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The 7 Best Dryer Sheets of 2024

Keep your laundry static-free and smelling fresh

Several dryer sheets we recommend displayed on a wooden table

The Spruce / Eric Brockob

Adding a dryer sheet into your next load of laundry can be a convenient answer if you want to reduce static and make your laundry smell oh-so-fresh. Plus, dryer sheets can also make your clothing and blankets feel comfortably soft and fluffy, reasons enough to toss a sheet into the dryer next time you use it. 

It sounds simple enough, but if you've ever stood in the laundry aisle at your grocery store, you know that there are options galore. On that note, we've done some research for you, and narrowed it down to a list of recommended choices in a variety of categories.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Bounce Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Amazon Bounce Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Amazon

What We Like
  • Fresh scent

  • Reduces static

  • Makes laundry super soft

  • Multiple sizes available

What We Don’t Like
  • Fragrances may irritate

Bounce Dryer Sheets are a classic for a reason: They deliver an unparalleled soft and static-free load of laundry. They’re easy to toss into the dryer, come in large and small quantities based on your usage, and have a signature laundry-fresh scent. In fact, we noted that they have an Outdoor Fresh scent as soon as you open the box. Bounce is a best-selling, recognizable brand and reliable when it comes to getting rid of static cling.

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 fragrances and softening agents, so if your skin or nose are sensitive, these may not be the best choice.

Amount: 120 or 240 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Various

What We Like
  • Long-lasting scent

  • Works against static

  • Reduces wrinkles

What We Don’t Like
  • May need to use multiple sheets

  • Strong scent can irritate sensitivities

Gain's dryer sheets are known for having some of longest-lasting scent around. They also reduce static cling and wrinkles while softening. The brand recommends using multiple sheets in large or extra-large loads, to ensure that the softening and fragrance agents get to all of your items. Just know that Gain has a slightly coated feel to its sheets, more so than our best overall pick.

Gain dryer sheets are part of a line that features the popular original scent. If you love the floral smell, you can also buy the fabric softener and scent-boosting beads to throw in with your laundry. Keep in mind that 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.

Amount: 240 | Dimensions: 6.3 x 8.7 inches | Scent: Original

Best Eco-Friendly

Molly's Suds Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Molly's Suds All Natural Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Amazon

What We Like
  • Plant-based ingredients

  • Compostable

  • Scents from essential oils

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive compared to other picks

Molly’s Suds dryer sheets are made with plant-based ingredients, but they're effective at getting your laundry soft, reducing static cling, and providing a pleasant scent (like lavender or peppermint, which are both made with essential oils). There are unscented options, too, if you don’t want to bother with fragrance at all. We noted that Molly's sheets have a lighter, thin feel and are less coated than other brands.

These dryer sheets are also compostable so you know that they’re friendly to the Earth and your dryer, as well as your clothing. While they cost a bit more than their non-plant-based counterparts, it may be worth the higher price tag to steer clear of ingredients that may irritate your skin.

Amount: 120 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented, lavender, and peppermint

Best for Sensitive Skin

All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin

Amazon

What We Like
  • Free of fragrances and dyes

  • Doesn’t leave any residue

  • Affordable

What We Don’t Like
  • No laundry-fresh scent

These dryer sheets from All are specially made for sensitive skin. They aren’t formulated with dyes or fragrances and won’t leave any residue behind that may irritate your skin. Plus, we also like that they’re an affordable option for households with young babies or children.

While these sheets don’t have a recognizable laundry-fresh smell, they do allow your laundry detergent fragrance to shine through (if you use a scented one).

Amount: 120 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented

Best for Pet Hair

Bounce Pet Hair Dryer Sheets

Bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets

Amazon

What We Like
  • Removes pet hair from clothing

  • Larger size

  • Popular scent

What We Don’t Like
  • Doesn't work with every fabric

If you’ve struggled with pet hair sticking to just about everything, you should definitely add Bounce Pet Hair Mega Dryer Sheets to your laundry routine. The majority of cotton and synthetic clothing will come out completely free of pet hair (but note they won't work with every fabric).

Many other dryer sheet options also 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, since the 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.

Amount: 180 | Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.6 inches | Scent: Fresh Scent

Best Unscented

Bounce Free & Gentle Dryer Sheets

Bounce Free & Gentle Dryer Sheets

Amazon

What We Like
  • Free of fragrances and dyes

  • Biodegradable softening agent

  • Tested by dermatologists

What We Don’t Like
  • Polyester material may still irritate

It’s entirely possible to get the top performance of Bounce without the fragrance. Just like their scented counterparts, these sheets reduce static and wrinkles, as well as use a softening agent to get clothing, linens, and towels extra soft and fluffy. Plus, the softening agent is biodegradable.

The sheets have been tested by dermatologists and are free of fragrances and dyes—though, a heads-up that these dryer sheets are made of a non-woven polyester, just like the classic Bounce option, and use a softening agent, which can still be potential irritants for some.

Amount: 240 | Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 inches | Scent: Unscented

Best Reusable

Purecosheet Reusable Dryer Sheets

Purecosheet - Reusable Dryer Sheets

Amazon

What We Like
  • Engineered to fight static

  • No added perfumes or dyes; hypoallergenic

  • Last up to 500 loads

What We Don't Like
  • May not completely eliminate static

Compostable or biodegradable products are great, but sometimes the goal is to simply not create waste in the first place. If that's your priority, these polyester dryer sheets, which are sold two to a pack and must be used together, can be used for as many as 500 loads. (When their laundry life is over, you can add them to your rag back and use them for household cleaning jobs.) Because they fight static with a conductive fiber woven into them, they can be used to dry fabrics that you wouldn't pair with traditional dryer sheets, such as athletic wicking clothing, kids' pajamas, and delicate items such as cloth diapers.

Amount: 2 | Dimensions: 7.4 x 2 x 4.41 inches | Scent: Unscented

Final Verdict

Our best overall is Bounce Dryer Sheets. They smell great, get rid of static and wrinkles with just one sheet in the dryer, and are affordable. If you want something free of fragrances and dyes, consider All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin, our best for sensitive skin option.

What to Look for in Dryer Sheets

Amount

Dryer sheets are sold in boxes that normally hold between 100 and 300 sheets. Once you find a brand and scent that you like, it can be more cost-effective to buy in larger quantities. Some also have multi-packs available so that you can have one box in your home and another in a dorm room, RV, or vacation home. Fortunately, dryer sheets do not expire so you won't need to worry about using them up if you buy in bulk.

Ingredients and Scent

Some dryer sheets use added scents and fabric softeners to make your laundry fresh and soft. Others opt for plant-based ingredients and essential oils. If you're specifically looking for a pleasant aroma, we recommend our best smelling choice, Gain Dryer Sheets. On the other hand, if you’re particularly sensitive, you may want an option without scents or dyes, like our best for sensitive Skin pick, the aptly named All Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets for Sensitive Skin.

Safety Precautions

Dryer sheets are generally 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 essential oils and plant-based ingredients for scents.

Most people choose a dryer sheet that infuses a fragrance into the fabrics. If that's you, 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 synthetic fibers (Note: dryer balls made of wool are an exception 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.

FAQ
  • What’s better: fabric softener, dryer sheets, or wool dryer balls?

    Fabric softener works well when added to your wash cycle, although some people are more sensitive to liquid formulas. Dryer sheets provide similar benefits, including softening your fabrics and reducing static, but do not penetrate as deeply into clothing fibers and can be less irritating. Wool dryer balls can be reused, making them the most cost-effective option, but do not provide a scent booster to your laundry.

  • Are dryer sheets bad for your dryer?

    Over time, dryer sheets may leave residue on the inside of your dryer. This can impact the sensor that tells the dryer that the clothing inside is done. To avoid this buildup, clean the inside of your dryer periodically. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean the ducts at that time to avoid any fires.

  • What are dryer sheets made of?

    Most dryer sheets are made of non-woven polyester, similar to the material that goes into some synthetic fabrics. However, environmentally friendly dryer sheets are made of paper, with or without a plant-based coating.

  • Do you need dryer sheets?

    You do not need dryer sheets to get your laundry dry, but they can do wonders to make your clothing, linens, and towels soft, static-free, and unwrinkled. Take note, if you use fabric softener with your wash cycle, dryer sheets may not have any added benefit. Plus, they'll add to the overall cost of doing your laundry. That's why wool dryer balls are a nice alternative if you want something reusable.

  • Can you reuse dryer sheets?

    Yes, you can reuse dryer sheets. Every time you use them, the softening agents come off of the sheet, and they become less effective. If you use a dryer sheet with a particularly large load of laundry, it may not have many (if any) uses left. You can reuse dryer sheets to get rid of dust on the trim in your home. Running a used dryer sheet along the baseboard will keep excess dust and lint from accumulating. It can also make it easier to clean when dust settles.

  • How do you remove dryer sheet residue?

    To keep the inside of your dryer fresh and free of residue, use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Once you've done a spot check to ensure that the vinegar is suitable for your surface, spray the mixture onto the inside of the dryer, and wipe it away with a cloth (don't scrub too hard when using vinegar). You may also want to rinse with plain water to get any additional residue out. Let it air dry completely with the door open to prevent mildew from forming.

    “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 Kriss Klean. 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.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. 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 Kriss Klean, about the best practices for whole-house cleaning efficiently.

Our Experts:

Dena Ogden, commerce writer for The Spruce

Updated by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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