Eco Friendly Dryer Sheets

Eco Friendly Dryer Sheets

We all love clothes that smell clean. However, did you know there are some real drawbacks to conventional dryer sheets and fabric softener? Eco friendly dryer sheets are the alternative.

Reasons to DIY or Buy Clean & Sustainable:

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Traditional dryer sheets contain chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can harm the environment when disposed of. Eco-friendly dryer sheets use natural and biodegradable ingredients, reducing the ecological footprint.

2. Healthier for Users: Synthetic fragrances and chemicals in traditional dryer sheets can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Eco-friendly alternatives are typically free from these harmful substances, making them safer for people to use, especially those with sensitivities or allergies.

3. Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly dryer sheets are often made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled paper, or organic cotton. By opting for these materials, consumers support sustainable practices and reduce the demand for virgin resources.

4. Energy Efficiency: Some eco-friendly dryer sheets are designed to improve the efficiency of drying clothes, thereby reducing energy consumption. This helps lower utility bills and decreases the overall environmental impact associated with energy production.

5. Biodegradability: Traditional dryer sheets contribute to landfill waste because they are typically not biodegradable. In contrast, eco-friendly dryer sheets are made from biodegradable materials, which break down naturally over time, reducing waste accumulation.

6. Minimal Chemical Exposure: Eco-friendly dryer sheets often contain fewer chemicals and artificial additives compared to conventional ones. This means less exposure to potentially harmful substances for both humans and the environment.

How to Make Zero Waste Dryer Sheets:

Note: Vinegar has a potent scent, but it evaporates during the drying process, leaving just the light smell of essential oils.

Supplies

4+ pieces of clean cloth (small towels, washcloths, rags, cloth scraps, etc)
1 cup white vinegar
25+ drops high quality essential oil (my faves for laundry are lavender, geranium, sandalwood and eucalyptus)
Glass storage container with lid (I use a 32oz mason jar)

Directions

Place the pieces of cloth in your container.
Mix your vinegar and essential oils in a separate bowl.
Pour over cloth in jar until moistened, but not dripping with saturation. Keep any excess vinegar mix in another lidded mason jar for the next round.
Use one cloth in the dryer per load of laundry.
Repeat the process after the cloths have been dried, and run through the wash every 2-3 weeks depending on usage (or when you’re ready to change scents).

TIP: I keep a second set of clean cloths on backup to rotate in while I wash the first set.

Let me know in the comments what you think!

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