How bad are they for your dryer?

Dryer sheets aren’t inherently bad for your dryer.

However, they might leave behind a residue that, when left uncleaned, might build up and reduce the efficiency of the dryer, just as a laundry detergent. The lubricants and fabric softeners that are found on dryer sheets might collect on your dryer lint filter and even clog it, and your clothes might end up drying more slowly.

In extreme cases, this buildup might be at fault for causing your dryer to turn off mid-cycle or stop heating as it should. Even more, a clogged lint filter can explain why a dryer isn’t drying. Cleaning your lint filter more often, you can use dryer sheets without any problem. After cleaning, don’t just toss that dryer lint!

It is worth mentioning that whether dryer sheets are good for you or the environment are two completely separate matters. There’s a 2011 study published in the “Environmental Health Perspectives” that shows how dryer vent emissions might include chemicals that are very bad for your health. Some fragrance ingredients might be linked to “irritation of the eyes and airways, headaches, contact dermatitis, and asthmatic reactions.”

Even more, the Federal Trade Commission doesn’t oblige dryer sheet manufacturers to identify their fragrance ingredients, even if there are a minimum of 3,000 potential chemicals they might use, from which some are safe, and some aren’t. If this is worrisome to you, there might be a good solution. You can use an unscented dryer sheet and have the same results.

But that doesn’t solve the environmental impact, so if you’re interested in doing something eco-friendly, you might want to try reusable dryer balls.