Can Dryer Sheets be Harmful to You or Your Dryer?
Dryer sheets are no worse than the detergent you use. They do not harm your dryer and actually help by reducing the static electricity that is held in your clothes. The question here is that are dryer sheets harmful to you? The answer is yes, some dryer sheets are harmful to you but not all types are.
Dryer sheet manufacturers have to ensure they meet safety guidelines and that all the chemicals they use in their products are approved by the FDA. Since dryer sheets are not directly placed on the body, they do not have to disclose the ingredients that are used on the packaging. These ingredients can be irritating to different people and most the time it is the scents and fragrances that are used in the sheets.
So, the question is, is dryer sheets harmful to you?
Although all the chemicals used in dryer sheets are FDA approved and generally seen as safe, we need to do more research to see what the potential side effects of scented dryer sheets could be.
There was one study that was done with 5 different name brand dryer sheets and researchers found that there were 15 endocrine-disrupting compounds emitted. Although these compounds are seen to be relatively safe, if you have sensitive skin, asthma, or migraines, it may be worth trying a different dryer sheet to see if this helps reduce symptoms.
So, What Are Dryer Sheets Made Out Of?
Dryer sheets are produced using polyester strands covered with a conditioning agent, for example, fatty or stearic acids. Most dryer sheets use artificial or natural scents. The ingredients in dryer sheets help reduce static in your clothing and help soften your fabrics.
Now, Are Dryer Sheets Harmful to Your Dryer?
Dryer sheets are not necessarily harmful to your dryer but the fatty acids that are on the sheets can melt off and end up covering the inside of your dryer with a thin sticky coating. Dryer sheets can cause this and so can laundry detergent. This coating can get into your lint filter and cause it to clog up. This will lead to your dryer not being able to dry properly and begin to fail on you.
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