe to include a dizzy feeling. When used in high concentrations, this reaction can be more common.

4. Allergic Reactions:

Exposure to the ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, including asthma attacks.

5. Hormone Disruption:

Phthalates, which are commonly found in artificial fragrances, can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive problems.

Environmental Risks Associated with Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

When you use fabric softeners in your load of laundry, you are not only posing a risk to yourself, you may also be harming the environment in the process. Depending on the version that you are using, the environmental impact of your preferred laundry product may be something to consider. The chemicals in the products you use will rinse away down the drain, and from there they can move on to pollute the environment. When considering whether or not to choose an alternative, make sure to consider the environmental impact of traditional options which include:

1. Water pollution:

The chemicals in fabric softeners and dryer sheets can enter our waterways and pollute our water supply, which can harm aquatic life and cause other environmental problems.

2. Air pollution:

The chemicals in fabric softeners and dryer sheets can contribute to air pollution when they are released into the air during use.

3. Land pollution:

The packaging for fabric softeners and dryer sheets can contribute to landfill waste, which can harm the environment and contribute to climate change.

Other Reasons To Avoid Traditional Fabric Softeners

The chemicals are reason enough to think about using an alternative to traditional fabric softeners, but there are some other good reasons to consider too. If you don’t care as much about the possible harm from the chemicals, or if you can’t live without the scent, maybe one of the reasons below will convince you to go with a different option.

1. Increased Risk of Fire:

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are flammable and can pose a fire hazard if not used properly. For example, if a dryer sheet gets trapped in the lint filter or the dryer vent, it can easily catch fire and cause a dangerous situation. Additionally, if fabric softener is applied directly to the fabric, it can also pose a fire risk.

2. Reducing the Effectiveness of Flame Retardants:

Flame retardants are chemicals that are added to certain fabrics, such as children’s pajamas, to help prevent them from catching fire. However, when these fabrics are washed with fabric softeners or dryer sheets, the chemicals in the product can coat the fabric and reduce the effectiveness of the flame retardants. This can pose a serious safety risk, especially for children’s clothing.

3. Reduces Absorbency:

When used for long periods, fabric softening products will coat fabrics to leave an invisible residue that doesn’t go away. This coating will affect the material over time, and make it less absorbent. This same action will also decrease the performance of certain types of cleaning cloths. If you are washing towels and other stuff that you want to remain absorbent, you may want to switch the product you are using.

4. Expensive and Wasteful:

When you choose traditional products you will pay a high price, and you will have to buy more soon. Regular softening products are meant to be replaced, so you’ll run out periodically, and you’ll have to buy more. With dryer sheets, you’ll be tossing one out with each load of wash, and with liquids you’ll have several empty bottles to throw away each year. Many alternatives are way longer lasting, so you’ll easily pay less and throw away less in comparison.

5. Extra Effort:

With dryer sheets you have to remember to add one to each load before you start the dryer, and with liquid you have to catch the washing machine at the right time. Decrease effort and attention when you choose something else. You can easily find an option that requires no effort, but works just as well.

Alternatives to traditional fabric softeners

The Best Fabric Softener Alternatives

Now that we’ve discussed the down-side of fabric softeners and dryer sheets, let’s explore some alternative solutions for those looking to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, or just find a better solution. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets have been popular laundry products for decades. However, they contain chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment, they are expensive, and they require effort and attention to use correctly. Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives that can help soften clothes, reduce static, and add fragrance without the use of toxic chemicals.

1. Wool Dryer Balls

One of the best alternatives to fabric softeners and dryer sheets is wool dryer balls. These are small balls made from 100% natural wool that you can toss in the dryer with your clothes. The balls help to fluff up your clothes and reduce static cling, while also softening fabrics naturally. Additionally, wool dryer balls can last for hundreds of loads, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

To use wool dryer balls, simply toss 3-4 balls in the dryer with your laundry. For added fragrance, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the balls before using them. Not only are wool dryer balls a natural alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets, but they also help to reduce drying time, which can save you money on your energy bills.

2. Vinegar

White vinegar is another natural alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Vinegar helps to soften clothes, reduce static, and remove odors without the use of harsh chemicals. Simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. The vinegar smell will dissipate during the drying process, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

If you’re concerned about your clothes smelling like vinegar, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the vinegar before adding it to the rinse cycle. Lavender, peppermint, and lemon essential oils are all great options for adding a natural fragrance to your laundry.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another natural alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. It helps to soften clothes, reduce static, and remove odors without the use of harsh chemicals. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. The baking soda will help to neutralize any odors and leave your clothes feeling soft and fresh.

4. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is a surprising alternative to dryer sheets. Simply crumple up a sheet of aluminum foil and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. The foil will help to reduce static cling and can be reused multiple times. This method works best for small loads of laundry and should not be used for large or bulky items like comforters or blankets.

5. Other Dryer Balls

In addition to wool dryer balls, there are other types of dryer balls made from natural materials like rubber or silicone. These balls can also be used to help soften clothes, reduce static, and decrease drying time. However, it’s important to choose dryer balls made from natural materials to avoid the use of synthetic chemicals.

6. Air Drying

Hanging your clothes outside can be one of the best ways to make them look great and smell great. This method is weather dependent, but it can work just as well as a dryer sheet in your dryer, but without any of the risks. You will have to take the effort to hang the laundry, and it will take longer to dry, but it is an effective alternative that works.

Stop worrying about the stuff you use to wash your clothes.

There are many reasons to consider an alternative to the fabric softener you are using now, but it can be a tough decision to make. It is possible to retain the benefits without exposing yourself to the risk, and you may just save money in the process. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment, and they are not very cost effective or convenient.

Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives that can help soften clothes, reduce static, and add fragrance without the use of toxic chemicals. From wool dryer balls to vinegar, baking soda, aluminum foil and dryer balls made of natural materials, there are plenty of options to choose from. By making the switch to natural alternatives, you can help protect your health and the environment while still achieving great results in your laundry routine.

Got a better way to avoid the harsh chemicals in traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets? If you use an alternative product or technique not mentioned here, use the comments section to share with everyone else.

Tried one of the tips mentioned here? We would love to hear your feedback. Let us know what worked, and let us know what didn’t.