Fabric Softener vs Dryer Sheets

What does fabric softener do?

Fabric softener is used to reduce static in your clothes which is caused by contact with other fabrics. Fabric softeners contain different lubricants that coat and ‘loosen’ the fabric fibres in your garments, but most people also use softeners to get rid of wrinkles in clothes, neutralise bad odours, and leave materials feeling soft and smelling fresh.

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What do dryer sheets do?

Dryer sheets are thin pieces of polyester or cellulose fabric, which contain a mix of liquid fabric softeners, lubricants, and fragrances. These are added into the clothes dryer NOT the washing machine. Dryer sheets are an alternative to liquid fabric softeners and provide many of the same benefits, such as eliminating static, minimising stiffness in your clothes, and depositing scents.

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Benefits of fabric softener

Fabric softeners offer a number of benefits that make them ideal for some households.

• Suitable for people with sensitive skin and can cause less irritation
• Offer more fragrance-free varieties
• Help fight stretching and reduce wrinkling in clothes

Benefits of dryer sheets

Similarly to fabric softeners, dryer sheets offer a number of benefits.

• Typically cheaper than fabric softeners
• Don’t require any measuring and are easy to dispense
• Effective in preventing static in clothing
• Can also be used to freshen bags, shoes and other similar items

How much do dryer sheets and fabric softeners cost?

Fabric softeners or conditioners range in price from as little as $3 to upwards of $20 depending on the packaging size and brand. You can find brand-name products that are on the cheaper side, whereas brands like Fluffy, Comfort and Earth Choice will set you back a little more. Typically a 2l bottle will last you approximately 20 washes. Dryer sheets often tend to be the cheaper option, generally costing under $10 for 40 sheets.

Does fabric softener ruin clothes?

Consistent use of fabric softeners over time can cause some types of materials to wear and not be as soft. However in a more immediate time frame fabric softeners won’t ruin clothes. It comes down to how often you wash and wear items of clothing, how much fabric softener you’re using and your washing machine that will impact the wear and tear of your clothing.

Are dryer sheets bad for your dryer?

Dryer sheets can leave a coating of residue in your dryer. Over time the residue can get on your dryer’s sensors and interfere with its ability to properly dry washing. While this residue won’t permanently damage your dryer, it can mean that you’ll end up using more power over time.

Dryer sheets or fabric softener?

Choosing between dryer sheets and fabric softeners will come down to whether you use your washing machine or dryer more. If you’re someone who doesn’t use your dryer too often, dryer sheets may not be the best fit for you. But if you’re someone who wants freshness for linen and towels, dryer sheets could be the right choice.

It’s also important to consider price and effectiveness. While fabric softener costs significantly more than dryer sheets, it is typically more effective at keeping your clothes soft and fresh. Dryer sheets are a great lower-price option, but bear in mind they aren’t quite as effective as fabric softener, as they only soften the surface layer of fabric by coating it in a softening residue.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, depending on how much you want to spend and whether or not you use a dryer often.

About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.