One big soft fluffy lie.

I've done laundry the exact same way for as long as I can remember. Sort, wash, dry. Right? Easy enough. Of course, there are little steps that go along with this process- turn the washing machine on, add detergent, toss in clothes, walk away while the washer does its thing. Move clothes to dryer, put fabric softener sheet on top of clothes, turn dryer on, come back 60 minutes to soft fluffy clothes.

A few days ago, I received an email from one of my blog readers that brought my laundry routine to a screeching halt. She informed me that dryer sheets were unnecessary, and that I should try drying my clothes without one. Apparently there are all sorts of nasty chemicals in dryer sheets, in addition to all of the waste they create. Better yet, she told me to line-dry my clothes, but since I live in a townhouse with rather strict HOA rules, that is not an option (although it does sound lovely to try someday!).

I had a really hard time buying into this concept. I mean, that bear (albeit rather creepy) makes my clothes so snuggley soft... doesn't he? Or doesn't he?

So, this last weekend, I did my laundry. Sort, wash, dry. I turned on the washing machine, added my detergent, tossed in my clothes, and walked away while the washer did its thing. Then I moved our clothes to the dryer, and stood there staring at the pile of wet clothes. They seemed to be begging for a dryer sheet. But I held strong, closed the door, and returned 60 minutes later... to soft fluffy clothes!

There was no noticeable difference between this load of laundry and any other load that I have ever done. I looked at my laundry shelf and saw that snuggley bear giving me a huge grin. I shot him one heck of a nasty look, but then I realized that I was glaring at cardboard.