So as we were sitting around after our Thanksgiving dinner, the topic of “best things to get at the dollar store” came up. And my son mentioned that the best thing he liked buying at the dollar store was dryer sheets.
This was my inspiration to finally get this topic on my blog.
I have never been a great fan of strong scents and most dryer softeners are crazzzzy strong. I know, I know, the fragrance is associated with cleanliness.
First, let me say as far as the FDA stands, they are generally “recognized as safe.’’ However, so is your Red Bull or BANG. That said, I am a big advocate for living a mostly healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Besides being so picky with the fragrance that I choose to enter my body, the main reason I choose to use wool dryer balls or nothing at all is because of the many harmful chemicals such as:
-BPA
-Benzyl Acetate
-Benzyl Alcohol
-Ethyl Acetate
-Limonene
-Linalool
-Phthalates
-QUATS (quaternary ammonium compounds) which is linked to asthma.
-Stearic acid
Health problems ranging from a headache, lightheadedness, asthma, and fatigue, to serious organ and central nervous system damage, and even cancer.
Still not convinced?
To all my Fit Family, with 90% of our laundry being workout wear, fabric softener and dryer sheets shouldn’t be used with athletic sportswear, spandex & nylon garments.
With all that Stearic acid coating your lulus you are disabling the wicking capabilities.
A big price to pay for already big priced items!
Alternatives:
-Try using baking soda in the wash cycle to soften clothes
-Add a quarter cup of white vinegar (does the dollar store carry vinegar and baking soda??).
-Wool dryer balls are my pick! These little gems are natural, chemical-free and inexpensive. Like your costly dryer sheets, they eliminate static, cut down the drying time by 8-10 minutes, soften clothes, and help to heat the dryer faster.
To use, put in 3-6 wool balls in the dryer with one drop of a doTERRA essential oil (you can purchase oils here) of your choice on each ball (I like to use grapefruit or lavender). Clothes come out with a great, natural scent and no static cling. You can purchase wool dryer balls here.