Sorry, this offer is no longer available. Get a free sample of Bounce Awakenings Dryer Sheets from P&G.; Since we are on the topic of dryer sheets, I have recently stopped using them and Tammy asked me what I’m using instead as a cheaper alternative? Here’s my answer:
I use the dryer balls – I bought mine at CVS for $3 (blue plastic with little spikes). They are the CVS generic brand (not the “As Seen on TV” brand which are more expensive). I think they work just as well in reducing static and are supposed to lessen drying time. Obviously they don’t provide any scent but I just want my clothes to smell clean so I don’t use liquid fabric softener either (unless I get a free sample). Hard to tell exactly how well the dryer balls work, but worth a try for $3! They do make noise – like if you put tennis balls in the dryer – that’s the only downside (oh, and my boys like to steal them to play with!).
Just be very careful not to let them drop in the sorted dirty laundry or roll somewhere where you can step on one. Ouch! I also nearly fell down when I stepped down on one. I was carrying things and I jerked my foot up fast. Also wouldn’t be great to feel in the dark on a quiet bathroom trip…
My hubby makes our laundry detergent now. He found the recipe online, uses borax and arm and hammer washing soap and a bar of soap. No added chemicals or scents and significantly cheaper. It works great. My skin is very sensative. We even use it for our 18 mo old and plan on using it for baby on the way. We too use the vinegar.
I bought the As Seen on TV dryer balls. They worked well on everything except static. I had to stop using them because my husband’s work and dress pants had too much static in them.
Heather, I put the vinegar right into my fabric softener dispenser–it works great to soften the clothes and is the best thing I have found to get rid of odors from my little bed wetter!Somehow, the clothes do not smell like vinegar, just clean and fresh!
I’ve heard the tip to use vinegar, especially to help your towels be more absorbant. But how in the world do you time it right to add the vinegar? Or can you add it to the fabric softener dispenser?
You can also use vinegar in your rinse cycle with no need for any dryer sheets or liquid saftener.
I’ve been using a set I bought at the thrift store (for $0.50) for a couple of months now and I really like them.Then, this week, I found out how to make your own dryer balls – http://casasugar.com/1807230.I think I might try these for homemade Christmas presents.
The only thing I dislike about the dryer balls is they tend to make my sweaters and fleece extra pilly. I don’t use them on knitted materials any more. They’re best on heavy things like towels, jeans and sheets.
I bought the AS seen on TV dryer balls and I don’t think they take away static. I still use dryer sheets and the balls, b/c they do shorten the time and make clothes fluffier.
I saw you mention you didn’t use dryer sheets anymore a while back. I am glad you made this post- because I was wondering how you were living with all that static!! lol
My SO’s parents gave him one of those balls a few years ago. He says it makes clothes “too starchy, like stiff and itchy.” Have you noticed this at all?I like liquid fabric softener, since the machines in my building let you put it in at the start, but I somehow acquired several boxes of dryer sheets, so I use those instead (unless I get a free sample in the mail). I think they’re responsible for the greasy spots on some of my dark shirts, though :/
We switched to the dryer balls about a month ago and I think they work better than the dryer sheets. My towels seem to be fluffier but maybe it is my imagination.