FABRIC SOFTENER, DRYER SHEETS
You may be oblivious to the potent chemicals in the fragrance wafting out of your dryer vent, but one study out of the University of Washington found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, two of which are known carcinogens (acetaldehyde and benzene) and seven classified as hazardous pollutants. The quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) in both liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets are asthmagens as well as potent allergens. Suffice it to say, neighbourhood dryer vent fumes can be a living hell for those with chemical sensitivities. Did I mention that liquid fabric softener has a way of making certain synthetics, like the kind used for kids’ PJs, more flammable?
SCORE: N
MRS. MEYERS, SEVENTH GENERATION
Traditionally, dryer sheets have been coated with animal fats (dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride), so alternative brands like Mrs. Meyers and Seventh Generation came out with versions that use plant fats and mostly natural fragrances. Trouble is, both brands lean on controversial palm-oil-derived fatty acids. Even certified-sustainable palm plantations have been called out for rainforest-razing and slavery. And, yes, health store dryer sheets and liquid softeners like these contain asthmagens like di-(palm carboxyethyl) hydroxyethyl methylammonium methyl sulfates. Plus, the methylisothiazoline in these can trigger severe rashes in some.
SCORE: NN
STATIC ELIMINATOR CLOTHS
No allergens, no asthmagens, no weird chemicals period. Just a nylon cloth that’s reusable for 100s of loads. I wouldn’t call them static eliminators per se, but they will help reduce static as long as you don’t over-dry your clothes. Admittedly, I didn’t try using two cloths at once, which is what some recommend for maximum effectiveness. Two Canadian brands: Quebec’s Attitude and Ontario’s PurEcoSheet.
SCORE: NNN
WOOL DRYER BALL
Forget fabric softener – just get yourself some dryer balls. I prefer the wool ones to the studded plastic kind. (Even the PVC-free ones involve tossing hot plastic around with your clothes, wearing out the fabric over time.) Love ULAT Dryer Balls because they now use 100 per cent Canadian wool and are made in Vancouver. No chems, just a ball that bounces around in your machine, reducing wrinkles and static. (Don’t over-dry.) Using three or more is supposed to decrease drying time, too. Add a few drops of your fave essential oil to make your own scent. Best used on natural fabrics. Always hang synthetics to avoid static and pilling.
SCORE: NNNN
AIR DRY
Tired of static turning your Ts into body-hugging cling wrap? Get a good dryer rack from a housewares store and air dry instead. End of story. Yes, some of your clothes will be slightly crunchier (particularly towels), but whatevs – you can remedy that by finishing clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes instead of the whole 60. You can also add a half-cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle or fabric softener dispenser, if you have one. Your clothes will thank you, and you’ll be saving energy and cash and reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, you won’t see staticky sparks coming off your threads like you’re some malfunctioning version of Storm in X-Men.
SCORE: NNNNN
