10 Toxins Lurking in Your Fabric Softener

If you enjoy the smell of clean clothes straight out of the dryer you may be shocked to learn that smell comes at a cost. Most commercial fabric softeners–dryer sheets or the liquid variety–contain many toxic chemicals. Here are eight toxins found in most fabric softeners (and eight reasons to switch to natural options.) Not sure about your natural options? Stay posted for my next blog.

1. Alpha-Terpineol–This chemical has been linked to disorders of the brain and nervous system, loss of muscle control, depression, and headaches

2. Benzyl acetate–Benzyl acetate has been linked to cancer of the pancreas

3. Benzyl alcohol–Linked to headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, depression, as well as disorders of the brain and nervous system

4. Chloroform–Chloroform is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste list because it has been identified as a carcinogen and neurotoxin (toxic to the brain and nervous system)

5. Ethanol–also on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list for its ability to cause brain and nervous system disorder

6. Ethyl Acetate–causes headaches and is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list

7. Linalool–in studies, this chemical caused loss of muscle coordination, nervous system and brain disorders, and depression

8. Pentane–causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and depression

The standard argument in favor of using fabric softeners is that the amount of the chemicals to which a person is exposed is insufficient to cause harm. Studies are showing that even small amounts of these toxins can have serious effects. So, think twice before you add that dryer sheet or liquid fabric softener to your laundry, particularly for children whose developing brains are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins.

Read about effective natural options to use in place of harmful chemical-laden fabric softeners.

Adapted from The Brain Wash by Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM (John Wiley & Sons)

If you missed my article on The Toxic Effects of Perfume, be sure to check it out. And, if you want to give your liver a boost to help it detoxify these toxic chemicals, check out my article, Spring Cleanse Your Liver.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, BSc, RNCP, ROHP, DNM

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Tehnee J.

7:24AM PDT on May 13, 2013

Ok there are toxins everywhere u go. You cant just live under a rock to hide from it all. Im sorry to say but my grandma has always used softener an soap an my dad an mom do too an i do. I am a bit obsessed with my clothes smelling like my softener. Im perfectly fine an so is my grandma. I will still use softener till its not sold anymore. I dont get headaches my kids an i a rarely ever sick. So i am fine. I guess we shldnt drive cars now since our car has lots of toxins in them. My point is there is toxins everywhere u go an u cnt hide from it all.

May 13
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Rachel E.

7:43PM PST on Nov 13, 2012

I stopped using dryer sheets a while ago. I use a couple drops of essential oil in the wash instead, and that helps. I have a friend that made her own wool dryer balls, and loves them.

November 13
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Donna H.

6:16AM PDT on Nov 2, 2012

Thanks for the info.

November 2
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Dale O.

8:22AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Interesting, since so many modern day items are filled with toxic things. One person suggested hanging out the clothes to dry, works well when one have a yard to do this and not in a small apartment where there is little room (in my case) to use hanging racks and we are not supposed to hang clothing from the balcony.

Baking soda or vinegar sounds interesting to try in the wash. There is a past member up there with what, a Nazi flag on his photo icon, or at least it looks like that, uncharming I am sure...ewww!

July 31
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janet T.

10:56AM PDT on May 22, 2012

I used to be able to smell dryer sheet use a block or so away. And perfumes from a mile off, or it seemed that way. I can also smell a smoker every time. I think it is the ammonia in the cigarettes. When my son heard there was ammonia, along with the dozens of other chemicals, he said, "No wonder you get headaches!" For the record, I am a non smoker.

May 22
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Dorothy C.

11:11AM PDT on May 16, 2012

Thanks for the info. I'll be definitely using an alternative when I've used up all the softener I have at the moment...

May 16
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Danuta W.

12:19AM PDT on May 11, 2012

thanks for sharing

May 11
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Christina N.

3:09PM PDT on Apr 7, 2012

Hi. I was wondering what references you used for this article. I am very interested in learning more about the toxicity of dryer sheets, but I would like to read some of the studies, and resources you have found your information from. I stopped using dryer sheets the very day I realized how bad they were for you. I just want to dig a little deeper. Thank you. ~ Christina