30 Mar Dryer Sheet or Fabric Softener; Which one Is Better?

In addition to the cleanliness of the clothes, other factors are vital for us, Like the beautiful smell of clothes after washing and not having electricity. Therefore, we use materials such as softeners and dryer sheets when washing and drying. Have you ever thought about dryer sheets and fabric softeners? Which one should you choose? Both soften clothes, reduce static electricity and wrinkles and keep clothes fresh. Despite the advertisements and praises, you should know that these materials aren’t suitable for clothes. This article explains why we should avoid using every fabric softener and a dryer sheet.

What Are the Uses of Fabric Softeners?

Fabric softeners have many advantages; Therefore, their use is widespread among families.

• They perfume clothes with different scents, so you can find your favourite fragrance by searching.
• Fabric softeners reduce static electricity and wrinkles in clothes.
• They soften the clothes and remove them from stiffness.
• Some fabric softeners protect clothes from stretching, fading, or pilling.

In What Cases Shouldn’t You Use Fabric Softener?

• Don’t apply fabric softener to towels; they reduce their absorption power and efficiency.
• You shouldn’t use fabric softeners for waterproof clothing or microfiber fabrics. Sportswear should absorb your sweat and body odour during exercise; fabric softener will significantly disrupt this process.
• In addition, you shouldn’t use fabric softeners for sleepwear or fireproof clothes; it hurts their efficiency.
• Fabric softener isn’t suitable for clothes containing synthetic fibres.
• This material isn’t suitable for children’s clothes. Firstly, because children’s clothes are fireproof, babies have sensitive skin, and conditioners usually contain strong chemicals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fabric Softener

Using fabric softener isn’t always necessary. Even if you’re a big fan of softeners, You should know that sometimes you shouldn’t use them.

1. Advantages

• Keep the fabrics soft.
• Reduce wrinkles.
• The fabric softener lowers the static electricity of the clothes.
• It can protect clothes from rubbing together and the risk of erosion.
• They are fragrant and make the clothes fragrant.
• They are used along with detergents to complete the washing process.

2. Disadvantages

• Fabric softeners are generally made with solid chemicals; Hence, they cause skin irritation and breathing problems.
• Softeners can destroy properties such as moisture-wicking or fire resistance in clothing.
• They usually collect clothes.
• Fabric softeners are harmful to the environment.

What Are the Uses of Drying Sheets?

A dryer sheet is an excellent alternative to fabric softeners. Unlike fabric softeners, dryer sheets are placed in the dryer, not the washing machine. In fact, before turning on the dryer, you should throw them in the dryer along with your clothes. In the following, we discuss the applications of dryer sheets.

• Dryer sheets, like fabric softeners, prevent the accumulation of static electricity on clothes.
• They make the clothes wet and fresh. Dryer sheets are available in two types: odourless and scented. Scented dryer sheets make the clothes moist and fresh. At the same time, some dryer sheets can fight the foul smells of clothes and not just cover them.
• They soften clothes. Dryer sheets are made with fabric softeners (such as fatty acids). The heat of the dryer causes the softening materials to spread on the clothes, resulting in fresh clothes.
• In addition, dryer sheets can be used for dusting, cleaning the iron and refreshing the wardrobe.

Why Aren’t Clothes Dryer Sheets a Good Option?

These sheets are made of fibres covered with stearic acid, a type of acid from the family of fatty acids. Various perfumes and chemical substances are sometimes added to these sheets. When you put these sheets together with the clothes in the dryer, the heat causes the stearic acid to melt, and this acid sits on the clothes as a layer, reducing their electricity and making them soft. There have been no problems so far.

The problem starts from where the acid layers don’t stick to the clothes. Instead, they stick to different parts of the dryer, and the filter is also covered with these materials. Over time, these materials accumulate on the filter, and eventually, the filter hardens in place, so you can’t remove it. The sticky layers of dryer sheets block the filter holes. In addition, when you take the clothes out of the dryer, you may see lint clinging to the surface of the clothes. Usually, the air that flows in the dryer removes lint from the clothes, But when the filter holes are blocked, air doesn’t flow, and lint remains on the clothes.

When Shouldn’t You Use a Dryer Sheet?

• Since dryer sheets contain the same chemicals as fabric softeners, they aren’t allowed to be used on some fabrics like softeners.
• Don’t use dryer sheets for towels Because they reduce their absorption power.
• Never use dryer sheets for microfiber fabrics, waterproof, or sports clothing; they reduce their absorption power.
• Using dryer sheets for nightwear and fireproof clothes isn’t recommended Because it reduces the resistance of clothes against fire.
• Dryer sheets aren’t suitable for clothes containing synthetic fibres Unless the instructions on their packaging allow it. In this case, you should use a dryer with low heat.
• Never use dryer sheets to dry children’s clothes; they reduce fire resistance. In addition, babies have sensitive skin, and dryer sheets contain strong chemicals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets have advantages and disadvantages; Therefore, it’s better to familiarize yourself with them before adding them to your shopping list.

1. Advantages

• They are effortless and don’t need a measuring cup like softeners.
• They make the clothes smell good
• These products are affordable.
• It makes the clothes soft.
• Dryer sheets reduce static electricity and wrinkles in clothes.

2. Disadvantages

• Like a layer, they cover the surface of the clothes and collect on them.
• Dryer sheets contain strong chemicals that may cause skin and respiratory irritation.
• They’re disposable and can’t be used again, Although some are degradable.
• They reduce the water absorption and fire resistance of clothes.

Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheet

• Fabric softeners and dryer sheets usually soften clothes, reduce static electricity and wrinkles, and deodorize clothes. However, dryer sheets and conditioners contain strong chemicals that can cause headaches, asthma attacks, and skin irritation.
• Although some react to both chemicals, it doesn’t apply to everyone. Not all people have adverse reactions to these substances. For such people, the advantages of these substances outweigh the disadvantages; therefore, each choice depends on you.
• So, let’s compare some features of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Just note that the products of various brands are different; therefore, you may not find all these features in one product. For example, if we use the word “sometimes” when introducing the characteristics of these products, it means that these features are found in a handful of products and aren’t standard features.

Alternatives to Fabric Softener

If you don’t like fabric softener, You can try other ingredients. It’s better to look for more natural alternatives.

• Baking Soda: Before washing clothes, add half a cup of baking soda to the softener compartment of the washing machine.
• White Vinegar: At the beginning of the washing process, pour half a cup of white distilled vinegar into the softener compartment of the washing machine.
• Homemade Fabric Softener: Make a homemade fabric softener by mixing two cups of Epsom salt, half a cup of baking soda, and 40 drops of essential oil. Every time you rinse your clothes pour two to three tablespoons of it into the softener compartment of the washing machine.
• Don’t Use Fabric Softener: Don’t forget that you can skip fabric softener altogether. Using fabric softener most of the time isn’t necessary, and your clothes will clean well without it. Repeat this process a few times to get used to it.

Alternatives to Dryer Sheets

There are alternatives for dryer sheets that are less toxic and reusable:

• Dryer Balls: Dryer balls are currently prevalent because they don’t contain chemicals and are as effective as dryer sheets. Plus, they’re reusable.
• Aluminium Foil: Make some aluminium foil in a baseball shape and put it in the dryer with your clothes. In addition to adding volume to your clothes, it also softens them.
• Drying Clothes Outside and Exposed to the Air: This work reduces static electricity and wrinkles in clothes, making them moist and fresh.

The Last Word

Using dryer sheets or fabric softeners depends on your preferences. It’s easier to use dryer sheets and, simultaneously, cheaper. However, depending on your chosen brand, fabric softeners may have additional benefits. Also, don’t forget that both have strong chemicals, So it’s better to look at the alternative options. Or you can wash your clothes without using them; without any problems. If you don’t have the opportunity or patience to wash your clothes, you can count on the specialized NeatEx team. With the most advanced tools and the latest knowledge, we will deliver your clothes of the best quality as soon as possible. Don’t damage your valuable clothes with improper washing. NeatEx washes your clothes in the best way and ensures you have clean and tidy clothes.