Dryer Sheets
04-12-2012, 02:38 PM
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,325
I do not think either the cotton or the dryer sheets would survive a fire. The funny thing is I do use the lint out of the dryer and used dryer sheets to start my garbage fire. Both are a sure fire way to get a fire going.
04-12-2012, 02:39 PM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
I have fragrance allergies - especially to perfumes that have any musk as a base. I see so many physicians offices and dental practices that now say they requestt a fragrance free environment and will ask any person with obvious "perfume smells" to reschedule. I don't use fragrance free everything (original scent Tide doesn't effect my allergies). It is a hit and miss process for me, so I avoid them as much as I can. Remember the marketing phrase "better life through chemicals? Well, duh, look what has happened with the rise in cancer and diseases.
Perfume was solely invented to cover up the smell of unwashed bodies - and now successful marketing makes the insecure person "feel undressed" if they don't spray chemicals all over their body. The chemicals in dryer sheets are very toxic to everyone eventually, why even use them? I remember when fabric companies used formalyhyde in 100% cotton. I used to have breathing difficulties in fabric store.
Perfume was solely invented to cover up the smell of unwashed bodies - and now successful marketing makes the insecure person "feel undressed" if they don't spray chemicals all over their body. The chemicals in dryer sheets are very toxic to everyone eventually, why even use them? I remember when fabric companies used formalyhyde in 100% cotton. I used to have breathing difficulties in fabric store.
I started the thread about dryer sheets. I do not recommend using them- used or not- out of consideration for others because of chemicals- not just fragrances. There's no reason to use them because I can use inexpensive interfacing to achieve the EXACT same result for applique. Dryer sheets are just spun polyester mesh or scrim interfacing that is impregnated with chemicals. Interfacing is very cheap. I'm not going crazy and saying don't wash the fabrics and quilts in detergents that might be a problem for someone. They can rewash if needed. I'm just saying don't hide chemicals INSIDE the quilt. It's NOT just about the scent and whether or not you can smell it, and it's hardly an extreme measure. If someone has a chronic headache, eye watering, breathing problem, or itchy skin or rash- who would think it was a reaction to something INSIDE the quilt? Seems like an unnecessary and avoidable risk if you are gifting a quilt meant to make someone feel good. I'm a retired Nurse Practitioner, and have heard agreement from many folks here on the Board. Common sense says go ahead and reuse the dryer sheets for a second load, dusting, maybe wall hanging, etc., not inside a quilt or quilted clothing.
04-12-2012, 02:41 PM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
Unless you have some terrible allergy, I doubt you are in any danger from dryer sheets. After all, whatever chemicals are in them at the start of the drying cycle are in your clothing, linens, etc., when they come out of the dryer.
However, if you are really scared of the dyer sheets, try using paper stabilizer. That can include old phone book paper if you are an avid recycler. You can also use new paper towels, which tear away very easily. You might also go to your local newspaper and buy an end roll--the roll that's too short to use on the presses. You will have to cut it to size, but it is great for string quilts--no print on it and no chemicals except what's in paper to start with. Or buy the cheapest copy paper you can find. froggyintexas
However, if you are really scared of the dyer sheets, try using paper stabilizer. That can include old phone book paper if you are an avid recycler. You can also use new paper towels, which tear away very easily. You might also go to your local newspaper and buy an end roll--the roll that's too short to use on the presses. You will have to cut it to size, but it is great for string quilts--no print on it and no chemicals except what's in paper to start with. Or buy the cheapest copy paper you can find. froggyintexas
Somewhere a time ago I read on this board that you should not use dryer sheets in string quilts because of the fragrance and chemicals in them. How about the fragrance free ones? I know they probably still have some chemicals in them, but at least there is no fragrance to bother allergies. Any thoughts?
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