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Amazon / Amazon / Amazon
Keeping laundry clean and static-free can feel like such a monumental task. Of course, adding a dryer sheet into your next load might be a convenient answer if you want to reduce static and make your laundry smell oh-so-fresh. Plus, dryer sheets can also make your clothing and blankets feel so soft and fluffy, a top reason why many people swiftly throw a sheet into the dryer each time they use it.
Here, we’ve loaded up this article with our top picks for the best dryer sheets.
Best Overall
Bounce Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Fresh scent
Reduces static
Makes laundry super soft
Multiple sizes available
Chemical-based fragrance may irritate
Bounce Dryer Sheets are a classic for a reason: They deliver an unparalleled soft and static-free load of laundry. They’re affordable, easy to toss into the dryer, come in large and small quantities based on your usage, and have a signature laundry-fresh scent. Bounce is a best-selling, recognizable brand and reliable when it comes to getting rid of static cling.
The original Bounce dryer sheets can also reduce wrinkles while they soften. This may not be the case for all laundry, especially if it sits in the dryer for a day or more before folding. But if you take your dry laundry out within a few hours, you can expect it to be static- and wrinkle-free.
One thing to note: They’re made with chemical-based fragrances and softening agents, so if your skin or nose are sensitive, these may not be the best choice.
Price at time of publish: $9
Amount: 120 or 240 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Various
Best Budget
Snuggle Plus Super Fresh Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Reduces wrinkles and odor
Controls static
Multiple sizes available
Ineffective at removing pet hair
You may be familiar with the cute Snuggle bear that appears on the packaging of these budget-friendly dryer sheets. They also work well to reduce wrinkles, odors, and static cling. While they won’t work to get rid of pesky pet hair, they can cover up the most common odor culprits, including pet odors.
Snuggle dryer sheets are sold in a pack of 105, so you may need to repurchase them often. However, they’re affordable, and you can always buy multiple boxes at once after you know that they’ll work for you. They’re also available in a smaller pack of 70, perfect for giving them a try or taking on vacation if you’re only planning to do laundry for a short time.
Price at time of publish: $5
Amount: 105 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Original
Best Eco-Friendly
Molly's Suds All Natural Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Plant-based ingredients
Compostable
Scents from essential oils
Expensive
Molly’s Suds dryer sheets are made with plant-based ingredients, but they are still very effective at getting your laundry soft, reducing static cling, and providing a pleasant scent. There are unscented options, too, if you don’t want to bother with fragrance at all. However, the lavender and peppermint options are both made with essential oils.
These dryer sheets are also compostable so you know that they’re good for the Earth and your dryer, as well as your clothing. While they cost a bit more than their chemical-based counterparts, it may be worth the higher price tag to steer clear of ingredients that may irritate your skin.
Price at time of publish: $13
Amount: 120 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented, lavender, and peppermint
Best Smelling
Gain Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Long-lasting scent
Works against static
Reduces wrinkles
May need to use multiple sheets
Strong scent can irritate sensitivities
Gain is known for having some of the longest-lasting scented dryer sheets. They also reduce static cling and wrinkles while softening. Gain recommends using multiple sheets in large or extra-large loads. This ensures that the softening and fragrance agents get to all of your items.
Gain dryer sheets are part of a line that features the popular original scent. If you love the smell, you can also buy the fabric softener and scent-boosting beads to throw in with your laundry. Keep in mind that these are chemical-based fragrances. If you’re sensitive or have allergies, it may be best to try out just one product before committing to multiple ones with the same scent.
Price at time of publish: $10
Amount: 240 | Dimensions: 6.3 x 8.7 inches | Scent: Original
Best Unscented
Bounce Free & Gentle Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Free of fragrances and dyes
Biodegradable softening agent
Tested by dermatologists
Polyester material may still irritate
It’s entirely possible to get the top performance of Bounce without the fragrance by using their Free & Gentle line. Just like their scented counterparts, these sheets reduce static and wrinkles, as well as use a softening agent to get clothing, linens, and towels extra soft and fluffy. Note the softening agent is chemical-based, which may irritate your skin, though the fragrances and dyes are eliminated. There’s a plus side: The softening agent is biodegradable, so you won’t need to worry about your plumbing.
The sheets have been tested by dermatologists and are free of fragrances and dyes. Still, these dryer sheets are made of a non-woven polyester, just like the classic Bounce option.
Price at time of publish: $10
Amount: 240 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented
Best for Pet Hair
Bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Removes pet hair from clothing
Larger size
Popular scent
Expensive
If you’ve struggled with pet hair sticking to just about everything, you should definitely add Bounce Pet Hair Mega Dryer Sheets to your laundry routine. While they won’t work for every type of fabric, the majority of cotton and synthetic clothing will come out completely free of pet hair.
These sheets are larger and a bit more expensive than standard dryer sheets. You may only want to use them when needed to get pet hair off of particular items. Even normal Bounce dryer sheets, as well as other options, work to keep lint and hair from sticking to your clothing. Unless you have a pet who sheds a lot, these may be a tad much for every load of laundry.
Price at time of publish: $13
Amount: 180 | Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.6 inches | Scent: Fresh Scent
Best for Babies
Grab Green Newborn Baby Laundry Dryer Sheets
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Amazon
Gentle ingredients
Soothing scents
Uses essential oils
Expensive
For babies’ delicate skin, we suggest Grab Green dryer sheets, which use gentle ingredients and soothing essential oil-based fragrances to keep clothing and blankets soft. They can even be used on cloth diapers! Each dryer sheet is made without dyes, wax, parabens, phthalates, or animal products. You can also use them on your own clothing and linens, so that they become soft and static-free.
The detailed list of ingredients on the back of each box is also very helpful. That way, you can take the list to your pediatrician to get to the root of any problems.
Expect these to be a bit expensive compared to other dryer sheet brands. Despite the cost, many parents opt for these dryer sheets when washing their baby’s clothing, blankets, and towels. Plus, they come in smaller packages so you can test them first. With how often babies go through clothing, however, you may end up wanting to buy in bulk or ordering through a subscription service to save.
Price at time of publish: $16
Amount: 120 | Dimensions: Not listed | Scent: Calming Chamomile, Dreamy Rosewood
Best for Sensitive Skin
All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin
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Amazon
Free of fragrances and dyes
Doesn’t leave any residue
Affordable
No laundry-fresh scent
All Fabric dryer sheets are specially made for sensitive skin. They aren’t made with dyes or fragrances and won’t leave any residue behind that may irritate your skin. Plus, they’re an affordable option for households with young babies or children.
While they don’t have a recognizable laundry-fresh scent, they do allow your laundry detergent fragrance to shine through. If you also use a Free & Clear laundry detergent, you’ll be happy to have an option that continues to steer clear of fragrances and dyes.
Price at time of publish: $5
Amount: 120 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented
Our top pick is Bounce Dryer Sheets. They smell great, get rid of static and wrinkles with just one sheet in the dryer, and are affordable. If you want something even more budget-friendly, consider Snuggle SuperFresh Dryer Sheets for a fresh scent or All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin for a product free of fragrances and dyes.
What to Look for in Dryer Sheets
Amount
Dryer sheets are sold in boxes that normally hold between 100 and 300 sheets. Once you find a brand and scent that you like, it can be more cost-effective to buy in larger quantities. Some also have multi-packs available so that you can have one box in your home and another in a dorm room, RV, or vacation home. Fortunately, dryer sheets do not expire so you won't need to worry about using them up if you buy in bulk.
Ingredients and Scent
Some dryer sheets use chemical-based scents and fabric softeners to make your laundry fresh and soft. Others opt for plant-based ingredients and essential oils. If you’re particularly sensitive, look for a Free & Clear option that does not have any scents or dyes. Our Best Unscented pick is Bounce Free & Gentle Dryer Sheets, which have been tested by dermatologists and are free of fragrances and dyes.
Safety Precautions
Dryer sheets are safe to use on your clothing and laundered items, but some people can be sensitive to fragrances. If you experience headaches or other sensitivities after using dryer sheets, try switching to an unscented option or one that uses all-natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients for scents.
Most people choose a dryer sheet that infuses a fragrance into the fabrics. Select a scent that is appealing to your entire family and complements your laundry detergent. Unscented dryer sheets provide the same fabric softening and static-cling reduction benefits as scented products.
There are three categories of base material used to create dryer sheets:
- Disposable: Single-use sheets made of non-woven synthetic fibers
- Biodegradable: Single-use sheets made from compostable plant-based fibers
- Reusable: Multiple-use sheets made of harsh chemical–free synthetic fibers (Note: wool dryer balls are made of natural fibers and can be used multiple times)
Compare the cost-per-use when selecting a dryer sheet. Consider cutting the sheets in half when drying smaller loads of laundry to reduce your laundry supply spending.
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What’s better: fabric softener, dryer sheets, or wool dryer balls?
Fabric softener works well when added to your wash cycle, although some people are more sensitive to liquid formulas. Dryer sheets provide similar benefits, including softening your fabrics and reducing static, but do not penetrate as deeply into clothing fibers and can be less irritating. Wool dryer balls can be reused, making them the most cost-effective option, but do not provide a scent booster to your laundry.
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Are dryer sheets bad for your dryer?
Over time, dryer sheets may leave residue on the inside of your dryer. This can impact the sensor that tells the dryer that the clothing inside is done. To avoid this buildup, clean the inside of your dryer periodically. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean the ducts at that time to avoid any fires.
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What are dryer sheets made of?
Most dryer sheets are made of non-woven polyester, similar to the material that goes into some synthetic fabrics. Natural dryer sheets can be made of paper with or without a coating.
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Do you need dryer sheets?
You do not need dryer sheets to get your laundry dry, but they can do wonders to make your clothing, linens, and towels soft, static-free, and unwrinkled. Take note, if you use fabric softener with your wash cycle, dryer sheets may not have any added benefit. Plus, they'll add to the overall cost of doing your laundry. That's why wool dryer balls are a nice alternative if you want something reusable.
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Can you reuse dryer sheets?
Yes, you can reuse dryer sheets. Every time you use them, the softening agents come off of the sheet, and they become less effective. If you use a dryer sheet with a particularly large load of laundry, it may not have many (if any) uses left. You can reuse dryer sheets to get rid of dust on the trim in your home. Running a used dryer sheet along the baseboard will keep excess dust and lint from accumulating. It can also make it easier to clean when dust settles.
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How do you remove dryer sheet residue?
To keep the inside of your dryer fresh and free of residue, use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the mixture onto the inside of the dryer, and wipe it away with a cloth. You may also want to rinse with plain water to get any additional residue out. Let it air dry completely with the door open to prevent mildew from forming.
“If you use stronger cleaning solutions during other parts of your cleaning routine, make sure to wash your hands or change gloves,” says cleaning expert Krissia Garcia, the CEO of KrissKlean. This is especially true if you’re cleaning with bleach; the residue can easily get on your clothes if it comes off in the dryer.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019.
To compile this list, she looked for dryer sheets that were effective at softening laundry and reducing wrinkles and static. She also talked to Krissia Garcia, the CEO of Maryland-based cleaning company KrissKlean, about the best practices for whole-house cleaning efficiently.