Our top pick is Bounce Dryer Sheets for a few reasons: They have a fresh scent, take care of softening your laundry, and reduce static cling and wrinkles. The Bounce scent is so synonymous with soft towels and clean clothing that these dryer sheets, which have been around since 1972, have become a popular choice for their fresh clean fragrance. Here, we’ve loaded up this article with our top picks for the best dryer sheets. 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 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 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. These are also a tiny bit smaller than most other dryer sheets, so you may need to use them with slightly smaller loads of laundry. Price at time of publish: $13 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 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 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 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 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
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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. “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. 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.
