Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients in commercial dryer sheets? It can be quite alarming. In fact, the list of chemicals is so concerning that we’ve dedicated an entire article to explaining why you should stop using them.

These disposable sheets contain a variety of chemicals like benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an irritant for the respiratory tract), ethanol (associated with central nervous system disorders), limonene (a known carcinogen), and chloroform (a neurotoxin and carcinogen). All of this just to make clothes feel softer and smell fresh? No thanks. The good news is, there’s a natural alternative that can freshen and soften your clothes, and you probably already have it in your cupboard.

What’s this magical ingredient? Vinegar. Yes, plain white vinegar. Vinegar isn’t just for pickling; it has numerous uses for natural beauty and household cleaning. If you want your clothes to smell like a floral bouquet, no problem. That’s where essential oils come in. In just about 10 minutes, you can have chemical-free and reusable dryer sheets ready for your next load of laundry.

Here’s what you’ll need:
– 8 oz amber spray bottle
– 1 cup of white vinegar
– Strips of cloth (like from an old cotton crib sheet, washcloths, or old cotton t-shirts)
– Essential oils (any scent you prefer)

First, tear your cloth into roughly 4×6 inch rectangles. Don’t worry if some are bigger than others. Cotton is recommended because it absorbs the fabric softener easily and dries quickly.

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

Add your favorite essential oils to the vinegar. A combination of lavender and lemon works great, and about 25 drops should do the trick. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and amounts to find what you like best.

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

If you love DIY recipes like this, consider getting a copy of the Everyday Roots downloadable guide. It includes over 215 DIY recipes for making your own natural health and beauty products and non-toxic cleaning supplies.