Dryer leaves are a commonly used laundry solution, but they are not the most respectful of the environment. For those looking for a sustainable and zero waste option, there are alternatives that you could find directly in your home.
These dryer leaf alternatives are affordable, work and help reduce your carbon footprint.
We have gathered a few options that will keep your clothes fresh while honoring the environment.
From essential oils to aluminum foil, you would be surprised by what you can do to embellish your linen loads.
Why use dryer leaves?
Dryer leaves are used for various reasons. Some of the most common uses include reducing static static, release of wrinkles, softening the fabric and adding a clean and fresh fragrance.
They are fast and practical, offering notable results with little effort. They work by transferring a solution (fabric softening agents, for example) found on the clothes with clothes while heating in the dryer, and voila, soft clothes that smell great!
Are the alternatives better?
Many of us want the clothes to feel fresh and feel fresh after washing, but at what price?
Traditional dryer leaves are often filled with toxic chemicals and synthetic perfumes.
Of course, these chemicals quickly make your clothes soft and smell the roses, but they also transfer these same chemicals to your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, sensitivities to hard chemicals, or if you simply prefer to be more concerned with the environment, traditional drying sheets may not be the best option for you.
Beyond personal health, single-use drying sheets are not biodegradable, which means that once used, they go directly to a discharge.
The transition to dryer leaf alternatives allows you to reduce chemical exposure and environmental impact. Many options available are profitable (or free) and are already available in your home.
So how will the alternatives of the dryer leaf help you throw chemicals and kiss naturalness? Continue to read!
Vinegar
Whenever we think of natural cleaning solutions, vinegar is generally at the top of the list. In addition, this is something that you can easily find in your kitchen.
To make this alternative drying sheet, apply a mixture of 1/2 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water on a cloth or cloth, then add it to the clothes during the drying cycle.
The use of vinegar will help your clothes feel clean and soft and minimize static.
And if you worry about a strong smell of vinegar, there is nothing to fear – there is no persistent fragrance, but a little essential oil can naturally offer a good boost of perfume.
Note: Make sure you avoid using vinegar if you have used bleach in your clothes due to any potential chemical reaction.
Baking soda
Soda bicarbonate is not only for the neutralization of odors in your refrigerator; It also works on clothes!
It naturally adapts to the pH levels of your water, working to eliminate odors, bacteria and help clothes feel softer. We recommend that you add 1/2 or 1/4 cup (depending on the size of the load) to the detergent before adding a detergent, then making your usual washing settings.
This alternative is an excellent option for these additional malodious laundry charges, in particular thanks to its power of bacteria. Just make sure you don’t mix with vinegar, otherwise your laundry will turn into a scientific project!
Ice
This is probably one of the easiest drying sheet alternatives on the list, as it uses the most easily available article in your home: water.
You just have to freeze a few ice cubes to advance this idea and add them for the last 15 to 20 minutes of your dryer cycle.
It probably seems counterattack to use ice cubes for all the reasons you might think, but it works. Ice steam works to reduce wrinkles and static.
Some ice cubes will be part for a small to medium load.
Aluminum aluminum balls
Aluminum foil as a zero drying sheet option can be the most surprising in the list. But before you jump, this is why it works.
The negative ions of the aluminum leaf unload the released static electricity that works to make your clothes without static.
You will want to add two or three small balls of aluminum paper to your dryer with your damp clothes. Remember that Foil does not soften your clothes or will not stimulate perfumes – but other options on the list will do the trick.
Wool drying balls
Wool dryer balls are an excellent ecological option because they reduce static and softened clothes.
This natural fabric softener is loved to be so durable because it does with natural fibers and is designed to be reusable with several loads. Adding them to your dryer can also reduce the drying time and increase the air flow as the balls work to absorb additional humidity in the tissues.
Wool balls are also ideal for sensitive skin because they are free from synthetic fabrics and dyes.
Give them an additional boost by adding your favorite essential oil drops (such as lavender or citrus) to help naturally improve the smell of your clothes without harmful chemicals.
Soap
Soap nuts or dried berries are made from trees containing saponin. They serve several ends: you can use them by adding them to the washer, dryer or themselves.
Saponin contained in soap nuts helps to eliminate dirt from clothes during the washing process and releases a fresh perfume during drying.
Simply add a few soap nuts to a muslin or cotton mousse to use to wash it and transfer the same bag to the dryer.
After use, remove the bag and leave it completely dry – the soap nuts can be reused for several other washing cycles.
Special note: soap nuts are also composable and can be added to your garden after using them.
DIY dryer leaves
Do you feel ambitious? Try to make your dryer sheets.
This is a particularly useful option if you prefer an alternative that closely corresponds to traditional drying sheets. Everything you need is an old fabric – think of a worn t -shirt or old hand towels – and cut a few squares at the waist.
Place them in an airtight container, adding a little vinegar (until it is wet) and essential oils. The next time you have a dryer to dry, you can start one without additional preparation.
One of the simplest DIY options is to hang your leaves to dry. Yes, it’s very traditional, but the sun naturally disinfects. Make sure you shake your clothes before hanging on, and if you have allergies, plan to hang inside inside.
The dryer leaves are commonly used to keep the fresh and soft post-dryer linen, but the harmful ingredients can give you a break. If you have sensitive skin or if you prefer a more durable zero waste option, there are a lot of choice between aluminum paper vinegar. Here is for happy wash (with less concern).
