Do you use dryer sheets?

[dogboy44]

A friend told me they cause build up on the lint filter and impede airflow. I ran the lint filter under the faucet, and yes, it was like it was scotch guarded. Washed it with dish soap and scrubbed lightly with a toothbrush, and the water flowed right through. The lint collection is better now as well. She told me to do this a couple times a year.

 

[samsungfl]

"A friend told me they cause build up on the lint filte

Very True! I used to use dryer sheets quite often, although after a few months I noticed my dryer was getting slower and slower, Ive only got a White Knight Compact Dryer, but waiting 80minutes or so for not even a full load seemed excessive!

I did begin to wonder if the dryer was at fault, as its only new and I think we all know about lemon machines! It wasnt until I took the vent hose off the back I found it was so clogged with fluff, easily restricting the airflow! So I gave that a good clean and the tubing that runs into the dryer ( There must of been at least 2 dryer filters worth of fluff in there!).

Since this drying times have come down alot so i'm back to fast drying again, which is weird as I was getting used to waiting an age LOL! I Dont use dryer sheets anymore because of this, and the dryer's filter always has alot less fluff on it after a cycle in comparision to with dryer sheets!

Ive switched to using Dryer Balls as an alternative now

Richard

 

[chestermikeuk]

yep

Anything like the dryer sheets or too much waxy conditioner will start to build up a film all over the drum, usually rendering thermostats & sensors inoperative after a long while...

Good to wash them like you say and also if you have excess in the ducting pipe...Cut it and reduce to the minimum...the less venting hose the more efficient the dryer will be!!! keep it straight and no bends..!!!

 

[yogitunes]

On occassion when I remember, I do use them, and yes once a month I run hot water over the filter and clean the venting, it can build up quickly, but clean your vents anyway for fire safety, dryer sheets or not

My sister uses the hell out of them, sometimes 3 and 4 per load, I clean her vent every 6 months and that puppy is packed solid all the way thru her 8 foot pipe, but you can't fix stupid!

 

[gansky1]

It's true!

I peeped down into my Duet gas dryer's lint filter slit tonight and was shocked to find almost nothing clinging to the sides or bottom of the duct. I ran a vent-brush through the galvanized 7' of pipe from the outside over the weekend and that also was really little more than dust.

I very, very rarely use the liquid wax (softener) in the washer and dryer wax sheets are only for display or vacuum bag use. I bought one of those frightful dryer "bars" a few weeks ago and immediately sealed it in a zip bag as soon as it came in the door. We have softened water and with good rinsing, I find the softener is largely unnecessary for most things. A small bit in the sock-load can help with static, but an accurate electronic control dryer is really just as good I've found.

 

[toggleswitch2]

Softener sheets are the No. 1 cause of dryer fires.

Now,if line-dried articles, which end up stiff as a board, are acceptably soft, why does one need softner in the dryer?

The heat and tumbling naturally fluffs and softens.

 

[launderess]

You want to see what dryer sheets can do to automatic tumble dryers? Take thyself to the nearest laundromat and have a peep inside the dryers. Inside drums is almost always in some state of decay because of constant use of dryer sheets. Some customers put two, three, or even more in EACH dryer.

 

[DADoES]

 
By and large I don't use sheets, but I have a box of Bounce Free that is the occasional choice for loads that I don't want softener-scented. Using sheets is so much not a habit that I forgot to toss one in on the latest load of towels/socks when I had intended to do so.

 

[lavamat_jon]

I've used them a few times - but after a while the smell became so sickly I had to stop using them again.

I've found that I've had to use them in timer dryers, but because sensor dryers dry clothes far more accurately and more precisely, that dryer sheets are rendered unnecessary.

Not just that, but seeming as I rarely use the tumble dryer they are pretty much pointless anyway, especially as our liquid softeners do a much better job (and yes - my clothes and sheets are ALWAYS soft when hung to dry).

Jon

 

[steve1-18]

Alternative use

My friend took some Bounce sheets along on our last camping trip. He rubs a sheet on his arms, neck, and legs (exposed flesh) and tucks the sheet in a belt loop. Keeps the flying critters at bay and smells good, too!

 

[pulsator]

I never ever ever ever use dryer sheets!!! They can make the clothes smell good and I do like the "fresh linen" scent of Bounce and wish it came in liquid fabric softener form but, they do nothing for softness for me! Everything comes out feeling like sand paper to me! I am ADDICTED to the use of liquid fabric softener!!! I know I use quite a bit especially on towels, but if properly washed, there is no build-up on the towels and they are still VERY absorbent! I do check the lint filters regularly to make sure the dryers are getting proper airflow and have never once had to clean them as any water put on them just falls straight through as if passing through air!

 

[drhardee]

The manual that came with my

Miele tumble dryer (T1520) states in bold print:
"DO NOT USE DRYER SHEETS WITH THIS DRYER!"

It states that the silicates in such will damage the electronic sensors, and that if one wants softened clothes to do it in the washer only.

Miele said it, I believe it, and that settles it.

 

[passatdoc]

I use Bounce unscented mainly for the anti-static effect, not for softening or for fragrance. The moisture sensor in my Frigidaire 1442 gas dryer is located just below the lint trap, i.e. on the inside of the front of the drum. I clean it with isopropyl (medical) alcohol once a month to remove any build up from the sheets. My dryer times remain the same. If you allow waxy buildup on the sensor, drying times may increase.

 

[gyrafoam]

I only use them every now and then preferring the liquid in the washing machine.

In spite of all the gloom and doom stories about constant use of dryer sheets, I know people who have used a gazillion dryer sheets in their old driers, and nary a problem. Go 'figya.

 

[qsd-dan]

I haven't had a dryer sheet touch my clothing since my mother quit using them in the early 90's when I was a kid.

"I know people who have used a gazillion dryer sheets in their old driers, and nary a problem. Go 'figya."

My grandmother used several sheets per load in her DE806 dryer for several decades and she never had an issue. I have a feeling that wouldn't be the case if the dryer had the older wire wound baffles instead of the newer solid strip ones.

 

[alr2903]

Even 1/3 of a dryer sheet will stop static in a huge load of clothes. They DO make towels less absorbent. alr2903

 

[travlincub321]

My grandmothers kenmore dyer burned up due to my grams conistant use of snuggle, bounce and other horrid dryer sheets.. she would use two or three and apperantly one day she had the kind on a roll and it didnt rip apart right i guess and she threw the pieces in there.. along with the curtins she had washed (which where NOT dryer or washer approved)and buh by.. I caught it very quickly and it didnt do any damage, except damage the dryer and left a nasty stench in the house.. never again...Her next Kenmo and following maytag havent seen a dryer sheet since