The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Dryer or fabric softener sheetscan be found in almost every laundry room.
But how do the sheets work and are they safe for clothes dryers?
How Do Dryer Sheets Work?
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Some sheets are made of natural or cellulose fibers that can be recycled.
The heat of the dryer softens the fabric softener, allowing the coating to transfer to fabrics.
It is this coating that makes clothes feel softer to the touch.
Are Dryer Sheets Good for All Fabrics?
The coating that is left on clothes is not ideal for all fabrics.
Children’s sleepwear is required by law to be flame-resistant.
The coating left by dryer sheets will make pajamas and nightgowns more flammable.
The coating alsoreduces the water-absorbencyof cotton and microfiber towels and reduces the moisture-wicking action ofathletic wear.
Do Dryer Sheets Harm My Dryer?
The use offabric softener dryer sheetswon’t permanently damage your dryer, but they may affect its operating efficiency.
And, when efficiency is reduced, your utility bills go higher.
This residue may clog the screen of the lint filter and reduce air circulation.
Good circulation is essential to getting clothes dried properly andhelps prevent overheating, which can lead to fires.
The dryer lint filter should be emptied after every load of clothes.
Rinse well and allow the screen to air dry before returning the filter to the dryer.
Always check to be sure the sheets are removed from the dryer with each load of clothes.
Dryer sheets can sometimes become stuck in the lint filter or over a vent and prevent proper airflow.
Dispose of the sheets properly to keep them away from children and pets.
The cycle operates using an electronic moisture sensor that is embedded in the dryer drum.
Dryer sheets can cause the electronic moisture sensor to become coated with chemical residue.
Dryer Sheet Tips
No, you do not need to use dryer sheets to dry clothes.
Clothes will dry fully without them.
Dryer sheets are used primarily to soften clothes, reduce static, and add fragrance.
Reusable wool dryer balls are a popular alternative to dryer sheets.
They prevent clothing from clumping together, which can reduce drying time.
Dryer balls can also minimize static and wrinkles.
Yes, dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener are essentially the same.
Dryer sheets have a fabric softener coating that transfers to laundry.
Both soften clothes, reduce static, and optionally add fragrance.
The fragrances often found in dryer sheets can be triggering for those with sensitive skin.
Dryer Sheet Ingredient Safety.
Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, Michigan State University.
