Commercial dryer sheets contain a lot of chemicals. These chemicals include benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an irritant for the upper respiratory tract), ethanol (linked to central nervous system disorders), limonene (a known carcinogen), and chloroform (a neurotoxin and carcinogen), among others. There’s a natural way to freshen and soften clothes, and you probably already have it in your cupboard.

The magical ingredient is vinegar. Vinegar isn’t just for making pickles; it has many uses for natural beauty and household cleaning. If you want your clothes to smell like a floral bouquet, you can add essential oils. In just about 10 minutes, you can make chemical-free and reusable dryer sheets to freshen your next load of laundry.

You need:
– 8 oz amber spray bottle
– 1 cup of white vinegar
– Strips of cloth (like old cotton sheets, washcloths, or t-shirts)
– Essential oils

First, tear your cloth into roughly 4×6 inch rectangles. Cotton works best because it absorbs fabric softener easily and dries quickly.

Next, pour one cup of vinegar into a spray bottle. Using an amber glass bottle is recommended because it helps prevent deterioration and protects the essential oils’ properties.

Then, add your favorite essential oils. A combination of lavender and lemon works well, using about 25 drops in total. The amount depends on how strong you want the scent to be, so feel free to experiment.

To use, spray each cloth strip until damp (not soaking wet). One sheet is enough for a standard load of laundry. Once your clothes are dry, remove the dryer sheet and put it back in your container. It’s ready to use for the next load.

Enjoy making your own natural dryer sheets and keep your laundry chemical-free!