Review of Downy Simple Pleasures Dryer Sheets
I purchased a 105 sheet box of Downy Simple Pleasures Vanilla & Lavender scented dryer sheets. Since the box was sealed, and there is so much out gassing in the laundry soap aisle, I really could not get a good idea of what this product smelled like. However, vanilla and lavender are two of my favorite scents, so I gambled that I would like it.
About This Fabric Softener
These look like the typical dryer sheet, they are white and measure 6.5″ x 9″, (exactly the same size as my Snuggle sheets).
The box is light lavender colored, and the preforated lid tears back so the sheets are easy to remove. It also las a lip that slips back inside the box to keep them fresh when not in use.
The sheets are quite stiff, and feel a little bit waxy – they do leave a residue on my hands that I feel the need to wash off.
Ingredients
Biodegradable cationic softeners and perfume.
Thoughts
When I opened the box, I was disappointed that the vanilla scent was pretty overpowering, with no noticeable lavender odor.
As per the instructions, I added my clothes to my dryer, and placed one dryer sheet on top of my clothes. I used these sheets on a variety of items before writing this review. I dried a load of jeans, towels, whites and sweaters. They all came out extremely soft, with a nice scent. There was no static cling. I was still disappointed that my clothes had NO lavender scent whatsoever. When I called Proctor & Gamble, they said this was not up to their standards and as a gesture of goodwill they sent me a coupon to replace my box. Hopefully the next box will be more to my liking. (I have not received it yet).
The only thing I didn’t like about the dryer sheets is that my towels didn’t seem as absorbent. I feel the sheets did leave a residue on my towels that wicks away the moisture. Indeed, the directions on the box states that you can use two sheets for an extra large load, but that spotting might occur on a high heat setting.
While I had the nice representative on the phone, I asked him if these sheets contained animal tallow. He didn’t know what that was, but checked on it for me. He told me that they do contain tallow in the form of beef and pork fat, that is chemically altered during processing, but no longer resembles the original state by the time it is added to the product. I’m not really crazy about coating my clothing with animal fat. I truly believe that the tallow is what leaves the gummy residue on my towels.
I don’t understand the need to use tallow, when other alternatives exist. The Method company uses plant oils, coconut-derived emulsifiers, plant-derived antistatic agents, a fragrance oil blend and purified water. I can’t wait until the Target stores under construction in Alaska are built so I can purchase Methods dryer sheets.
Using tallow is a no-no for some animal rights activists and vegans. If this is important to you, it is something you need to check out before buying dryer sheets.
I paid $6.50 for a box of 105 sheets.
