In recent years, there's been some growing concern over the use of dryer sheets. While there's no denying their effectiveness as a clothes softening agent, some people believe they may have adverse side effects. Whether you currently use them or are thinking about using them, you should learn the facts regarding these frequently used items. Only then can you make an educated decision regarding their use.
Will Dryer Sheets Affect My Dryer?
One of the most common myths regarding dryer sheets is that they will damage your unit. I'm not sure how this myth go started, but many people choose not to use them because they believe it will damage their dryer. As long as you don't overload your unit with multiple dryer sheets at once, it should have no adverse affect. The only thing that you may notice with their use, however, is a layer of residue built up on the lint filter, which can make it less effective at trapping lint. When you go to clean the filter, which you should do before every load, make sure you clean the actual mesh filter with a brush to remove any excess residue.
Dryer Sheets and Your Health
Another common concern some people have is how dryer sheets affect your health. While you probably aren't going to eat a pack of dryer sheets, there's still some belief that just being around dryer sheets may have an adverse effect on one's health. So, is there any truth to this? We have to look at facts to solve this answer, and the fact is that no one has been seriously injured or became ill as a result of using dryer sheets. As long as you stick with the big-name brands of dryer sheets, you should be just fine.
The one thing that you may want to be aware of with dryer sheets is their fragrances, which can oftentimes be too much for individuals with soft and sensitive skin. If you notice a rash or hives developing after using dryer sheets for the first time, discontinue their use and immediately consult with your family physician. The various fragrances may be causing an allergic reaction in your body. Also, avoid using dryer sheets on baby simply because of the excessive fragrance. When it comes to newborns and infants, you want to limit their exposure to fragrances and foreign chemicals as much as possible. If you want to make their clothes a bit softer, try some all-natural fabric softener solutions that you can make at home.