Dryer sheets are designed to neutralize static, soften your clothes, and infuse your laundry with a luxurious scent.
Ever unload your dyer, only to find a lump of laundry that’s wrinkly, stiff, and charged with enough static electricity to power a small city? Chances are you’re missing out on the magic of dryer sheets (or you’re just not using them the right way).
Let’s start with the basics: Dryer sheets are small slips made of polyester fibers coated with a blend of fabric softener, fragrance, and lubricants. They’re the unsung hero of every laundry cycle that tames static, fights wrinkles, and leaves your clothes smelling irresistible.
In this article, we drop all the details about dryer sheets, including how they work, whether you really need them, and how to use them like a pro.
What Do Dryer Sheets Do?
Let’s unpack five clutch benefits that dryer sheets deliver:
Make Your Laundry Smell Amazing
The fibers in dryer sheets are infused with fragrances. When they heat up in the dryer, the fragrance is released and infused into your clothes, giving them a sexy scent.
Speaking of which—are you bored with laundry that smells like…laundry? We don’t blame you. That’s why we made luxury scented dryer sheets with natural and responsibly sourced ingredients like Australian Sandalwood, Indonesian Patchouli, and Siberian Pine.
Prevent Static Cling
Dryer sheets minimize static cling by absorbing static electricity that forms when fabrics rub against each other during your dryer cycle. They neutralize the positive and negative electrons that make clothes cling together.
Pretty high-tech, huh?
Reduce Wrinkles
Dryer sheets relax the fibers of your clothes as they dry, reducing the risk of wrinkles. That means you can waste less time ironing.
Gently Soften Clothes
Dryer sheets release a tiny amount of fabric softener onto your laundry as it dries, leaving them as soft and fluffy as a cloud when the cycle is finished.
Prevent Pet Hair and Lint Buildup
By reducing static electricity, dryer sheets prevent pet hair and lint from sticking to your clothes.
Are Dryer Sheets Necessary?
Dryer sheets aren’t 100% necessary—you can still dry your clothes without them. That said, if you skip dryer sheets altogether, you might find yourself dealing with some all-too-familiar headaches when it’s time to unload and fold:
- Lint stuck to your clothes
- Wrinkly clothes
- Stiff fabrics
- Garments clinging together
How to Use a Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets are dummy-proof, and they’re compatible with both gas and electric dryers. Here’s how to use them.
Use One Sheet Per Load
For a standard load of laundry, you only need one dryer sheet. Use two sheets for extra large loads or if you have a high-capacity dryer.
Place the Dryer Sheet On Top of Your Laundry
Toss a fresh dryer sheet directly on top of your clothes and start your dryer cycle.
Pro tip: don’t overload your dryer with laundry—this can trap your dryer sheets in one place and prevent it from working its magic.
Discard the Dryer Sheet After Each Cycle
Toss the used laundry sheet in the trash after each cycle. All that’s left to do is bask in the glory of that sensational scent.
Can You Use Dryer Sheets on All Types of Clothing?
You’re in the clear to use dryer sheets with most types of clothing, including cotton. However, there are a few types of fabrics that don’t respond well to dryer sheets, including:
- Microfiber towels: The coating on dryer sheets can make towels less absorbent
- Moisture-wicking clothes: Dryer sheets might interfere with the moisture-wicking ability of workout clothes or athletic wear
- Water-repellent fabric: The softeners from dryer sheets can cause fabrics to lose their ability to repel water
- Flame-resistant fabric: Dryer sheets can interfere with flame-resistant fabrics, like kids’ pajamas
To play it safe, check the care instructions on your garment before tossing it in the dryer with a dryer sheet.
What Can You Use Instead of Dryer Sheets?
The top alternative to dryer sheets is reusable wool dryer balls. Whether you have sensitive skin or just don’t feel like drying different types of clothes separately, dryer balls are a game-changer.
Wool dryer balls naturally reduce static by absorbing humidity at the beginning of the drying cycle, then releasing a little bit at the end. Bonus: they can cut your drying time in half. That’s a win-win for you and your electric bill.
Pick up a 6-pack of XL natural wool dryer balls.
Treat Your Laundry to Luxury Scented Dryer Sheets
The dryer sheets at your supermarket are loaded with mystery chemicals that smell like your grandma’s laundry room in the 90s. Forget “fresh linen” and “outdoor fresh” (whatever that means).
We crafted the world’s best-smelling dryer sheets that come in four sophisticated, responsibly-sourced scents:
Say goodbye to static and hello to the sexiest load of laundry you’ve ever done.
