Dryer sheets are handy household items that most of us use to soften clothes and reduce static in the dryer. But did you know there are many other clever and practical uses for them around your home? Here are 15 creative ways to use dryer sheets beyond just your laundry:
Clean Around the House
Dryer sheets can be great cleaners and deodorizers for many areas in your home. Their fresh scent and ability to reduce static cling make them ideal for these uses.
1. Dust Electronics
Dusting electronics like TVs, computer monitors, laptops, and phones can be tricky. Dryer sheets are lint-free and won’t scratch screens. Simply wipe the screen gently with a used dryer sheet to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints. The anti-static properties help prevent more dust from accumulating.
2. Freshen Drawers
Toss a few sheets in your dresser drawers or linen closet to keep clothes and linens smelling fresh. They help add a light scent and absorb any musty odors.
3. Clean Walls and Baseboards
Used dryer sheets can lift dirt and dust from walls, baseboards, and other surfaces. Lightly rub them against the area for easy cleaning without chemicals.
4. Clean Ceiling Fan Blades
Reach ceiling fan blades easily by placing a used dryer sheet over your hand. The slight tackiness picks up dust as you wipe each blade.
5. Clean Window Blinds
Here’s another use that takes advantage of the anti-static properties. Run a dryer sheet along each slat of vinyl or wooden blinds. It wipes away dust and dirt and prevents more from clinging.
6. Shine Stainless Steel
Bring back the shine to stainless steel appliances by rubbing a used dryer sheet over the surface. It cleans away smudges, fingerprints, and grease.
7. Deodorize Garbage Cans
Garbage cans easily absorb all sorts of strong odors. Place a few used dryer sheets at the bottom to help absorb smells and leave a light scent.
Freshen Air
Along with reducing static, dryer sheets are designed to provide fresh fragrance. You can benefit from this in rooms throughout your home.
8. Closets and Wardrobes
To make your closets smell their best, hang a few sheets near clothes or tuck them into drawers and shelves. It’s an easy way to keep the space freshly scented.
9. Bathrooms
The bathroom can always use extra freshening. Place dryer sheets in drawers, cabinets, or tape to the wall for a light scent.
10. Pet Areas
Help eliminate pet odors by keeping dryer sheets in kennels, cat litter boxes, pet beds, and anywhere your furry friends hang out.
11. Suitcases
Before storing suitcases, place a dryer sheet inside to keep them smelling clean. They’ll smell fresh when you unpack them for your next trip.
12. Gym Bags
Gym clothes and gear can get quite smelly. Toss in a dryer sheet after each use. It will absorb odors and leave your bag fresh.
13. Sneakers
For stinky shoes and sneakers, place a sheet inside them overnight. This can help absorb odors instead of just masking them.
Miscellaneous Uses
Dryer sheets have benefits beyond home cleaning and deodorizing. Here are a couple handy ways to use them for other tasks:
14. Prevent Bug Bites
If you are prone to mosquito bites, rub a dryer sheet over exposed skin. Something about this can help repel the pests.
15. Remove Pilling
For clothes that have developed small fuzz balls, known as pilling, rub the areas gently with a used dryer sheet. This can remove many of the pills.
Tips for Using Dryer Sheets Around the House
- Look for fragrance-free sheets if you have sensitivities or prefer no scent.
- To extend the benefits, cut dryer sheets in half before use around the house.
- Store unused sheets in an airtight container to help preserve fragrance.
- Dryer sheets can cause streaking on some surfaces, so test on a small area first.
- For screens, use a very gently touch to avoid damaging them.
- Discard sheets in the garbage once they become overly dirty. Used sheets won’t effectively clean.
Dryer Sheet Alternatives
If you prefer not to use dryer sheets, here are a few alternative options:
- Wool dryer balls – Help soften fabric and reduce static naturally
- Vinegar – Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle to eliminate static cling
- Baking soda – Sprinkle some in the dryer to neutralize odors
- Essential oils – Add a few drops to a cloth and toss in the dryer for a light scent
- Dryer balls – Rubber or plastic balls that help separate clothes and increase airflow
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Dryer Sheets Around the House
How many new uses are there for dryer sheets?
There are 15 clever and creative ways to use dryer sheets around your house listed in this article. They provide solutions for cleaning, deodorizing, repelling bugs, and more.
Should dryer sheets touch the surface when cleaning?
For most surfaces, you’ll get the best results from lightly rubbing the dryer sheet against the area you are cleaning. Avoid excessive pressure. Test on a small spot first.
How do you use dryer sheets to dust?
Simply wipe electronics, fans, blinds, and other surfaces gently with a used dryer sheet. The light static charge helps lift away dust. Discard the sheet when it becomes too dirty.
Why do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes?
The perfumes or chemicals in dryer sheets seem to be unappealing to mosquitoes. Wiping sheets over exposed skin creates a barrier to help repel the insects.
How long do dryer sheets last around the house?
Depending on use, you can get a few weeks of use from one dryer sheet for household cleaning and deodorizing. Replace when excessive dirt reduces effectiveness.
Conclusion
Dryer sheets are clearly handy for more than just laundry. With their ability to clean, deodorize, reduce static, and repel bugs, they are versatile tools to have around the house. Reference this article the next time you want to make use of dryer sheets in creative new ways. Experiment with the different applications and see which you find most useful for your home and lifestyle.