Sorry Snuggle, the sad and inconvenient truth is, fabric softeners just aren't good for the fibers in our cotton linens. Dryer sheets and most chemical softeners coat the surface of the fabric with a thin layer of lubrication. It makes the cloth feel soft and smooth and yes, it reduces static too. BUT it makes the material less absorbent (one of cotton's best attributes) and it weakens the fibers making your fabrics more susceptible to wear and tear. 

Yall know we are big advocated of line drying outdoors or inside on a rack, but here are some other alternatives you may want to consider to sustain the longevity of your linens. 

5 alternatives to fabric softener

1. Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water in your washing machine and let it dissolve prior to adding your linens. This baking soda acts as a water softener and helps makes clothes super soft.
2. Use felt wool dryer balls or these cute little guys to get rid of that static cling.
3. Try and keep synthetic fabrics separated from your linens with natural fibers. Synthetics tend to be the culprits of static in the dryer. And, as always, try and avoid synthetics fibers in general. 
4. Use the low heat setting on your dryer. It may take a little longer to dry your linens but it's worth it. 
5. For the intolerable static, try filling a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and 1.5 tsp of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Shake and spray a few times on your wet clothes before drying. The smell will go away and you shouldn't have any static left. (we prefer the little animal dryer balls though)

And don't ever feel bad about your laundry habits!
You could always be like Rachel!