Lint and Fabric Softener

[Stephen Tashiro]

I recently tried using a fabric softener in my dryer, the Bounce brand papers. I see more lint trapped in the dryer's filter. Is this "real" lint from the clothes due to the anti-static action? Or is it partly disintegrated pieces of the fabric softener sheets? Or do the fabric softener sheets cause my clothes to disintegrate more?

[Brian Elfert]

I find that the chemicals in the dryer sheets tend to clog up the dryer lint screen so that the screen becomes clogged and it may look like more lint is being generated. I recently washed my lint screen with a scrub brush and it is like new again. It was so plugged that only about 1/3 of the screen was allowing air through.

[Stephen Tashiro]

I it may look like more lint is being generated.

I'm going by how much stuff I pull off the filter. The chemicals might make the filter a finer filter and that might cause it to collect more lint. There is definitely more lint.

[Jim Koepke]

My understanding is the dryer sheets cut down the static on the clothes being dried. If there isn't a static charge to make the lint cling to the clothes it will be whisked away and trapped in the filter.

Over time the ingredients from the drier sheets can coat the filter mesh and clog it. This is why they require an occasional cleaning.

The vent line should also be cleaned out regularly to avoid problems.

jtk

[Joe Angrisani]

....Over time the ingredients from the drier sheets can coat the filter mesh and clog it. This is why they require an occasional cleaning.....

Over time the ingredients from the drier sheets also coat the temperture/humidity sensors to the point they can't measaure and effectively stop functioning. It's my understanding that no dryer makers recommend fabric softener sheets.

[Stephen Tashiro]

It's my understanding that no dryer makers recommend fabric softener sheets.

Are there products other than the sheets? I'm only looking for way to reduce static. In the dry climate of NM, I want to get more lint off the clothes - and not get electrocuted by my bath robe.

[Jim Koepke]

Are there products other than the sheets? I'm only looking for way to reduce static. In the dry climate of NM, I want to get more lint off the clothes - and not get electrocuted by my bath robe.

As I recall, in the old days (1950s) there was a small lamp in some dryers that had an ability to generate ozone. Ozone was thought to disinfect and to lessen static.

It is a bit corrosive which might be why it is no longer used in dryers.

In your case, I would likely just live with the dryer sheets when drying your bath robe or hang it up to dry.

jtk

[Brian Elfert]

If I don't use dyer sheets, at least in the winter, the clothes all stick together from the static. There are/were other products like a Bounce product that sticks to the drum and lasts for like 40 loads, but they probably have the same issues as dryer sheets.

[Belinda Barfield]

Try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle.

[Brian Elfert]

Try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle.

Would this be added where liquid fabric softener is normally poured into the washer? Is this supposed to take care of static?

[Belinda Barfield]

Would this be added where liquid fabric softener is normally poured into the washer? Is this supposed to take care of static?

Yes, and yes. You can add to the wash cycle also.

http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=8

[John Coloccia]

Are there products other than the sheets? I'm only looking for way to reduce static. In the dry climate of NM, I want to get more lint off the clothes - and not get electrocuted by my bath robe.

Ah, I remember well living in the desert. Seems like you're forever getting shocked by...well...everything.