How does a dryer sheet work to reduce static cling and soften clothes in the dryer?

Dryer sheets contain a thin layer of lubricant that gets transferred onto clothes during the drying cycle. This lubricant helps reduce friction between fabrics, which in turn reduces static cling. Additionally, dryer sheets also contain positively charged ions that neutralize the negative charges on clothes, further reducing static electricity. The heat from the dryer activates the lubricant and ions, allowing them to soften clothes and reduce static cling effectively.