The next time you pull some laundry from the dryer don’t toss that dryer sheet! Here are some ways to reuse your used dryer sheets, from in the car to in the kitchen!
In the car
- Keep some used dryer sheets in a container in your car for wiping the dashboard.
- Place one under the driver side seat to give it that new car smell. (I got this tip from a friend who sells used cars.)
- Use them for cleaning bug splats from your windshield. Just wet one or more softener sheets and wipe over splats. Wait a couple minutes, wipe again and then flush with water.
- Use on grill, headlights, side mirrors and any other surfaces.
In the kitchen
- Place used dryer sheets in the bottom of your trash can before you add the new bag, It will absorb any drips or leaks and leave the can smelling fresh. This works especially well if you use paper grocery bags in your can, which tend to leak easily.
- They’re great for removing stuck on foods from your pots and pans. Fill the grimy pan with water and drop the sheet inside. Let soak for about an hour and wash as usual.
- Use old dryer sheets to easily wipe up messes like talcum powder and flour.
Around the house
- Place a used dryer sheet near the trashcan at your next barbecue or picnic; it will repel bees and flies. Also, wipe one over your arms and legs to repel mosquitoes.
- Place a used fabric softener sheet inside your vacuum bag next time you change it to freshen as you clean.
- Place them in the rafters of your home to keep spiders and other bugs from nesting.
- Rid your house of unwanted pests. Find any place where pests like mice are entering your house and stuff the hole shut with used sheets.
- Use them to remove soap scum on your glass shower door, or use to wipe windows when cleaning.
- Used dryer sheets make great dusting cloths for your wooden furniture.
- Use just like you would a Swiffer sheet on your floors to pick up dust and pet hair.
- If your scissors are dull and not cutting as smoothly as they should, wiping them with a used dryer sheet will remedy the problem.
- Run a sheet over a piece of thread before you thread the needle when sewing. The thread will glide through the eye and won’t tangle when sewing.
On yourself
- Use one to smooth your hair and prevent winter fly-aways.
- Soften the soles of your feet by soaking your feet in some warm water and rubbing them with a used fabric softener sheet.
- Stuff them in and around any place that needs freshening like tennis shoes, closets, laundry hampers, luggage and dresser drawers. Tuck one in your pillow and sleep on a fresh scent every night.
- Use them to remove pet hair from your clothes and furniture.
Originally published November 17, 2016