# What You Didn’t Know About Dryer Sheets

Published: August 9, 2024  
Updated: January 23, 2025

Now that they’ve been around for decades, it’s hard to imagine what we did before dryer sheets. Invented as a way to make laundry day less of a lift (literally), they’ve been lauded for their convenience and effectiveness in softening clothes, reducing static clean, and eliminating wrinkles—but are they really the best option?

## Why Dryer Sheets?

As an alternative to fabric softener—often sold in heavy jugs—dryer sheets were revolutionary in their time: easy to store, even easier to transport, and just as effective as leading fabric softeners.

## How They Work

Dryer sheets contain fabric softeners with positively charged ions. These ions soften fibers to reduce wrinkles and balance the electrons in clothing (especially in a warm dry cycle) that cause static clean. They’re also usually infused with a scent that leaves clothes smelling fresh.

## What They’re Made Of

The tough news? Most dryer sheets aren’t made with ingredients that are good for you (or for the planet). Typically, they contain:

- Polyester (i.e. plastic): what makes up the actual “sheet”  
- Softening agent: anything from fatty acids or alcohols to ammonium salts.  
- Artificial fragrance: often containing common irritants.  
- Harmful filler ingredients: silicone, VOCs, or other dyes

## The Eco Option?

As a team devoted to reducing single-use plastics, we’re officially on team [dryer balls](/content/articles/wool-dryer-balls/index.html). Made of sustainably sourced New Zealand wool, [Blueland Wool Dryer Balls](/content/products/dryer-ball-set/index.html) can replace up to 1,000 single-use plastic dryer sheets. Plus, they’re proven as effective as any leading dryer sheet or [fabric softener option](/content/articles/fabric-softener-alternatives/index.html)!

##### Tags  
[plastic-free-living](/content/blogs/blog?slug=plastic-free-living/index.html)