Help - dryer sheets or fabric softner?

michelle_1221 · December 2011

I'm finally beginning some of the babies things, and am using All Free detergent. What can I use for a fabric softner? Can I use a fragarent free dryer sheet? TIA

Sascha3 · December 2011

I was going to ask this same thing, lol. Thanks! I did a couple loads and they are so static-y.

MrsMeMo · December 2011

We're not using any fabric softener on the babies clothes - from what i've read the residue it leaves behind reduces the effectiveness of the flame retardants on baby clothes.

Rileyrenee · December 2011

We're not using any. The chemicals left behind are not good for LO.

shotzie · December 2011

Neither. Dryer sheets are actually really toxic for anyone. We use wool dryer balls. You can even use tennis balls in the dryer. The key to avoiding static is not to over dry the clothes. And like pp said, dryer sheets ruin the flame retardant properties in the baby clothes.

twocents6708 · December 2011

We don't use either at our house. Dryer balls are wonderful - decrease drying time, soften clothes, and best of all they do not have chemicals.

namara5532 · December 2011

I actually use a splash of white vinegar for a natural fabric softener. It doesn't leave a harmful residue, and the clothes come out soft and static free. Plus it makes everything smell nice (as long as you don't use too much).

mrs_kelly1014 · December 2011

shotzie:
Neither. Dryer sheets are actually really toxic for anyone. We use wool dryer balls. You can even use tennis balls in the dryer. The key to avoiding static is not to over dry the clothes. And like pp said, dryer sheets ruin the flame retardant properties in the baby clothes.

I agree with everything she said. We also use wool dryer balls and they are awesome and cut down on drying time too which is an added bonus.

PsyDr04 · December 2011

I'm using All Free and Clear detergent and white vinegar as a fabric softener. I just pour some in the downy fabric softener ball I have, toss it in and the beginning of the wash cycle, and voila!

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

twocents6708:
We don't use either at our house. Dryer balls are wonderful - decrease drying time, soften clothes, and best of all they do not have chemicals.

Ditto! I just switched over a few weeks ago and I love them. I bought mine on Etsy from Clean Sypria and she was a dream to work with.

VABride2008 · December 2011

I use vinegar and lavendar essential oils as a fabric softener for all of our clothes.

summer1117 · December 2011

I couldn't find the seventh generation fragrance-free dryer sheets in store so I just washed the baby laundry last night wtih the method baby dryer sheets. Since it is a "natural" product, I hope it will be ok! The clothes don't really have a strong scent- maybe just slightly sweet.

kms34 · December 2011

We dont' use any commercial fabric softener or dryer sheets on any of our clothes. You can use a vinegar and essential oil mixture in lieu of fabric softener and wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. Both are WAY cheaper and so gentle on sensitive skin.

shortstuff15 · December 2011

shotzie:
The key to avoiding static is not to over dry the clothes.

This is not true in all areas. I could leave my clothes slightly wet & they still would be staticy because of the lack of humidity in our area. I have tried everything but fabric softener is literally the only thing (dryer sheets don't even work) that keeps the static away, so I use fabric softener on every load.

Want a personalized experience?

Help - dryer sheets or fabric softner?

Re: Help - dryer sheets or fabric softner?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards