The Best Dryer Sheets

Buying Guide for Dryer Sheets

Why buy dryer sheets?

It’s essential during cooler weather to toss a dryer sheet into your dryer to prevent static cling. Dryer sheets can help to eliminate hair, reduce dust, and prevent lint from sticking to your favorite clothes. Dryer sheets can also help to reduce wrinkles, leaving your best outfits looking like they just came from the dry cleaner.

What should you consider in dryer sheets?

• Purpose: Some dryer sheets make your clothes extra soft, while others are better at repelling pet hair or preventing static. You can even use dryer sheets to perform other household chores. Be sure to pick the right dryer sheets with the features you’re looking for.
• Skin Care: If you or someone in your family suffers from sensitive skin, then opt for a dryer sheet that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or that boasts all-natural ingredients. For skin allergies, dermatologist-recommended formulas may be best.
• Fragrance: Some people love their clothes to smell fresh and clean for days at a time. Many dryer sheets feature a signature fragrance or offer several fragrance options to fit your needs. Other dryer sheets are odor-free for those who prefer no fragrance on their clothes.

Are dryer sheets biodegradable?

The softening agents in dryer sheets are biodegradable within a short amount of time. However, traditional dryer sheets made from polyester fibers are not biodegradable. But many newer dryer sheets are made from plant-based fibers that will not harm the environment. Be sure to check the label before you buy if purchasing an eco-friendly product is important to you.

Our Picks for the Best Dryer Sheets

Pros: Designed to stop brinkles and static, these dryer sheets are easy to use; simply toss one in the dryer with your load, and it’ll help ensure your clothes look their best. They also give clothes a fresh scent, make them feel softer, and repel pet hair, so you’ll bewonderhy you didn’t start using these sheets sooner. These sheets are phosphate-free and color-safe. And with their long-time trusted brand name, you know you’ll be getting a quality product.

Cons: This may not be the best pick for people with sensitive skin. Also, the packaging may vary.

Bottom Line: This classic brand continues to innovate its dryer sheets over the years without losing the classic scent that people love. Not only do these dryer sheets repel static and hair, but they can also help to soften fabrics safely.

 

Pros: Recommended by dermatologists, these free and clear dryer sheets are a great option for people who have sensitive skin or for families with small children. That’s because these dryer sheets are 100% free of dyes and perfumes. Yet they still leave your fabrics static-free, even without the irritating residues that may reside in other brands. They are also great for people with aversions to strong odors as they contain no added fragrances.

Cons: If you prefer a dryer sheet that adds a touch of fragrance to your clothes, these will not be the right dryer sheets for you.

Bottom Line: With no dyes, perfumes, or harsh chemicals, these dryer sheets are great for families with babies, skin allergies, general allergies, or aversions to strong scents. They leave your clothes feeling soft and wrinkle-free.

 

Pros: Using garden-inspired, earth-friendly ingredients, these dryer sheets reduce static and add freshness to your clothes. They’re made from plant-derived fibers and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each available option smells clean and natural: calming lavender, crisp basil, light lemon verbena, cheery geranium, and sweet honeysuckle. You won’t find any parabens or phthalates in these dryer sheets. Plus, the cruelty-free formula is Leaping Bunny certified.

Cons: These run a bit more expensive than some other brands. Plus, it’s recommended to manually unfold each dryer sheet before tossing it in the wash, as these are made from natural fibers and will not unfold on their own in the dry cycle.

Bottom Line: For those who prefer a natural, light aroma on their clean clothes, these dryer sheets may be an excellent choice. They offer several lovely scent options. And though these are made from natural ingredients, they remove static and wrinkles like other dryer sheets.

 

Pros: These larger-than-average dryer sheets are specially designed to repel up to three times more pet hair than standard dryer sheets. They also reduce wrinkles, static, and lint, helping you achieve softer laundry with less hassle. And these dryer sheets reduce the amount of dust that often gets left behind on freshly-washed clothing. Plus, no more lint rolling after you wash your clothes, even if you have pets that shed large amounts of hair.

Cons: Even when using these sheets that repel a good amount of pet hair, you may find a few stragglers left behind. These may not work on every type of clothing material.

Bottom Line: Not only do many people love how effective these dryer sheets are at removing pet hair, but many also love the classic fresh-scent fragrance. These are perfect for homes with larger or multiple pets who shed.

 

Pros: Made for everyday use, these dryer sheets help to reduce static cling while giving your laundry a classic fresh scent and keeping it softer than before. And what is that classic scent? It’s a balanced blend of fresh greens, citrus, and amber. Easy to use, these dryer sheets will leave your laundry with an ultra-fresh and ultra-soft feel every time. Not only will your clothes smell amazingly fresh out of the dryer, but the fragrance lasts until you wear your clothes.

Cons: The scent on these dryer sheets does not last as long as some other brands. Also, these are not allergen-free.

Bottom Line: If you love the classic scent of Gain, you may love these dryer sheets. They come in several sizes to fit your household needs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you pick your favorite dryer sheets for their fragrance (or lack thereof), softness, or ability to prevent wrinkles, we have something great to try for your next load of laundry. If you have a skin allergy or a general allergy, please take the time to read the ingredients listed on each product.