Dryer sheets and fabric softeners coat your laundry — and then your skin — with whatever's in their formula. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent nonprofit, rates cleaning and laundry products in its Guide to Healthy Cleaning database. EWG has specifically flagged quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) in conventional fabric softeners as chemicals of concern. We've rounded up the best EWG-rated alternatives, including dryer sheets, liquid softeners, and wool dryer balls. NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with EWG.
Our Top Picks: Best EWG-Rated Dryer Sheets & Fabric Softener
| Product | EWG Status | Type | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets, Free & Clear (80 ct, Pack of 4) | EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning: A Rating | Dryer sheets | Check price → |
| Wool Dryer Balls, XL 6-Pack, 100% Organic New Zealand Wool | EWG-friendly alternative (no chemical softeners) | Wool dryer balls | Check price → |
Why Most Dryer Sheets Get Bad EWG Ratings (Quats and Synthetic Fragrance)
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning rates conventional dryer sheet brands — many major brands score C or D. The two primary reasons are quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which EWG flags as chemicals of concern, and synthetic fragrance, which EWG notes can contain undisclosed chemical mixtures. EWG published a 2022 news article specifically calling out the most problematic fabric softeners. The EWG-rated alternatives on this list avoid quats and either disclose fragrance ingredients fully or are fragrance-free.
Best EWG-Rated Dryer Sheets and Dryer Cloths
Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets, Free & Clear (80 ct, Pack of 4) — EWG "A" Rating
EWG Status: EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning: "A" Rating
Seventh Generation's Free & Clear dryer sheets earn an "A" rating in EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning — no quats, no synthetic fragrance, plant-derived softening. Seventh Generation is one of the most accessible mainstream brands with consistently strong EWG ratings across their laundry line. Available at grocery stores nationwide and on Amazon. For laundry detergent, see our EWG-rated laundry detergent guide.
Wool Dryer Balls: The EWG-Recommended Alternative
Wool Dryer Balls, XL 6-Pack, 100% Organic New Zealand Wool — No Chemical Softeners
EWG Status: EWG-friendly alternative — no chemical softening agents
Wool dryer balls are the zero-chemical alternative to dryer sheets entirely. They work by physically softening fabrics through agitation in the dryer and can reduce drying time. There are no chemicals, no fragrance, and nothing that requires an EWG rating because there are no chemical ingredients. EWG's consumer guidance consistently points to wool dryer balls as the cleanest alternative for those wanting to skip fabric softener chemical exposure entirely. This XL 6-pack of 100% organic New Zealand wool dryer balls is one of the top-rated on Amazon at $15–20. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance without synthetic fragrance chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes conventional dryer sheets problematic according to EWG?
EWG has flagged two main concerns in conventional dryer sheets: quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which are linked to skin and respiratory irritation in EWG's ingredient assessments, and synthetic fragrance, which EWG notes can include undisclosed chemical ingredients. EWG rates many conventional brands D or F in its Guide to Healthy Cleaning for these reasons. Their ingredient assessments reflect hazard data — not a clinical safety determination — but the signal is consistent enough to consider alternatives.
What's the best way to check if a dryer sheet or fabric softener is EWG-rated?
Visit ewg.org/cleaners and search for the product name. EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning rates products A–F. "A" and "B" are the best scores. Note that not every product is in the database — if a product doesn't appear, EWG hasn't rated it. Absence from the database isn't a positive signal.
Do wool dryer balls actually work?
Wool dryer balls reduce static and soften fabric through physical agitation. They don't add chemical softening agents, so the effect is lighter than liquid fabric softener. Most users find them effective for softening and static reduction. Drying time reduction varies by load size and type. They're reusable for 1,000+ loads, making them cost-effective long-term.
Are all "free and clear" dryer sheets EWG-rated well?
Not necessarily. "Free and clear" means no fragrance or dyes, but other ingredient concerns (like quats) can still be present. Always check the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning for the specific product, not just the label claim. Seventh Generation Free & Clear is the confirmed strong EWG-rated option in this format.
The Bottom Line
For the best EWG-rated dryer sheets, Seventh Generation Free & Clear is the widely available EWG "A"-rated option. For a fragrance-free and additive-free approach, wool dryer balls eliminate the category entirely. If you use liquid fabric softener rather than dryer sheets, see our guide to swapping fabric softener for fragrance-free alternatives. For the full cleaning picture, see our non-toxic cleaning products guide and EWG-rated laundry detergent picks. We earn a commission on purchases through our links. NonToxicFinder is not affiliated with EWG.
