The Hard Truth about Fabric Softeners

While fabric softeners have been around for more than 50 years, single-use dryer sheets were introduced to battle static cling in the 1970s when synthetic fibres were popular.

Fabric softeners work by changing a detergent’s negative electrical charge back into a positive, reducing static. They also coat fibres with a film that can fluff the fibres and scent the fabric.

Unfortunately, the use of dryer sheets can create xenoestrogens, a synthetic estrogen that builds up in fatty tissue and affects the natural function of hormone-producing glands. Research has linked xenoestrogens to an increase in breast, testicular, and other cancers.

Liquid softener and dryer sheets also contain neurotoxins and carcinogens. These hazardous chemicals are a danger to the central nervous system and are slowly released as we wear our clothes and use our towels and sheets. Tumble drying laundry containing fabric softener also releases toxins into the environment through the dryer vent.

Alternatives to Commercial Fabric Softeners

· Natural fabric softeners aren't harmful to you or the environment. Available at health retailers, they replace toxic chemicals with vegetable-based ingredients, salts, and herbal fragrances.

· Dryer balls are a pair of spiky balls placed in the dryer with clothes to tumble and separate items, reducing drying time, static, and wrinkles.

· Choose natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen, and hemp, which are much less conducive to static.

· Lower your dryer’s heat setting and drying time to make clothes less prone to static. Take clothes out of the dryer when they’re still damp, shake them out, and hang to dry.

Do like our grandmothers did: line dry your wash whenever you can.

Source: alive #April 09 Newsletter