Fabric Softener Is One of the Biggest Hidden Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Fabric softeners and scented laundry products are often associated with “fresh” and “clean” smells—but science tells a very different story. Studies have found that fabric softeners and dryer sheets release large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air, making them one of the most significant contributors to indoor air pollution in many homes. When heated in dryers or released from freshly washed cl