Did you know that fabric softener is one of the most toxic things in your home? It is.

Many of us are waking up to the dangers of the chemicals and toxins that seem to surround us. They are literally everywhere, from the products we clean with, to the products we use for personal care, to the air that we breathe, and even the food we eat.

What about our skin though? Many people don’t realize that their skin is their largest organ. The pores on our skin allow outside elements into our body and blood stream. This is not always a bad thing ~ there are many things that are good for us that pass through. It is important to remember though, whatever we put on our skin, we put in our skin. The good and the bad. That’s not a particularly comforting thought, is it?

So then, what’s a health-conscious person to do? Removing chemicals and toxins from our lives can be overwhelming ~ after all, they are everywhere. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming though, meaning it doesn’t have to all be done at once. Start small, take baby steps. Every time we make a change to remove toxins, we are better off than we were before. One easy way to start is ditching the fabric softener and dryer sheets.

How bad are fabric softener and dryer sheets? Well, this for starters:

If you want more information, I recommend checking this out.

The good news is that these items are easy to replace, naturally! I haven’t used fabric softener or commercial dryer sheets for years. Instead, I use dryer balls (to expedite the drying process) and my own easy-peasy DIY dryer sheets.

DIY Dryer Sheets

Making your own dryer sheets is incredibly easy. They’re customizable. And it saves money!

Supplies:

1. Glass jar with lid
2. Cloth strips (I used 3 old t-shirts, as they don’t collect lint).
3. 1 1/2 C vinegar
4. 1/2 C water
5. 20 drops of your favorite essential oils ((Lemon, Lavender, Tangerine, Purification, Rosemary, Thieves, etc. Any single or combo you like.)

Directions:

First, you want to cut your cloth into strips (old towels, t-shirts, microfiber cloths, whatever). Then mix the vinegar, water, and essential oils together in your glass jar. Add your cloth strips (sideways, so all strips are exposed to the mixture from one end) and seal lid. Allow to sit for a few hours, while the strips absorb all of the moisture.

To use, simply grab 2 strips and toss into the dryer. Collect your cloth strips after removing from the dryer and set aside to be used again when needed. Easy~peasy!

 

Why Do They Work?

• Vinegar is a natural softener and a natural static reducer.  And your clothes won’t smell vinegar-y when they come out … I promise.
• Your ‘personalized, customizable’ scent of Essential Oils will give your clothes a very subtle (and all natural) scent.  One that’s all your own and not overwhelming.

These DIY dryer sheets are easy, economical, healthful, customizable, and smell pleasant. You want to do this. Trust me.