topic Re: Dryer question in Q Talk

Dryer question

SharkE — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:04:40 GMT

I don't know why fabric sheets stick to the vent with the holes in it in the dryer.

How can you prevent them from sticking and having to peel them off the vent everytime U use the dryer ?

Re: Dryer question

SilleeMee — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:15:38 GMT

I would clean off the area where the sheets are sticking. Use alcohol on towel and wipe it. There's probably some built-up left on the vent after using dryer sheets.

Re: Dryer question

shoekitty — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:22:57 GMT

dryer sheets ar eknkwn to ruin dryers and vent system, there is something in them. I know they have tried to improve them, but not sure how well. If they are leaving residue on dryer, imagine what they are leaving on clothes and in your dryer. I switched to liquid Mrs Meyers softener. I have Maytag and there is a cup to,dispense softener before I run washer. Otherwise for now, poster had excellent remedy to wipe dryer with alcohol

Re: Dryer question

SilleeMee — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:27:02 GMT

@SharkE

If it keeps happening then it could cause the dryer to overheat and burn out the heating element. Dryer sheet blocks airflow.

Re: Dryer question

shoekitty — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:30:16 GMT

@SharkE

i found this online from someone called Mr Applience. Lol

Dryer sheets can leave residue in the dryer due to the silicone-based fabric softeners they contain, which can build up over time. This residue may stick to the dryer walls and other surfaces, especially if the dryer is overloaded or if the sheets are used excessively. Eventually the silicone residue clings to clothes and can be visibly seen.

tthey suggested trying lower heat, smaller loads, and maybe using dryer balls. I buy those at traders pretty cheap. this might help

Re: Dryer question

Ainhisg — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:49:38 GMT

So sorry you're having problems like this! I don't use fabric softener of any kind 99% of the time. Liquid gums up inner workings, and dryer sheets cause problems in the dryer. In the summer, I don't need to use anything for soft clothing/static, but in the winter, I use dryer balls with no issues.

Re: Dryer question

kaydee50 — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:02:35 GMT

I gave up using dryer sheets years ago. Saw no difference in my clothing or sheets and towels.

Re: Dryer question

DJs mom — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:57:46 GMT

You aren't supposed to use fabric softener on towels. It is said it reduces the absorbency in towels. I don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets. It leaves a residue in the washer and not good in the dryer.

Re: Dryer question

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:06:20 GMT

This happened with my Aunt's dryer and she just used a safety pin to attach the dryer sheet to whatever she was drying. Problem solved.

Re: Dryer question

Pecky — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:08:48 GMT

I have been using the wool drying balls and they work great without all the chemicals that are in dryer sheets.

Re: Dryer question

hkrgrl — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:11:14 GMT

i started with using wool dryer balls. positive difference.

then i recently switched to Nellie's laundry soda and its the bomb!!

no more liquid detergent, no more Downey, no more dryer sheets, no more scents, no more liquid gunking up my F.L. washer.

Win-Win all around!!!

and it concentrated, so the 500 load bucket will last us well over a year, probably 2. (2 adults, 1 dog)

bought on HSN, on sale, free S&H.

Bring nature home, plant native species to your area

Re: Dryer question

brandiwine — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:29:51 GMT

Dryer sheets clog the dryer vent holes. They are a fire hazard and are full of nasty chemicals. Try vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washer. Problem solved.

Re: Dryer question

SilleeMee — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:19:33 GMT

I think if you insist on using dryer sheets then a possible solution to help keep them from blocking the air vent is to cut some slits through the dryer sheets so that will at least let some air through them. But it still can restrict efficient air-flow and cause problems.

ETA-

I could swear that the first dryer sheets that were sold had slits in them b/c of the air blocking problem.

Re: Dryer question

geezerette — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:20:26 GMT

I've never had that problem. But then I use the cheap Walmart unscented brand and only leave them in the dryer for the first ten minutes or so.

Re: Dryer question

msgb — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:16:39 GMT

I do not use dryer sheets for the reason that you state. They get all over and into the system of the dryer. For years we have been using dryer balls. I also never liked how the clothes felt with the dryer sheets.

I am allergic to a lot of things and it turned out that there are some ingredients in the sheets that caused hives--some siblings and friends had the same issue.

My husband I and began using the dryer balls and will not go back to anything else.

Re: Dryer question

tansy — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:01:25 GMT

I use dryer sheets for static cling, not softness. Do the wool balls work for that?

Re: Dryer question

Shelbelle — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:47:53 GMT

I never use dryer sheets . I use dryer balls, keep 4 in my dryer at all times, never remove them. I like the silicone or plastic ones with the spokes, the spokes allow for less drying time and add softness and fluff. If you are really looking for more softenss add the wool balls too, maybe 2 wool and 2 with spokes. They last for years.

Re: Dryer question

Shanus — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:02:00 GMT

@SharkE I use a safety pin to attach the dryer sheet to the heaviest garment in the dryer. It keeps it from sticking to the vents, etc.

Re: Dryer question

SilleeMee — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:41:26 GMT

@SharkE

Did you solve the problem? What did you end up doing?

Re: Dryer question

SharkE — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:54:22 GMT

I washed off the vent with alcohol. Never knew it was so sticky. Went to Walmart and bought a bag of those

washer/dryer balls too. They're suppose to grab hairs off of your wash cloths too.

I got to have soft bath towels and kitchen cloths.

Why I like softener sheets.

I got a tight sister who hangs out clothes and they freeze

stiff as a board who wants to wrap yourself in a stiff, hard

towel ? woman is nuts. Doesn't have to be tight either.