Laundry
Fewer chemicalsDryer sheets swap to Wool dryer balls
Children’s eczema guides say to skip dryer sheets. A ball of wool softens laundry with no added scent.
Our pick
Otylzto 6-pk
Why make the swap
Why switch to wool dryer balls
100% wool. Fragrance-free, makers say they last 1,000+ loads, and they can cut drying time.
What's the concern with dryer sheets
Scented sheets leave fragrance on clothes and bedding, and children’s eczema advice is to skip them. In one study of a fragranced detergent and dryer sheets, dryer vents gave off a mix of VOCs, including acetaldehyde, and the labels listed only ethanol. Fragrance ingredients don’t have to be named.
General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.
Good to know before you buy
Less static control on synthetics. Adding essential oils brings the VOCs back.
Sources (4)
- Dartmouth Health Children's: eczema skin-care tips, avoid fragrance sources such as scented detergent and dryer sheets (opens in a new tab)
- Steinemann et al. 2011: dryer-vent VOCs with a fragranced detergent and dryer sheets, including acetaldehyde (opens in a new tab)
- Steinemann 2011: 133 VOCs from 25 products, 1 on a label (opens in a new tab)
- EHP: Dryer vents, an overlooked source of pollution? (opens in a new tab)
Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.
Questions people ask
Why swap dryer sheets for wool dryer balls?
To skip the added scent: children’s eczema guides say to avoid dryer sheets, and 100% wool balls soften laundry with no fragrance.
Do wool dryer balls stop static?
Not as well on synthetics: you get less static control on synthetic fabrics than with sheets.
Should I add essential oils to dryer balls?
We wouldn’t add essential oils to dryer balls: they bring back the scent chemicals (VOCs) the swap avoids.
Related swaps
Laundry
Scented detergent swap to Fragrance-free liquid
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests fragrance-free, dye-free detergent for kids with eczema. That ‘fresh’ scent is a mix the label doesn’t have to name.
Our pick
ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Free & Clear
Laundry
Chlorine bleach swap to Oxygen bleach powder
Whiter whites with no chlorine fumes, and no chlorine to react if it meets another cleaner.
Our pick
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Free (fragrance-free) powder, 3 lb x 4 (192 oz)