Laundry Tip

It has been reported that fabric softeners (both the liquid and sheet forms) contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Here is a list of some:

• Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
• Limonene: Known carcinogen
• A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list
• Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
• Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

So, I've actually thrown out all my Bounce sheets. Instead, I now put 6 tennis balls into the dryer with my clothes. The results of the tennis balls are as such:

• No toxic chemicals from fabric softeners.
• Shorter drying time on a lower heat setting (lowering use of electricity and/or gas).
• No synthetic "fragrant" smell.
• Fluffy laundry... especially those that have filling (i.e. pillows, down jackets, comforters, etc.)
  
• No static cling.
• No additional costs after initial purchase of new tennis balls.
• Downside: The need to adjust to the thumping noise in the dryer. BUT, they do NOT harm the dryer.
  

Therefore, if you want to save money, eliminate some of the terrible chemicals that come into contact with your body, and still get soft clothes, I would suggest tennis balls in your dryer too... especially if you have children. But, my suggestion is for you to invest in a good brand of tennis balls because the cheap generic ones sometimes have coloring that can come off on clothes.

Let me know how this tip works out for you if you try it!