What’s the best replacement for dryer sheets in a sustainable laundry routine?

[AriaH]

I’ve been trying to switch to a more sustainable laundry routine, but I’m stuck on the dryer sheets. I know the conventional ones are full of chemicals and synthetic fragrances, and they’re single-use, but I’m not sure what actually works as a replacement. Wool dryer balls seem like the obvious choice, but do they really soften clothes and reduce static on their own, or do I need to add something like a few drops of essential oil to them?

[JustinA]

Wool dryer balls do soften and fluff and they cut down on drying time a bit. They won't erase static completely, especially in dry indoor air. If you want a gentle scent, a couple drops of essential oil on each ball can help, but start small and don't use too much.

[Amelia.W]

I tried that for a few months. They helped with fluff and the load felt a touch softer, and drying time was shorter by a few minutes, but static still showed up in some loads. I kept it unscented and it was fine.

[TimothyGL]

Lately I’ve been line drying when I can; energy wins and clothes smell plain good. The wool balls stay in the dryer anyway, and I still miss the just-straight-from-the-dryer feel on thicker fabrics. It’s not perfect, I know.

[Abigail_G]

Could the real issue be the air in the room or how you load things? Have you tried humidifying the laundry area or adjusting load sizes?