Nowadays, as explained on Live Love Fruit, we are exposed (on the daily!) to hundreds of different toxins and though we cannot remove every one of them, there are things we can do to minimize our exposure.
Believe it or not, sometimes, it is as easy as switching from one item to another, for example, going from store-bought dryer sheets to DIY ones. Unfortunately, exposure to the toxins found in the store-bought variants has been associated with neurological illnesses, hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, as well as cancer. If you still have doubts about whether you should continue using store-bought dryer sheets or not, make sure you continue reading this article!
Good Reasons Why You Should Throw Away Dryer Sheets
Until now, there have been no laws that require from manufacturers of dryer sheets to list the chemicals they use in the process of making. Despite what you see on the label, this product may include toxins which will build up in your body and negatively affect your nervous system.
According to a study, more than 25 volatile air pollutants are being released from dryer sheets when they are heated. And, since they are coming out of a dryer vent, they are not regulated, as it is the case with tail pipes or smokestacks. Another study indicates that the fumes from dryer sheets can lead to nose, eye, throat, and lung irritation.
Safe Alternatives to Store-Bought Dryer Sheets
Without doubt, you can find a lot of substitutes for dryer sheets which will not just save you money, but ensure you have clothes and a home that are free of toxic fumes. Let us take a look at the best ones:
- During the wash or rinse cycle in the washing machine, add a quarter cup of vinegar
- Use a green fabric softener like those by Seventh Generation or opt for brands that rely on vegetable-based surfactants, natural scents, and salt
- When you remove clothes from the dryer, shake them out to eliminate static
- Prepare your own DIY wool dryer balls
How to Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls
According to Mommy Potamus, you will need the following items:
- 2 to 3 skeins of 100 percent wool yarn
- Large-eyed felting needle or paint key
- Pantyhose
Instructions: With the index and middle fingers, make a small V and then wrap the yard around them 10 to 15 times and then remove the fingers from it. Next, pinch the middle of the yarn and wrap the center 10 to 15 times and switch the direction and wrap some more to get a fuzzy lump of coal. Continue with the wrapping until you create a ball, which may appear more egg-shaped at first (do not worry, you will get there with practice!) and stop when you get the wanted size. This is when you need to grab the loose end of the yarn and weave it into the ball’s exterior with the pain key or the needle. Slide it under a few threads and then wrap the tail around the key’s tip a couple of times before you pull it through. Repeat several times until the tail is woven in well. Cut off any unused yarn.
Use: Toss them in the dryer with wet clothes.
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