As dryers aren’t nearly as popular in other parts of the world as they are in North America I hadn’t given a thought to dryer sheets until I returned to Canada after living abroad for over 2 decades. When I spied that convenient drying machine beside the washer in our rented house I not only researched its effects on the environment but also the ingredients in those fabric softening sheets.
Electric dryers produce twice as much CO2 as those that run on natural gas (luckily our dryer is gas) and those fresh-smelling sheets and liquid fabric softeners are chock full of toxic chemicals, akk!
Obviously the most eco-friendly method of drying your washing is to simply hang it up outside on the line, which is fab in the warm, dry months but the convenience of a dryer during the cold, wet seasons of the year is awesome!
Thankfully there’s absolutely no reason to purchase expensive fabric softeners full of toxic ingredients as you can easily make your own Delightful DIY Dryer Sheets for pennies with items you may already have around the house!
Grab 1/2 a cup of white vinegar, your fave essential oil, an airtight container + a pile of non-fraying fabric squares (flannel or jersey are fab!)
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that also reduces static & odours, kills germs & bacteria and is gentle on material!
Add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar and mix well.
Pour half of the vinegar & oil into the container and layer your fabric squares into the mixture.
Pour the remaining mixture on top of the fabric squares, pop the top onto the container and allow the fabric to soak in all of the liquid.
Throw a fancy, natural softener sheet in with your next dryer load and enjoy the super soft, lightly scented result!
*After each use simply place the dry sheet on the bottom of the pile in the container and by the time it reaches the top it will be ready to use again!
Do you use DIY laundry products? Share your tips in a comment below!
Grab all of my cleaning tips and laundry tricks right here!
