newbie ?- dryer sheets ok?

kmhunt11

I need to do some research before baby gets here, but am doing laundry and am hoping for a quick answer.  I've heard fabric softener is bad, but what about dryer sheets?

Shortcake2675

No go on those either.  It's the stuff they leave on your clothes to make them soft that is the problem.  

And the residue they leave in your washer and dryer is bad too, so we don't use them at all anymore.   

Squishy622

Shortcake2675:

No go on those either.  It's the stuff they leave on your clothes to make them soft that is the problem.  

And the residue they leave in your washer and dryer is bad too, so we don't use them at all anymore.   

I just came here to post a question about this, but I'll piggyback if you don't mind, km!

Shortcake (or anyone else), did you actually go in and clean out your dryer to get rid of any potential residue, or did you just phase out dryer sheets? If so, just a good soap/water wipedown?

jmgcoggins

Squishy622:

Shortcake2675:

No go on those either.  It's the stuff they leave on your clothes to make them soft that is the problem.  

And the residue they leave in your washer and dryer is bad too, so we don't use them at all anymore.   

I just came here to post a question about this, but I'll piggyback if you don't mind, km!

Shortcake (or anyone else), did you actually go in and clean out your dryer to get rid of any potential residue, or did you just phase out dryer sheets? If so, just a good soap/water wipedown?

This is my question too. We've used dryer sheets and fabric softener since I don't remember when. I'm wanting to prep all my diapers and get them put up in her changing station, but I'm afraid to prep and can't find anything on this question...other than they are bad.  

FutureMrsCaesar

I am by no means an expert, but I made sure to do several (like 7-10) loads of laundry without using them before prepping my diapers.  I figured that would get it cleaned out and so far so good.

snoopy3319

I did an empty wash cycle with CD safe detergent. Then I did a few loads of laundry without any dryer sheets. We never had a problem. We also use dryer balls now, which seems to help the static, but by no means gets rid of it.

RouensDream

bbg676:

Dryer sheets are in the same vein as fabric softner (although I personally believe they are worse).  They coat your clothes with synthetic material that is incredibly flammable.  Throw a few dryer sheets into a fire and watch them explode (okay, don't do it, but I promise you they do explode).  Dryer fires caused by build-up are very common, especially if you have plastic vents.

Secondly - some of the chemicals in the dryer sheets, when heated, create a formaldehyde byproduct.  Many people out there use the sheets to line boats and windows to keep out rodents and insects during the winter.  If other living creatures are turned off by the sheets, I personally don't feel okay coating my clothes in them.

Look for dryer balls - the best ones have a hole in them and can be filled with a bit of water to help dewrinkle clothes (so utilitarian). 

If you still get static, here's a tip - static is usually indicative of overdrying.  Try reducing drying time by 5 min. intervals until you find the perfect time that dries but doesn't leave static.  I've been using dryer balls since September and I don't ever get static anymore. 

 

jesstellina

I use dryer sheets in laundry loads that are just clothing, not CD's or towels, and our CD's are fine.

Lynnette171

We use a natural dryer sheet generally, and I prepped several diapers using the dryer sheets before I knew better.  I have tested said diapers and have no absorbency issues.  That being said, I am not going to do it again, and bought some wool dryer balls off of etsy.