Ok, so one of the easiest things you can do to make a major dent in your toxin exposure is to stop using dryer sheets!
Even the majority of health-conscious individuals tend to overlook the toxins in laundry products.
I know it’s easy to do. The manufacturers cleverly avoid mentioning the accurate ingredient list used. They simply mention vague terms like ‘brighteners’ instead of listing the names of the actual chemicals used.
According to research, residues of such chemicals usually remain on clothing once they have been washed and this especially true in the case of scented products.
Chemical fragrances are known to increase the risk of asthma and other health issues.
Dryer Sheets And Their Toxins
Dryer sheets are created from polyester sheets that have been treated with fabric softeners and fragrant chemicals.
These chemicals coat the sheets with a layer that results in making your clothes feel softer and smell pleasant.
The top 7 chemicals that are commonly found in dryer sheets can have an impact on your central nervous system.
These chemicals include:
- Alpha-Terpineol – resulting in disorders of the central nervous system and might also cause a headache, depression, and muscular coordination loss.
- Benzyl Alcohol – result in depression, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and, in even death in severe cases.
- Camphor – can lead to convulsions, twitching, nausea, confusion, and dizziness. It is also included in EPA’s Hazardous Waste list.
- Chloroform – is carcinogenic and neurotoxic. It is also included in EPA’s Hazardous Waste list.
- Ethyl Acetate – might lead to narcosis (stupor), headaches, and is also included in EPA’s Hazardous Waste list.
- Linalool – is narcotic and might cause depression, a decrease in spontaneous motor activity, muscular coordination loss.
- Pentane – lead to consciousness loss, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and headaches.
Related: Easy DIY Lysol Recipes
What You Can Do Instead Of Using Dryer Sheets
When I learned about the toxins in dryer sheets I just quit using them. Cold turkey.
You see, my oldest had severe eczema and I needed to eliminate everything I knew to be a skin irritant.
I sometimes miss the smell of Downy but the tradeoff is worth it. One less batch of toxins to worry about.
So for the last 11 years, I’ve been using Cotton Dryer Balls with essential oils or homemade dryer sheets.
Cotton Dryer Balls
Since we are super busy I typically use Dryer Balls instead of making up the homemade dryer sheets. I found these really affordable ones on Amazon.
I bought a pack of 6. I kept 3 and gave 3 to a friend. These can be used over 1,000 times, they reduce static, and help your clothes dry quicker.
All you have to do is toss them in your dryer and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give your laundry whatever smell you like.
As an alternative to Amazon, I snagged this coupon code for you to use on Might Fix.
Get 3 Dryer Balls for only $3 with promo code, DRYERBALL3.
Related: 11 Super Easy Ways To Use Essential Oils To Clean Your Home
DIY Dryer Sheet Recipe
These sheets will be toxin-free, reusable, and leave your clothes feeling fresh and clean. The downside, you will have to do a little prep. I found the recipe on Pop Sugar.
Ingredients:
Vinegar – ½ cup
8 Drops Of Your Favorite Essential Oil
Cotton Cloths
Sealable container
Directions:
- Cut the cotton cloths (old linens or tee shirts) into small sections.
- In a bowl, add essential oil and vinegar. Mix well (essential oil will result in natural and gentle scent while vinegar is a natural softener).
- Pour this mixture on the cotton cloths. Ensure they are properly dampened but not completely soaked.
- Place them in a sealed container.
- When you want to use them, take one sheet from the container, squeeze out excess liquid, and place in the dryer.
- Once the clothes are dried, remove the sheet, and place it in the container to use later.
Will You Make The Switch?
So now that you’ve learned about the toxins in dryer sheets will you make the switch?
Sources:
http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=household#fabr
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/02/08/the_toxic_danger_of_fabric_softener_and_dryer_sheets.htm
