Chris Shugart
Stop Using Dryer Sheets
Your clothes smell nice, but your body is more prone to fat gain and other problems. Here's what you need to know.
I have a billion-dollar idea: Convince people that everything needs to smell like something else. Stick with me here.
People don't want their armpits to stink, but let's trick them into thinking their pits also need to smell like flowers or sandalwood. They don't want their houses to smell funny, so let's convince them that their homes need to smell like a meadow or freshly baked apple pie. Ooh, ooh! And their cars need to smell like pine trees. Their clothes and bed sheets? They need to smell "fresh," whatever that is.
Yeah, I know. I'm a little late to this silly but profitable idea. According to recent reports, the artificial scent industry is valued at $50 billion. The dryer sheet industry alone is worth $13 billion.
Dryer sheets are used to reduce static cling and make your clothes smell like, well, something else. They're also contributing to widespread endocrine and metabolic disruption. Read: Hormone problems and fat gain.
The Problem with Dryer Sheets
1. Most dryer sheets contain obesogens.
Obesogens are chemicals that disrupt hormones and contribute to weight gain.
Yes, you're correct: dryer sheets don't force people to mainline sugary sodas and eat Oreos. But they usually contain synthetic fragrances, which often include phthalates. Phthalates interfere with hormone signaling, particularly thyroid hormones and androgens, which regulate metabolism. Studies link phthalates to increased fat storage and insulin resistance. Fabric-softening dryer sheets may also contain parabens, which can mimic estrogen and contribute to fat accumulation.
2. Many brands contain quats.
Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) are often found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and they're linked to metabolic disruption. Quats reduce static cling by neutralizing electrical charge. They also bind fragrances to fabrics and coat clothing fibers, making them feel smoother.
But some research suggests quats interfere with hormone and mitochondrial function, which affects energy metabolism. Since quats have mild antibacterial properties, frequent exposure might contribute to antibiotic resistance.
3. Dryer sheets contain VOCs.
Dryer sheets release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene, toluene, and acetaldehyde, known endocrine disruptors. Chronic exposure to VOCs is associated with metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, both of which contribute to fat gain and even mental health issues.
Constant exposure to all of the above (from bedding and clothing) could mean prolonged absorption through the skin and inhalation.
Use Wool Balls Instead
Wool dryer balls work by naturally softening fabrics and reducing static without chemicals. They're reusable for over 1000 loads, too. No, dryer balls won't make your clothes smell like anything, but they don't need to smell like pansies and tulips, right? This is a good brand (Buy at Amazon).
Isn't This Being a Little Paranoid?
Maybe. Dryer sheets alone aren't going to wreck your metabolic and hormonal health, but these endocrine and metabolic-disrupting chemicals are everywhere and hard to avoid. Ditching the dryer sheets is an easy way to avoid some of them. (It'll save you some money, too.)
You can also fight off these health and physique-wrecking chemicals by taking resveratrol. This natural polyphenol combats endocrine disruption (caused by phthalates and quats), fights obesogenic compounds (phthalates and VOCs), and reduces oxidative stress (triggered by VOCs). Resveratrol supports liver function and "phase II detox pathways," helping to clear out these toxins more efficiently.
Take 600 mg of active pure trans-resveratrol, the type and amount required for an effective dose. That's two softgels of Rez-V High Absorption Resveratrol (Buy at Amazon).
T Nation earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Read more about our policy.
