Question for those who use dryer sheets with regular laundry...

[thefreckledmama]

We're sharing a washer/dryer with my inlaws, and they just started using dryer sheets. I'm wondering if they're going to have any effect on our cloth diapers? My thinking is that the fabric softener will build up on the inside of the dryer, and then transfer to the dipes, causing build up (repel issues), and even possibly rash issues.

So my question is, does anyone use dryer sheets for the normal laundry? Have you had any issues with build up on your diapers?

[chiara]

no issues here, but I really didn't use them that often, less than 1x week.

[mysticmomma]

Originally Posted by chiara

no issues here, but I really didn't use them that often, less than 1x week.

can you line dry? or but them some wool dryer balls? we have had issues with losing absorbency.

[thefreckledmama]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

can you line dry? or but them some wool dryer balls? we have had issues with losing absorbency.

Not in the winter months-we don't have anywhere inside to hang them. The main reason they use dryer sheets is for the scent. I'm hoping since they don't consistently get them, it won't be hard to dissuade them from using them.

[mysticmomma]

you can scent the balls too.

[leavemealone]

I don't have a problem with dryer sheets causing buildup/repelling, but I also don't use dryer sheets very often. I really only used them when I am washing blankets and I cut the dryer sheet in half so it's not as strongly scented.

[SeekingJoy]

I have used other's machines, and had lots of problems with our microfiber, but less so with our prefolds. What kind of dipes do you use?

[thefreckledmama]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

you can scent the balls too.

What's the best way to do this? I'm thinking a few drops of EO on the balls?

Originally Posted by SeekingJoy

I have used other's machines, and had lots of problems with our microfiber, but less so with our prefolds. What kind of dipes do you use?

We have a few BG 3.0's, prefolds, and a variety of hemp and cotton fitteds. We do let the few BG's air dry, but the prefolds and fitteds go in the dryer.

[mysticmomma]

you saturate the inner felted ball with eo's. it does eventually disappear though.

[NSmomtobe]

Hmm... We use dryer sheets, although after reading more about them, it looks like we will probably be stopping. If there is build-up in the dryer, is there a way to clean the dryer?

[thefreckledmama]

Originally Posted by NSmomtobe

Hmm... We use dryer sheets, although after reading more about them, it looks like we will probably be stopping. If there is build-up in the dryer, is there a way to clean the dryer?

Although it's not the same thing, when we had melted crayon coating the inside of our dryer, I put old towels in and ran it until no more crayon was depositing on anything. While I think it would be hard to see the actual build up with fabric softener, I think the same procedure would work for cleaning it out. Maybe start with a wipe down of the inside of the drum first?