While searching around for laundry soap recipes, I came across an anti-static idea for the dryer that saves your pocket book and the environment. Plus...it's really good for children (and adults) with sensitive skin who are counseled not to use fabric softeners and/or dryer sheets in their laundry (that would be my children).
It couldn't have been better timing. I was down to one dryer sheet and didn't want to go to the store to buy more. So I thought I'd give it a try.
What is it you ask? Aluminum Foil. That's it. Super simple....and Super cheap.
The idea:
Make a tightly wadded ball of aluminum foil. (Mine started out about the size of a softball and after tumbling around in the dryer a million times (I do a LOT of laundry) it is now about the size of a tennis ball).
Not only will this substantially reduce the amount of static cling in your clothing but will eliminate the issues associated with dryer sheets (residue build up on your lint filter and other dryer parts, on fabrics, causing them to be less breathable, towels to be less absorbent, and skin to be more itchy).
For large loads you can use 2-3 balls (haven't tried this yet).
Monetary benefits...you can use the same ball(s) forever. They don't need to be thrown out or changed.
I have been using this method for a few weeks now.
I'm not going to lie...it is a BIT louder than before and my husband was worried that it might be denting the inside of the dryer. But...after finding melted crayon on my clothing and being forced to scrub out the drum of the dryer, I assured him, after close inspection, that there was not a dent to be found. So I just close the door to the laundry room (cutting down some of the noise).
I have been completely satisfied with the static cling free (mostly) results. Not that we haven't experienced any static...just not any more than with the dryer sheets (except the one load where the ball got stuck in the foot of my little ones "footie" pajamas and was not free to tumble around...there was a little more static then).
I believe we will be using this method for a long time to come...if not forever.
Thanks for the tips Judy @ What I Live For and Lifehacker.
Ah....you hear that? It's the sound of Savings...my favorite.
Who would have thought! I think I am going to put this to the test. It gets soooooo dry here in the winter causing insane static.......I'll let you know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! I am so trying this! This is the first time I'm actually excited to do laundry because I want to see how this works : )
ReplyDeleteYes ladies...be sure and report. I'm always interested in how these things work for other people.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I don't even use dryer sheets anymore because it is so harsh on Kambria's skin....so I will have to try this and see how it works! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI sadly won't have much to report. I mentioned it to my husband and in as manly of a way as possible he confessed that he loves the way his clothes smell thanks to the dryer sheets.......lol! I guess I can't deprive him of that simple pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou can cut the sheet into 4 pieces. cheaper and less chemicals.
Delete