Do you think you’re allergic to your dryer sheets? If you’ve got rashes or blisters after wearing clothes that have been put through the dryer with these sheets, you may have allergies.
Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about hypoallergenic dryer sheets. We’ll talk about how dryer sheets cause allergies, ways to treat it, and provide you with some dryer sheets alternatives.
Let’s dive right in!
What are dryer sheets made of?
Before delving into the details, let’s get started with the basics.
Dryer sheets are essentially a polyester sheet that’s been covered in a fabric softener chemical that usually has a fragrance. The amount of fragrance used in dryer sheets can be a sizable amount and make up 10 per cent of the contents of the product.
How do dryer sheets work?
Using dryer sheets is easy! All you need to do is place a new dryer sheet on top of your clothes when you place them in the dryer.
The thin layer of fabric softener or lubricant on the dryer sheets are electronically conductive. When you run your clothes through the dryer, the heat will soften the sheets and allow the fabric softener coating to be transferred to your clothes.
With that, your clothes will come out feeling softer to the touch and have reduced static electricity in comparison to a normal drying cycle.
Dryer Sheets & Electrostatic Energy: Let’s Get Nerdy
Getting a bit technical here, the chemicals within the dryer sheet essentially target electrostatic charges and eliminate those that linger on the surface of fabrics. This results in zero shocks, and the complete elimination of static electricity.
Now that you know a little more about dryer sheets, let’s talk about dryer sheets and allergies.
What are the symptoms of a dryer sheet allergy?
If you’re allergic to dryer sheets, you can develop any one of these symptoms after wearing your clothes or touching the sheet itself:
- Red rashes
- Blisters
- Bumps
- Skin that’s dry, cracking or scaly
- Itching
- Burning skin
- Tender skin and swelling
How do you treat dryer sheet allergies?
A few things that can help you with a dryer sheet allergy include:
- Applying a steroid cream to help with relieving itching and inflammation
- An anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion that will soothe the skin
- Taking an antihistamine that can help with relieving the symptoms
- Taking an oatmeal bath
- Applying a wet compress
If you’ve got allergies, you’re probably wondering if there are hypoallergenic dryer sheets that you can purchase as an alternative.
Read on to find out more!
What are hypoallergenic dryer sheets?
These are essentially dryer sheets that don’t contain any harmful chemicals or fragrances. In short, they’re healthier options that will still provide your clothes with that added touch of softness.
What makes a good hypoallergenic dryer sheet?
When it comes to hypoallergenic dryer sheets, there are a few features you should look out for. They should be:
- Unscented and chemical-free
- Completely odorless
- Will not spot or stain your items
- Environmentally safe
- High-efficiency dryer safe
Best Hypoallergenic Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin
If you’re allergic to the dryer sheets that you currently have, consider looking into any of these hypoallergenic dryer sheets listed below.
1.
Grab Green
These Grab Green natural reusable dryer sheets are fragrance free, made without phosphates and phthalates, and don’t have any scents or dyes. They are also sustainable, compostable, and will remove static without the addition of any harsh additives, wax or animal-derived ingredients.
2.
PurEcoSheet
These 100% hypoallergenic dryer sheets are reusable and chemical-free. They’re also unscented and gentle on children’s clothing – a great addition to any home!
3.
All Fabric Sheet
If you’re looking for dryer sheets that leave your fabrics soft but are free of irritating residue, these are the dryer sheets for you. They’re completely free of dyes and perfumes, are hypoallergenic, and incredibly comfortable on the skin.
4.
Free & Clear
Finally, we’ve got Free & Clear dryer sheets that are hypoallergenic and free of any dyes or perfumes. They help in reducing wrinkles and static cling while providing long-lasting freshness.
What can I use instead of dryer sheets?
If you’re not keen on using dryer sheets, here are some substitutes that you can use:
- Try using vinegar on a washcloth
- Use baking soda during the wash cycle
- Utilise wool dryer balls
You can also choose to make your own dryer sheets with a few simple steps. All you need is some white vinegar, an essential oil of your choice, several pieces of cloth and a glass container that has a tight-sealing lid. Then, you’d just need to:
- Fold each cloth and place inside the container.
- Mix vinegar and essential oils separately.
- Pour the mix on the cloths until they’re damp but not soaking.
- When you’re ready to dry your laundry, remove one cloth and get rid of any excess vinegar by wringing it out before placing it in the dryer.
- Place the cloth back in the jar after each use and it’s ready for the next load.
- The combination of the vinegar and essential oils will provide your fabrics with that gentle softness while getting rid of any smells.
FAQS – You Ask, We Answer
Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions we’ve received.
Are dryer sheets hypoallergenic?
Dryer sheets on their own aren’t hypoallergenic as they’re usually made with chemicals and fragrances. There are however plenty of dryer sheets out there that are hypoallergenic.
How long do hypoallergenic dryer sheets last?
They’ll usually have your clothes smelling like laundry for over a month. If you ever need to refresh your clothes, you can just rub a sheet on your clothes.
Can I reuse hypoallergenic dryer sheets?
Technically you can! A sheet can usually be used around four times though make sure you check the instructions on the box.
Are there other ways for me to use dryer sheets?
Yes, there are. Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry, you can use them for so much more. Some things you can do with dryer sheets include:
- Refreshing stinky shoes and quieting sneaky soles
- Refreshing your gym bags or luggage
- Cleaning your car
- Freshening your trash can
- Taming flyaway hair (a seriously cool anti-static application!)
- Freshening a hotel room
We hope that this article gives you a comprehensive overview of hypoallergenic dryer sheets and what causes these allergies. By switching out to a hypoallergenic dryer sheet you should be able to alleviate any symptoms that stem from them and enjoy your fresh smelling clothes.
