Dryer sheets are part of many of our laundry routines, thanks to their ability to remove static, soften fabrics, and add a fresh scent to clothes and linens. Many people toss dryer sheets in without thinking much about it. But the efficacy of dryer sheets depends on what fabric types you're drying, and how many sheets you use. So, what's the right number of sheets to toss in?

To find out how many dryer sheets we actually should be using, we spoke with professional launderer Chris Gilliland, who, along with her coworkers, processes close to 500 pounds of laundry per week. Gilliland says there's not actually a magic number when it comes to dryer sheets. She changes the number of dryer sheets based on load size and fabric type in that specific load.

"Dryer sheets smell good, and they're convenient," Gilliland says. "If you forget to add fabric softener to your wash, there's nothing you can do, but you can toss in a dryer sheet at any point in the drying process." Read on to learn how many dryer sheets Gilliland recommends.

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How Many Dryer Sheets to Use

For a typical load of laundry (10-12 pounds), one to two dryer sheets is ok, and you can choose how many you use according to personal preference. "For a normal size load, I usually use two," Gilliland says. "I use always one more than what the box says to make the laundry smell good."

More dryer sheets will give you more scent, so if you find a fragrance you love, you may want to add two dryer sheets instead of one. If you're thrifty or you prefer a lighter scent, you can cut a single dryer sheet in half and use that.

There are also cases where using more dryer sheets is a wise move. For large loads, you can use up to three dryer sheets. However, it's important to remember that overloading your dryer will reduce drying efficiency and limit the usefulness of dryer sheets.

If you have items covered in pet hair, multiple dryer sheets will help collect the pet hair. The felt material of dryer sheets is what attracts static electricity, but it also attracts pet hair. Gilliland recommends using up to four dryer sheets to attract the most hair.

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How Many Dryer Sheets Is Too Many?

It is possible to use too many dryer sheets. The scented compound on dryer sheets that's normally transferred to laundry can build up in your machine if you use excess dryer sheets. This can impact the efficiency of your machine and require cleaning. To avoid any consequences from using dryer sheets, clean your dryer's filter regularly, and wipe out the inside of the drum.

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When to Avoid Dryer Sheets

Sometimes, zero laundry sheets is the correct number. Dryer sheets can impact the effectiveness of certain types of fabric. Don't use any dryer sheets if you're drying a technical fabric, or, a fabric that's composition helps it do its job. Moisture-wicking fabric, flame-resistant fabric, and microfiber are examples of technical fabrics that can lose effectiveness if dried with dryer sheets.

Also, you may not want to use dryer sheets on intimates, or other items that come in close contact with the skin. The scent of dryer sheets comes from fabric conditioner and fragrance compounds, which may irritate sensitive skin.