DIY Household Items: Dryer Sheets

I recently heard from a friend that dryer sheets are one of the most toxic household items.  I was a little surprised by this because they seem so simple, but I did a little research and found out that they are indeed highly toxic.  Here's a little blurp from a  website I found.

"And the bathroom is only the beginning: the laundry room is also highly toxic, containing the same chemical perfumes in both the laundry detergent and especially the dryer sheets. Dryer sheets coat all your clothes with a layer of toxic chemicals. When you wear those clothes, your body moisture causes those chemicals to come into contact with your skin and be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. It's an easy way to poison your system with cancer-causing chemicals."

And another from Green Living Tips:

 

"Most commercial dryer sheets are impregnated with all sorts of toxic chemicals including Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Chloroform and Linalool; none of which are good for the environment - or you. Some of these compounds are known carcinogens."

 

I knew that dryer sheets would have some chemical toxins in them but I didn't think about that when I wear my clothes those toxins were absorbing into my skin.  So with this new information, I set out to make my own chemical toxin free dryer sheets and they are so easy and cheap!

DIY Dryer Sheets

 

Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and add a few drops of essential oil- I prefer lavender and sandalwood.  

Hint: It may not seem like that you are adding enough essential oil but essential oils are highly concentrated and the heat will release the scent.  

 

Find an old cloth rag or a piece of soft fabric such as flannel.

 

When you are ready to throw clothes into the dryer, spray your cloth 4-6 times and toss into the dryer with your clothes.

 

 

It is that easy!  Your clothes will be so soft and smell good as well!  You can use the same cloth several times but wash it every so often to remove any buildup.

You can find essential oils at any health food store or you can purchase higher quality ones online.  Since I am not using it for it's properties and health benefits but rather for the scent, I just bought the cheaper ones : )   Here's a list of all the essential oils and what they are used for.