What Do Dryer Sheets Do—and Do You Really Need Them?

A streamlined laundry routine might not require dryer sheets tossed into the dryer with damp clothes—but just like your favorite conditioner can leave your hair soft, smooth, and smelling fragrant, dryer sheets can offer your clean clothes the same benefits.

Ahead, we spoke to a laundry care expert about how dryer sheets work, what problems they solve, and what types of laundry you should never use them with. We also share some alternatives that do a great job as well.

What Are Dryer Sheets?

The science of dryer sheets is built on surfactants, softeners, and fragrance molecules, says James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse. "Dryer sheets are typically made of a thin layer of non-woven polyester coated with a positively charged surfactant, softening agents, and fragrance. During the heat of the drying process, the coating melts and transfers to the fabric," says Joun. "Surfactants, typically made from fatty substances, coat the fibers of the clothing, reducing friction and static cling. Fragrance molecules bond lightly to the fabric, leaving a pleasant scent."

What Do Dryer Sheets Do?

When added to your clothes during the dryer cycle, the compounds on these sheets leave clothes less staticky, soft, and scented.

Static: As clothes rub against each other, negative charges build, creating static electricity if not neutralized, explains Joun. Surfactants add a positive charge, reducing the static cling.

Softness: The friction between clothes as they tumble in the dryer can also increase the roughness of your fabrics. "The chemicals on dryer sheets help smooth the fibers of your clothes, making them feel softer and more comfortable," says Joun.

Scent: And if you like your laundry to have fragrance, scented dryer sheets come in various aromas—with the fragrance molecules from the sheet transferring to the fabric during the drying process.

"Dryer sheets work well on most common fabrics such as cotton, polyester blends, towels, and linens," says Joun. "These materials are typically more coarse in texture, and because they are likely to be large and/or dense, they will collide more frequently with other items in your dryer, increasing the chances of static cling."

Do You Really Need Dryer Sheets?

Dryer sheets can benefit the feel and scent of your clothes, but they aren't a necessity. While they can be helpful, proper care—such as washing on the right settings and using the appropriate type and amount of detergent—will maintain clothing quality without the use of them.

"Dryer sheets are not required for proper care of laundry but are largely a matter of personal preference," says Joun. "If you find static to be an issue or your clothes coming out rougher than you want them to be, dryer sheets can be helpful to rectify those issues."

When Not to Use Dryer Sheets

Though dryer sheets can provide their anti-static and softening properties to most loads of laundry, there are some fabrics for which they should be avoided.

"Generally, since dryer sheets coat the surface of your garments, any garment that requires its outermost layer to function properly should not be used with dryer sheets," says Joun. He recommends skipping the dryer sheets for the following types of laundry:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics: "Activewear is made of synthetic fibers like spandex and nylon," says Joun. "The coating from the dryer sheets can reduce the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of these materials."
• Flame-resistant fabrics: "Since dryer sheets coat fabrics, using them with items such as kids’ sleepwear, which are flame-resistant for safety, can reduce their ability to self-extinguish," says Joun.
• Microfiber cloths: "Softening agents can clog the fibers, making them less absorbent," says Joun.
• Water-repellent fabric: "The softeners in dryer sheets can reduce the ability of these fabrics to repel water as intended," says Joun.

Alternatives to Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets can have some drawbacks, says Joun, as the residue may collect on your clothes and towels, lowering the absorbency and moisture-wicking properties; the chemicals can also settle in your dryer filter, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain efficiency. "Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the chemicals or fragrances in dryer sheets, especially if they have sensitive skin," says Joun. "If you find the residue building up on your clothes, this can increase the chance of irritation or other sensitivity concerns."

The sheets are also made of plastic fibers and can not be recycled or composted.

Tossing a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar into your dryer with your wet laundry can provide benefits similar to dryer sheets without the buildup. Wool dryer balls, made without surfactants, are another popular alternative.

"Dryer balls, because of their density and mobility, can prevent clothes from clinging together and dissipate static charge build-up," says Joun. "As dryer balls move during the drying process, they are constantly helping separate items, which exposes more fibers to the circulating warm air. Dryer balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets and help reduce static build-up, reduce wrinkles, and drying time."