Back when I used to use FS, the dryer sheets and liquid FS essentially were two different things. The dryer sheets were more for static in the dryer if you insisted on overdrying clothes and the liquid was for the wash cycle. I do know some people who would use the dryer sheets in the washer though.

When I had stiff new jeans I would run them through the washer with about 2-3 times the recommended amount of softener to loosen them up and that made them easier to wear for a long time. I haven't used softener of any time for over a decade now though. Don't need it.

Every time I get into an elevator ( once the weather is warmer ) I get sick to my stomach from all of the "dryer sheet" air! Has anyone else noticed it - when those who use them get warm their clothing gives off that dryer sheet smell.

I haven't used FS for many years either -

I'm going to offer NONE as my answer - so save your money.

I haven't used any softener products for eons because of all the toxic chemicals and headache-rendering "rain fresh" scents in them. My sister-in-law's physician said the unscented softener sheets/liquids were just as bad, if not worse, for her particular skin conditions, as the scented ones.

The bottom line, I think we've been brainwashed to believe we need softeners; but the truth is, clothes dried in the dryer will be soft without softeners - it's completely unnecessary. If you have a problem with static cling, you can do several things to prevent it, that doesn't involve unnecessary chemicals coating your clothes.

To eliminate static:

1. If your load of laundry contains synthetics, hang them to air-dry, or remove them from the dryer before the load is completely dry. Cotton fabrics aren't a problem for static.

2. Add the new-style dryer balls that take care of static (the blue balls WITH the 1-inch pink dots) to your dryer (see link below). They do a very good job on static (you may need more than 2 balls if you have a large load that has a lot of synthetic fabrics).

3. Static is also caused from over-drying the clothes, so don't dry clothes as long.

4. You can spritz a load of laundry charged with static with plain water, give it an additional tumble or two, and that will discharge the static.

I often wonder how many people with breathing problems and skin problems would benefit from eliminating softener from their laundry? Do a search on - health problems from fabric softeners for more information...

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Dryer Max Anti-Static Balls

I have had the new anti-static dryer balls about a month now and I love them. I don't like smelly FS and didn't want to use it in my new FL machine but I was getting static on the socks and undies that were part or all synthetic. Socks were stuck to everything. These colorful balls seem to do the trick. Got them at Target - 2 for $10. Seems like a lot but if it saves time and lost socks it is probably worth it.

If you feel you really must use fabric softeners, I'd vote for liquid fabric softeners. The sheets, when I tried them, left a filmy residue on my dryer drum. I've since found that I like my laundry better not using any softener at all. Certainly, my towels are much more absorbent.

I cut my sheet in 1/4s and it seems to be plenty

Thanks for every reply :) By the way polie mentioned a filmy residue on the dryer's drum. How can I remove that film? Is it a good solution to wipe through the drum and the moisture sensors with a cotton pad steeped with 95% alcohol?

I used dryer sheets with my former dryer (used it for 10+ years, at least 7-10 loads per week) and I never had a problem with buildup on the sensors or the lint screen. I'm not sure why some people have that problem and others don't.

I don't use any fabric softener OR dryer sheets on towels, as that will greatly reduce their absorbency.

When I use fabric softener on other laundry in the washer, I mix it half-and-half with white vinegar in the dispenser. For towels, I use only vinegar in the FS dispenser.

I do use dryer sheets, sparingly. Have had no problems.

I quit using dryer sheets completely but then static became a problem. Now I use Seventh Generation dryer sheets. I stopped using dryer sheets when I switched to all natural products and the only sheets I could find were too expensive. Seventh Generation must have come out with these recently. They're still a bit pricey compared to regular sheets but I'll pay it.

I've used Bounce dryer sheets for probably 20 years. Have never noticed any buildup in the dryer. Never use liquid FS because I hate the gummy buildup in the dispenser. Back when I had a toploader and used liquid (in the 80's maybe? a long time ago) the FS would leave a blue slime all over the agitator. Guess that's why I switched to dryer sheets and love them. A friend commented the other day that my pool towels smelled so good and wondered what I use.

I don't use either anymore. The only thing I like it on are the towels. Now I just rinse them twice and they are nice and soft.

mountaineergirl help me :) I cannot make up my mind and choose the best fregrance of bounce sheets. My mom used the classic original scent cazse she loved it, but I would like to change. What about the fresh linen scent? THX

I use the cheapest unscented dryer sheets I can find and I like mom1234 cut them in quarters or 3rds. I find the scented ones sickening and it bothers our allergies. The only reason I use them at all is for static.

Besides I hang my clothes on the line as long as weather permits--now there is a scent no manufacturer can duplicate.

vackeer - its called "outdoor fresh"