Change One Thing Challenge
Ok, this week let’s talk about drying laundry. Specifically let’s talk about using dryer sheets.
In a perfect world we could all hang all our laundry outdoors to dry. Right now we have sub zero temperatures and lots of snow and ice, so that doesn’t work out too well. DO look for ways and means to hang some of the laundry inside. But, using the dryer, what do you do about dryer sheets? Do you think they are necessary? Are they healthy?
I’ve heard that there are a lot of toxins in dryer sheets, and also that they are a fire hazard. Here’s something to try. Since I rarely use dryer sheets I can’t try it. Someone said they pulled the lint trap from their dryer, and though it looked clean, when they held it under running water, the water beaded up on top, rather than draining through the mesh – it was coated with dryer sheet residue. If you try it – let me know how it goes for you!
One approach to saving on dryer sheets (It is a lot less expensive) is to keep a covered dish (like a margarine tub) of liquid softener in your laundry room with a few rags (like squares cut out of an old tshirt) in it. When putting a load in the dryer, wring out one of the rags, and toss it in with the laundry. The rag can be washed and re-used over and over again.
Taking clothes out before they are quite dry, and hanging them, will greatly cut down on the static, as well as curbing energy costs – whether your dryer is gas or electric.
Here’s another solution that I’ve seen online, and think I’m going to try – make your own woolen dryer balls. Here’s a tutorial. So here’s the challenge – reconsider just mindlessly buying and using dryer sheets – let me know your alternatives. And if you can’t live without your dryer sheets, at least try cutting them in half – half a sheet works just fine!
I don’t like using any fabric softener or dryer sheets at all. Our sensitive skin tends to rash when exposed to them. But if you do like them, you’ll need to wipe down the sensor (on your newer dryer) as the softening formula can build up and keep the dryer from telling when the clothes are done.
I’ve used the little plastic (PVC) dryer balls, but they made such a racket. I’ve tried little balls of aluminum foil too. Those worked well to break up the static, but I didn’t like the scraping sound they made.
These days, I’m adding plain white vinegar to the rinse dispenser cup on the washer. The clothes are coming out soft and fresh, with very little static. And vinegar I can afford!
I tried the water on the lint trap test once and the water ran through just fine. I use dryer sheets on a regular basis. Nothing else keeps down the static caused by our super dry climate as well as they do. I use them at least twice and then I use them in my sewing area for strip piecing, applique and as interfacing for buttonholes, etc. I’ve found liquid softener to be more expensive then dryer sheets as well.
I’ve used the white vinegar as well. I poured mine into the water when the washer is full during the rinse cycle. (Don’t pour it directly on clothing!) I really like it, especially for towels, which actually become less absorbent if you use dryer sheets with them. Right now I mostly use it for towels and sheets.
As for regular dryer sheets for clothing, I’ve been using Bounce FREE sheets – I hate perfumed sheets.
Oddly, our housing didn’t come with pre-built wash lines like the older military housing does. I am considering putting up a fence in the back yard to use for a gardening space, and if I do, I think I’ll also install two taller poles that I can use for a clothesline. The Japanese have clotheslines *everywhere*, on even the smallest apartment balconies – that makes it even stranger that the builder here didn’t put them in. (Barring that, maybe I’ll go hang my wash on the lines of the old housing across the street. LOL)
I’m guilty! I use dryer sheets. To save money though I cut them in half. A half of sheet works fine to control the static and make clothes soft (and even the towels stay absorbent). And in the summer I will use a half sheet more than once.
I do like the vinegar idea and think I will try it.
I confess I use dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener too! (but only in the winter int he summer i hang EVERYTHING outside right now the temp is 5 degrees so nothing would dry it would freeze solid and so would I!) I wash my lint trap screen once a month to clean it out. I tried vinegar but the static was still there. I am going to make some dryer balls but am, wondering if the noise would drive me crazy. I only use Downy and Bounce because of my allergies to all the others (and alot of the other scents give me a migraine too!) The only thing I dry in the winter without fabric softener are towels!
Yes, if you use dryer sheets it will build up on the lint filter of your dryer. This makes it harder on your dryer to dry your clothes and therefore costs your money in longer running times. It is also a fire hazard. Remedy: take out and wash with hot soapy water. Water will then run right through.
I haven’t used dryer sheets in years. I shake out the static as I’m folding clothes. I just decided about 15 years ago that I did not want to spend the money on dryer sheets. Laundry detergent is expensive enough as it is!
I have started putting 2 tennis balls into the dryer with the clothing. It keeps everything fluffy and does seem to cut down on the static. I learned this when I saw someone on TV reviewing the dryer balls you could buy. They said that these scored a B because they did work but you could use two tennis balls with the same price and less cost.
Sorry, that last line should say, “…with the same EFFECT and less COST.”
We also use vinegar in a downy ball. We also use a retractable clothes line to dry indoors. (My husband uses the dryer. I use the clothes line.)
No problems with static. No chemical smell from the dryer sheets. Plus, if the clothes are really stinky going in (such as when we have goats kidding or we are butchering chickens – we live on a farm) the vinegar gets the smell out like nothing else can. Just add a bit to the wash cycle as well as the rinse cycle.
I love this idea of diy wool balls. I forwarded the link to my sister, since she uses the plastic balls, but has lost one of them. I also use vinegar in the rinse cycle, and haven’t used the dryer sheets for years. (I used to cut them in half when I did use them.) Thanks for sharing all these neat tips.
I use dryer sheets more than once and will now try cutting them in half! Good idea!
Also, old dryer sheets are great for dusting electronics. They get the dust off relatively well (IF you’ve generally kept up with dusting them), BUT they work great at helping to repell the dust that often clings to electronics!
Someone mentioned how expensive laundry detergent is. With our large family, we decided to start making our own about 2 months ago. I just figured out that our family will spend a grand total of $18 on detergent supplies PER YEAR! And that’s for a family of 10, which includes a newborn, 1 baby and 1 toddler who’s still toilet training (translates to LOTS of laundry)! Not bad. If you’re interested in the recipe it can be found here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/carolinametzgers/635351/
Lisa Metzger
Helpmeet to Mark (financial planner), Keeper of Our Home, 2nd Generation Homeschool Mommy to 8 blessings:
Annalise (16 – adopted from Kazakhstan at 10), Kaitlyn (9), Ethan (8), Trey and Jake (6 1/2 & 4 – adopted from MO), Julia (3), Ellie Grace (14 months), & Judah Michael (Born on 12/26) and 5 babies with Jesus!
We use dryer sheets, but not in the dryer. My son is allergic to most bug sprays, so I made a cape out of 6 ALL free dryer sheets and binding. It kept the bugs away,lasted all season, and he was able to pretend to be a “super hero”.
Dryer sheets also work well in the sewing room. I use it to keep fabric (like plastic or vinyl) from sticking to the feed dogs. I put it on the underside of the fabric closest to the feed dogs, and it prevents lots of headaches! After sewing, I just tear it away.
1 box of dryer sheets have lasted for about 2 years and counting.
Kathy
A friend recently told me about adding vinegar to my clothes instead of using dryer sheets. She told me it would take several washes before the vinegar would soften my clothes. I ended up cutting the dryer sheets I had in half and using them until they were gone. At the same time, I started adding plain white vinegar to my clothes using the bleach compartment. My clothes are fresh and soft. I am amazed!! Another friend suggested adding a drop or two of essential oil to the vinegar. Sounds interesting. I wonder if it will work!
I just read about something that has been working really well for us. Get a spray bottle and some dedicated washcloths. I chose pink – not so dark that the color will run, not so light that I will lose it when it is with other towels (for the sake of convenience, most of our towels, kitchen and bath are white). Pour one part liquid fabric softener and 3 parts water into the spray bottle (I cheated – I used about 1 part softener and 2 parts water), and spray onto one of your dedicated wash cloths until cloth is slightly damp. Toss into dryer, and there you have it. Works wonderfully for us, and I can not imagine when I will need to purchase fabric softener again – could be months!
how much vinegar per load?