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- Introduction{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Liquid Fabric Softeners{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Dryer Sheets{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
- Dryer Balls{6 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}
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Fabric Softeners links
Several sources have reported that traditional fabric softeners contain chemicals and other ingredients that may cause adverse health effects. Although we weren't able to verify this, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a helpful database of many household products, including fabric softeners. The list of products covered isn't all-inclusive, but information is available on many popular brands.
Fabric softener manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients used in making their products. However, pressure from advocacy groups and consumers may change this, according to The Wall Street Journal article "Household Products Start to Come Clean on Ingredients."
Tests have shown that liquid fabric softeners can increase the flammability of certain materials and reduce the properties of flame-retardant fabrics. Joe Schwarcz, from the Office for Science and Society at McGill University, discusses this topic in "Fabric Softeners and Flammability."
A detailed discussion of the history of fabric softeners and how these products are made is available at Enotes.com.
A reader at GoodHousekeeping.com poses a common question about fabric softener scents to the magazine's advice columnist Heloise.
A video at ConsumerReports.org offers insight into the testing methodology used in their latest evaluation of fabric softeners.
The ConsumerReports.org blog also offers insight into their fabric softener review. Their testers found that in general, fabric softener liquids do a better job of softening clothing than dryer sheets. In contrast to popular belief that fabric softeners reduce the absorbency of towels, only two products they tested made a noticeable difference in absorbency.
An article on Planet Green, a section of Discovery.com, advises consumers to use vinegar instead of fabric softener if you prefer using natural products or are concerned about claims that fabric softeners contain harmful chemicals.
For consumers who are interested in using eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products, the Environmental Working Group reprints an article that appeared in The Myrtle Beach Sun News on March 18, 2006, which outlines eco-friendly options for the laundry, including natural alternatives for every stage of the laundering process.
Citing claims that some chemicals used in fabric softeners can be harmful, a post on GreenCupboards.com breaks down the specific issues related to dryer sheets.
Umbra Fisk, columnist for Grist.org, addresses a reader's question about the toxicity of dryer sheets in the article "Umbra on Dryer Sheets." Fisk's response is packed with information about the ingredients typically found in these products, as well as the health risks that have been associated with them. She also offers natural alternatives.
An interesting article featured in About.com's laundry channel discusses several household uses for dryer sheets. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
The Campaign for Safe, Healthy Consumer Products discusses potential health risks associated with PVC plastic, a primary component of some brands of dryer balls.
See our reports on the best laundry detergents, washing machines, clothes dryers and washer-dryer combos for complete coverage of the best laundry products.
Manufacturers' websites are the best source of information for finding product ingredients and other specific information:
Ontel Products Corporation (Dryer Max Dryer Balls)
