You love a soft, fluffy, lightly fragrant load of laundry right out of the dryer. But choosing the right fabric softener or dryer sheet can be a difficult task! How do you know what fabric softener is best? What are all of those unpronounceable ingredients? Here are five ingredients to avoid when choosing a fabric softener (plus, a case against dryer sheets)!
Dyes
Dyes can be derived from many different sources—many of which can be harmful. Artificial dyes and colors are a major culprit for skin sensitivity and allergic reactions. Additionally, depending on the ingredients, dyes can be harmful for both humans and waterways. Some dyes contain ingredients and chemicals that can be carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Since the addition of dye is purely for aesthetic purposes and does not help cleaning or softening power, we recommend avoiding them.
QUATs
QUATs, or quaternary ammonium compounds, are strong disinfectant chemicals found in many cleaning products. These compounds are what allow a product to claim to be antibacterial. However, studies have not shown that antibacterial products are better at preventing illnesses at home than soap and water. Additionally, these strong chemicals do have several downsides. QUATs are a skin and lung irritant that have been linked to asthma and other respiratory issues. Emerging science also points to potential effects on reproductive health.
Methylisothiazolinone Preservative
This preservative is commonly found in personal care products. It is commonly linked to allergic reactions, lung toxicity, and, in high concentrations, even chemical burns.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in both creating plastics and as solvents in personal care and cleaning products. Phthalates are found nearly everywhere, but have been linked to respiratory issues, fertility problems, and endocrine disruption.
Why Not Use Dryer Sheets?
In addition to containing most of these ingredients, dryer sheets create an additional problem: a lot of waste! Most dryer sheets are one-use, meaning they immediately go into a landfill, where they add to our planet’s growing waste problem.
What is the best natural fabric softener to use?
Dropps Fabric Softener Pods are free of all of these chemicals. Our mineral-based formula naturally softens your laundry, leaving you with soft and fluffy clothing—without any of the health concerns from traditional softeners. Dropps products are good for your laundry, your health, and the planet—so you can check one chore off your list worry-free!