Is it safe to dry baby clothes in a dryer with scented sheets?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studiesbaby
Verdict: Avoid
No. Fragrance chemicals deposit on baby clothes and stay against skin.
What's actually in it
Scented dryer sheets deposit quats and fragrance chemicals on every piece of clothing in the dryer. Baby clothes absorb the coating and carry it against baby skin.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Ann Work Expo Health documented quat-related respiratory effects. A 2025 screening study flagged fragrance as a heavy load in laundry products.
For baby laundry, skip dryer sheets entirely. Use wool dryer balls for softness and static reduction, or air-dry on a rack.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory quats and VOC exposures during residential cleaning. | Ann Work Expo Health | 2025 |
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
What to use instead
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