What Can You Use Instead of Dryer Sheets?

Wool dryer balls, a splash of vinegar, less detergent — here are the natural swaps.
By Better Human Goods
1 min read

The most popular replacement is wool dryer balls — reusable wool balls that soften laundry mechanically and cut static without any coating or fragrance. But there are a few other options depending on what you're after:

  • Wool dryer balls — the closest one-to-one swap for the dryer; reusable, fragrance-free, and they can shorten drying time.
  • White vinegar in the rinse — a small amount in the wash's rinse cycle helps soften and cut residue. It rinses out, so no vinegar smell.
  • Less detergent — overdosing leaves residue that stiffens fabric, so using the right amount helps more than people expect.
  • Essential oils — a few drops on wool balls give a light, natural scent on your terms, instead of synthetic fragrance.

Most people find wool balls alone cover it, with vinegar as a backup for stiff towels. More in how to soften laundry naturally.

Try BHG wool dryer balls.