Four white wool balls for cruelty-free dryer sheets on a bed.

14 Cruelty-Free Dryer Sheets and Wool Dryer Balls for Softer Laundry

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If you’re trying to make your laundry routine a little more ethical, switching to cruelty-free dryer sheets is an easy place to start. A lot of big-name laundry brands still test on animals, even for everyday products like softeners and sheets.

If you have sensitive skin, those heavily fragranced versions can be irritating too. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that skip the harsh chemicals and the animal testing.

This post rounds up a mix of cruelty-free dryer sheets and reusable dryer balls. Whether you want something you can toss in the dryer or a low-waste option that lasts for years, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep your clothes soft and fresh without the guesswork.

Short on time? These are our top picks

Cruelty-Free Dryer Sheets

These dryer sheets come from brands that don’t test on animals and often skip synthetic fragrance and dyes, too. If you want a simple, familiar swap that still leaves clothes soft and static-free, this list is a great place to start.

Note: Brands marked with an asterisk are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free

1. 365 by Whole Foods Market Fabric-Softening Dryer Sheets

365 by Whole Foods Market keeps it simple with these unscented, plant-based dryer sheets. They soften fabrics and reduce static without leaving any lingering scent, perfect if you prefer your laundry clean and fragrance-free. Each box comes with 80 sheets, so you’ll get plenty of use while keeping things gentle on skin and the environment.

2. Attitude Reusable Dryer Cloths

Attitude Reusable Dryer Cloths are a simple swap for anyone who wants softer laundry without the waste. Each cloth can be reused up to 300 times, which makes them both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. They’re a good choice if you have sensitive skin since they skip harsh fragrances and synthetic ingredients.

3. Better Life Dryer Sheets

Better Life Dryer Sheets are a gentle, plant-based option that leave clothes soft and static-free. They’re made without harsh chemicals, making them safe for sensitive skin, kids, and pets. You can choose between a light Lavender Grapefruit scent or go unscented if you prefer to keep things simple.

4. Biokleen Dryer Sheets

Biokleen Dryer Sheets help reduce static cling while leaving clothes lightly scented and fresh. They’re available in three natural fragrance options, so you can pick what fits your laundry routine best. Made with plant-based ingredients, they’re a cleaner choice for anyone who wants softness without the chemical overload.

5. Cleancult Dryer Balls

Cleancult Dryer Balls are a natural way to cut static and speed up drying time. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, they can be reused for up to 1,000 loads before needing a replacement. They’re completely free of synthetic materials and chemical additives, making them a simple, low-waste upgrade for your laundry routine.

6. Grab Green Wet Dryer Sheets

Grab Green Wet Dryer Sheets are a reusable option that helps soften clothes, reduce static, and smooth out wrinkles. They’re made with sustainable materials and contain no synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals. Each sheet can be used twice in the dryer and then repurposed as a handy dust cloth, making them both practical and low-waste.

7. Heritage Park Wool Dryer Balls

Heritage Park Wool Dryer Balls are handmade in Nepal using 100% New Zealand wool. They contain no dyes, fillers, or chemicals, making them a safe choice for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics. Each set can last up to two years, helping you cut down on waste while keeping laundry soft and static-free.

8. Method Dryer Sheets*

Method Dryer Sheets are a simple way to fight static and keep clothes feeling soft. They come in fresh, clean scents and can be composted after use, with the packaging fully recyclable. It’s an easy, eco-minded choice for anyone who still likes the convenience of traditional sheets.

9. Molly’s Suds Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Molly’s Suds Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets are made with 97% plant-based ingredients and a light essential oil scent, making them a great fit for sensitive skin. They soften laundry and reduce static without waxes, dyes, or harsh chemicals. The recyclable packaging and gentle formula make them an easy swap if you want a cleaner, cruelty-free option.

10. Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls

Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls are made from 100% New Zealand wool and offer a reusable, chemical-free way to soften laundry. They help reduce wrinkles, static, and drying time without any dyes or synthetic fragrances. Each set is hand-felted in Nepal by a fair-wage factory and lasts for up to 1,000 loads, making them a thoughtful, low-waste upgrade for your laundry routine.

11. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day*

Mrs. Meyer’s Dryer Sheets add a light, fresh scent while helping to reduce static and soften fabrics. They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and available in familiar scents like Basil, Lemon Verbena, and Rain Water. If you like a little fragrance in your laundry without it being overwhelming, these are a nice middle ground between traditional and eco-friendly options.

12. Nellie’s Natural Dryer Balls

Nellie’s Natural Dryer Balls are an easy, all-natural swap for traditional dryer sheets. Made without animal ingredients or synthetic chemicals, they help soften clothes and reduce drying time. They’re a simple, long-lasting option that keeps laundry fresh while saving both energy and money over time.

13. Rebel Green Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets

Rebel Green Laundry Detergent Sheets are a low-waste, travel-friendly swap for traditional liquid detergent. Each sheet is pre-measured, dissolves easily in water, and leaves clothes fresh with a light Lavender and Grapefruit scent. Made with plant-based ingredients and biodegradable packaging, they’re gentle on skin and kind to the planet.

14. Seventh Generation*

Seventh Generation Dryer Sheets are made with essential oils and plant-based ingredients to keep laundry soft and fresh. They come in scents like Tropical Grove, Fresh Lavender, and Morning Meadow, plus a Free & Clear version if you prefer unscented. It’s a familiar, affordable option for anyone making the switch to cruelty-free laundry care.

FAQs about Cruelty-Free Dryer Sheets & Dryer Balls

No. Many conventional brands still test on animals or are owned by companies that do. Look for cruelty-free certifications or check a brand’s website to be sure.

Cruelty-free dryer sheets aren’t tested on animals and don’t include animal-derived ingredients. Many come with certifications from Leaping Bunny or PETA.

Often, yes. Most skip synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh additives, which makes them gentler for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.

Some can be composted, like those from Method or Grab Green. Always check the packaging or brand site to confirm since materials vary.

Wool dryer balls usually last through about 1,000 loads, or around two to three years of regular use. They’re an easy, low-waste swap for disposable sheets.

Yes, just use them sparingly. Add a drop or two of essential oil to a dryer ball and let it dry before tossing it in. Check your dryer’s manual first to make sure it’s safe.

Wrap Up: Cruelty-Free Dryer Options

Switching to cruelty-free dryer sheets or dryer balls might feel like a small change, but it makes a real difference over time. Less waste, fewer irritants, and no animal testing. Just cleaner laundry and a clearer conscience.

Whether you prefer something reusable and unscented or a light plant-based scent, there’s an option that fits easily into your routine. You don’t have to give up soft, fresh laundry to make the switch.

Now I’d like to hear from you. Have you tried any of the cruelty-free fabric softeners or dryer sheets before? Please leave a comment below.

Still swapping out your household cleaners? Check out our cruelty-free cleaning series:

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