Calling laundry experts! ever use dryer balls or reusable dryer sheets?

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Feanaro_s_Wife

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Have any of you ever used those plastic/rubber spiky balls that are supposed to replace dryer sheets (like Bounce)? What do you think of them?

Also, does anyone here use reusable cloth dryer sheets? Do you buy them or make your own?

I really want to stop using the disposable kind (especially when baby arrives) and am looking for a good alternative…any advice would be appreciated!

Malia
 
Just want to add my two cents here about the dryer sheets. I actually don’t use them because I am sensitive to the strong fragrance they leave behind on my laundry. I wouldn’t use them on the baby’s clothes either for the above reason and there’s really no need. Also, I read that the sheets should not be used on towels as they cause them to lose their absorbancy. In general, I’d say that all Bounce-type products are a marketing gimmick and you’d be better off saving your money. Just some thoughts to consider. 🙂
 
I mainly use the liquid kind because it is easier on my sensitive skin. But the oddest thing I have heard dryer sheets used for is keeping misquitos away by rubbing one on your skin. As for my children’s clothes, I used the liquid brand for them also. No problems so far.
 
Well, I want to get away from using any chemical softener/static reducer so that is why I asked the question.

** I was using “Bounce Free” but want to get away from chemicals altogether, not just fragrance. I definitely don’t want to use them on baby clothes and cannot use them on cloth diapers so I need to find something else to help reduce the static. Any ideas?**
Malia
 
My wife started using the dryer balls a month or two ago.

Except there still is alot of static they work great.
 
I use a mix of things ( not all at the same time)
fabric softner sheets
Downy ball with vinegar
Downy ball with fabric softner
Must say have not found much difference. Of course we do like when the clothes smell nice from the fabric softner.
However I know the vinegar is supposed to be the best.
 
“Chemicals” make up everything we do. What you are looking for is a non-man-made fabric softener.

I use Gain fabric softener either in the wash if I remember or on a plain old facecloth in the dryer if I don’t.

I should mention that fabric softeners are used as static guards in a solution of 1 part fabric softener to 8-10 parts water in a spray bottle to lessen static cling in computer environments. Fabric softener is also used as a bath rinse on pets for those who have allergies but can’t part with Fluffy or Fido, 4 parts water to one part softener.
 
Vinegar? Really?

That would probably be a good alternative for the baby clothes and diapers. Maybe I’ll try it on my towels.

We use the Bounce Free sheets (along with Tide Free- no dyes, no perfumes) because both hubby and I have sensitive skin and the added dyes/scents make us break out.
 
When my kids were small, their pediatrician told me not to use dryer sheets.
 
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Aurelia:
When my kids were small, their pediatrician told me not to use dryer sheets.
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What did you use instead?

Malia
 
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SeekerJen:
Vinegar? Really?

That would probably be a good alternative for the baby clothes and diapers. Maybe I’ll try it on my towels.

We use the Bounce Free sheets (along with Tide Free- no dyes, no perfumes) because both hubby and I have sensitive skin and the added dyes/scents make us break out.
Click to expand...
I’ve been adding vinegar to my fabric softener dispenser in the wash for the past little while. It’s supposed to help with static as well as soften our hard water. It definitely helps but I’d like to put something in with the clothes in the dryer to get rid of the remaining static…

Malia
 
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