Everyone hates pulling their clothes out of the dryer to find a bundle of static shock ridden fabric. Do you use dryer sheets? Most people do, but did you know that they are loaded with toxic chemicals that can harm your health?

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to commercial laundry products: you can make your own or buy green, chemical-free, health-friendly alternatives. It is time to ditch your dryer sheets and other chemical laundry products! Are you with me? 

The Reason to Ditch Dryer Sheets

Artificial Fragrances

Dr. Anne Steinemann and her research team at the University of Madison became interested in the artificial perfumes and fragrances in laundry products, such as detergents and dryer sheet. They conducted a small study to understand the effects of these fragrances. What they learned is that over 25 VOCs are emitted from dryer vents with high concentrations of acetaldehyde, acetone and ethanol.  

How bad is it? Just imagine that acetaldehyde, one of the carcinogenic VOCs, had emissions that equal to 3% of the total acetaldehyde emissions from cars in that local. To cause this much harm with laundry is a major problem. (1, 2)

List of Harmful Chemicals in Fabric Softeners

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) list produced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help you to understand the harms chemicals in your fabric softeners and laundry products can cause (4, 5, 6, 7):

1. Alpha-Terpineol has been linked to nervous system and brain disorders, headaches, depression and loss of muscle control.
2. Benzyl acetate can lead to pancreatic cancer.
3. Chloroform is a carcinogenic, neurotoxic and anesthetic substance that can harm your brain, leading to loss of consciousness, headaches, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness.
4. Benzyl alcohol can irritate your central nervous system and lead to dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and nausea.
5. Ethanol is also linked to central nervous system disorders.
6. Ethyl Acetate can cause migraines.
7. Pentane can lead to headaches, fatigue, nausea, depression, drowsiness and dizziness.
8. Linalool can cause nervous system and brain disorders, depression and loss of muscle coordination.

Alternatives to Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

There are various natural ways you can keep your clothes clean and soft without harming your health, including:

• Wool dryer balls
• Adding ½ cup of vinegar to your wash
• Reusable, chemical-free dryer sheets
• Eco-friendly, organic, scent-free, chemical-free fabric softeners

Try this natural fabric softener recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of vinegar
• 1 cup baking soda
• 20 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender or peppermint work great!)

Directions:

• Pour your vinegar into a large bowl or pot.
• Add your essential oil. Mix well.
• Add your baking soda and let it fizz until settled.
• Store it in any jar or container you prefer.
• Use ½ – 1 cup per laundry load instead of your regular softener.

There are also natural alternatives to commercial laundry detergents you can use:

• Nut soap
• Make your own detergent using borax, washing soda, grated bar soap and essential oils (there are many specific recipes on the internet)
• Eco-friendly, organic, scent-free, chemical-free laundry detergents

Protect your health and the environment by staying away from toxic, chemical-filled, commercial laundry products and using natural and green alternatives instead.

What natural alternatives do you use instead of commercial laundry and other household products? Do you make your own products? We would love to hear your tips and homemade product recipes.