Dryer sheets can be a great way to keep your clothes clean and fresh, but can you use them for baby clothing?
In this article, we are going to be looking at whether it is possible to use dryer sheets on baby clothes, as well as some alternative options to use if your baby has particularly sensitive skin.
What is a Dryer Sheet?
Dryer sheets are made up of tiny microfibers that help absorb moisture from the air. They are designed to work in combination with a conventional dryer, which allows them to get into all the crevices of your clothing.
These fibers will also help remove any odors or stains that may have built up over time. They are available in different sizes and shapes, so they should fit perfectly inside your washer and dryer.
Can You Use Dryer Sheets On Baby Clothes?
Yes, you can use dryer sheets on baby clothes. However, you need to ensure that you use a specific type of dryer sheet that is specifically made for baby clothes.
The main issue when it comes to dryer sheets and baby clothes is that dryer sheets tend to have a lot of chemicals in them.
This means that they could potentially cause problems for babies who have very sensitive skin. Let’s take a closer look at some of the issues that come with using dryer sheets on baby clothes.
Dryer Sheets Contain Chemicals
One of the biggest concerns about using dryer sheets on your baby’s clothes is the fact that these products contain chemicals. The following chemicals tend to be used in dryer sheets:
- Chloroform
- Benzyl alcohol
- Benzyl Acetate
- Limonene
- Ethanol
These chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and cause rashes, blisters, and even dermatitis. If you are worried about using dryer sheets, then there are a few alternatives that you might want to consider instead.
The Sensitivity of Baby Skin
Another concern that people have when it comes to using dryer sheets on their baby’s clothes is the potential risks associated with using chemicals on their skin.
It is important to remember that babies have incredibly sensitive skin, and they can easily pick up allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
All of these things can make their skin more prone to irritation and inflammation.
Decreased Fire Resistance In Baby Clothes When Dryer Sheets Are Used
When dryer sheets are used on baby clothes, they can actually decrease the fire resistance of those items. This is because the chemical composition of the dryer sheet makes it easier for flames to penetrate through the fabric.
Alternative Options To Using Dryer Sheets
Whilst there are dryer sheets out there designed to be suitable for baby clothing, let’s first take a look at some alternatives to dryer sheets for baby clothes.
Wool Dryer Balls
If you are struggling to find dryer sheets that are safe for baby clothes, then you might want to try wool dryer balls. These are specially designed to be used in conjunction with your washing machine and dryer.
They come in two different types; one type has soft fluffy fur, while the other type has hard plastic bristles. Both types are designed to help keep your baby’s delicate clothing clean and free from wrinkles.
Static Eliminator Cloths
You can also use static eliminators to help prevent wrinkles from forming on your baby’s clothing. These clothes are designed to eliminate static electricity, and this helps reduce wrinkles.
Baby Powder
If you do not want to use dryer sheets, one option that you can try is baby powder. This product works by absorbing excess moisture from the air whilst keeping their clothes smelling fresh. Baby powder is also gentle enough for a baby’s delicate skin.
However, if you are looking for something that has a little more oomph than baby powder, there are more alternatives to look into.
Baby Wipes
Finally, if you are looking for an alternative to dryer sheets, then you might want to consider using baby wipes. These are great for cleaning off any excess dirt or grime that may get stuck to your baby’s garments.
Dryer Sheets Suitable For Baby Clothes
As mentioned, there are dryer sheets out there that can be used for washing your baby clothes.
The main difference between these products and regular dryer sheets is that they contain natural ingredients rather than synthetic ones or harsh chemicals that can be detrimental to your baby’s health. Let’s take a look at a few of these baby-friendly dryer sheets.
Grab Green Baby Laundry Dryer Sheets
These dryer sheets are made with no harsh chemicals and they use only naturally derived ingredients with no parabens, phthalates, or dyes. Ideal for baby clothes and sensitive baby skin.
These baby laundry dryer sheets contain gentle essential oils, such as lemon and patchouli, making your baby’s clothes smell fresh and calming.
Grab Green Wet Dryer Sheets
This is another set of dryer sheets from Grab Green which is safe for baby clothes. These wet dryer sheets are designed to absorb moisture from the air.
Compared to their baby laundry dryer sheets, these dryer sheets are free of scents, fragrances and dyes. They are also hypoallergenic.
Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets
This dryer sheet contains no added fragrance, and it is completely hypoallergenic. It has even been tested by dermatologists.
These dryer sheets have been specifically designed for anyone with sensitive skin, including babies.
Biokleen Laundry Dryer Sheets
These dryer sheets from Biokleen contain no harsh chemicals or ingredients that could cause irritated skin.
Biokleen doesn’t use artificial fragrances, so these sheets have a natural scent of gentle lavender which keeps your little one’s laundry smelling fresh.
All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Specifically designed for everyone with sensitive skin, these dryer sheets from All are hypoallergenic and free of any dyes.
Just add a sheet or two with your baby laundry, and the clothes will feel soft and gentle on your little one’s skin.
How To Know If A Dryer Sheet is Safe for Baby Clothes
If you are wondering whether, or not, a particular type of dryer sheet is safe for baby clothes, here are some things to remember:
- Always read the label before buying them. Make sure that you know what each ingredient is used for.
- Avoid using dryer sheets that contain any kind of chemical additives such as perfume, dye, alcohol, or ammonia. These types of dryer sheets can cause harm to your child’s delicate skin.
- Be careful when choosing a product that claims to remove static electricity from your baby’s clothing. Some of these dryer sheets may actually attract dust particles onto your baby’s garments.
- Try to avoid using dryer sheets if you notice that your baby has an allergy to certain materials. For example, if your baby has eczema or dermatitis, then you should probably stay away from using dryer sheets that have lanolin (a substance found in wool) as one of their ingredients.
- Always remember just how sensitive and thin a baby’s skin is.
Final Thoughts
Dryer sheets aren’t always the most appropriate choice to use when it comes to washing and drying baby clothes. However, there are certain dryer sheets – as mentioned above – that are safe for baby clothes.
Whilst they are best avoided for little ones that have particularly sensitive skin, some of the options above can be used safely by parents looking for alternatives to traditional detergents.
There are also plenty of alternatives out there – such as those that we talked about – that you can use if you are worried about irritating your baby’s skin.
Thank you for reading!
Carly Link, a 33-year old mother of two toddlers. She is a parent and goes through a lot of the usual parenting difficulties herself. Carly shares all her experiences and knowledge about the best baby products through this blog.