Clever Uses For Dryer Sheets That Will Freshen Up Your Life
Dryer sheets: not just for your wrinkly shirts anymore. If you're sitting on a 260-pack of dryer sheets that you've just bought at Costco and you're not confident you're ever going to use all of them for laundry don't worry, because dryer sheets are a much more versatile household product than you think.
You might be surprised how much this product can make a difference in your home's cleanliness, freshness, and functionality. These hacks will truly put a bounce in your step.
Get Shiny Chrome Appliances
The moisturizing part of dryer sheets can work on any stainless steel or chrome appliance. If you're sick of looking at handprints or smudges covering the metal then you can rely on a dryer sheet to get it sparkling again.
All you have to do is rub your metal down with a sheet and it should get any smudges right out. It's the perfect hack for anyone with a fridge and kids with hands that seem to leave prints everywhere.
Get Those Pesky Mosquitoes To Stay Away
You or someone in your family may be one of those people who's constantly getting bitten any time they go outdoors in the summer. If you're tired of those itchy red lumps, those stinky citronella candles, and applying bug spray constantly, try out a dryer sheet.
All you have to do is stick a few in your pocket and mosquitoes will give you a wide berth. It's the less chemical-ridden, less stinky, and generally more discreet way to keep bugs at bay so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Give Dusty Blinds The Boot
There is something magical in dryer sheets that repels dust and all you have to do is simply wipe down your blinds a couple of times with a sheet and it'll stop dust from accumulating.
Dryer sheets are probably one of the least repulsive things to us—they just smell so good and do so much good for our clothes that we're inclined to love everything about them. Dust, however, dust avoids dryer sheets avoid like they have the plague.
No Need To Buy Air Fresheners Any More
Dryer sheets smell fantastic, which is why we always stick our faces into our warm laundry when it comes fresh out of the dryer and take a big sniff. So why stop at freshening your clothes? Dryer sheets are the perfect replacement for air fresheners and all you need is a fan to do it.
Simply unfold and stick a few sheets to the back of a fan and you have an inexpensive air freshener that will last for weeks. This hack is especially good if you want to freshen up a basement or a room that gets little airflow.
Don't Panic Over Crayon Doodles On Walls
Crayons, walls, and children mix well together. A little too well. Kids just take to walls with their crayons like moths to a flame and they're little Picassos when they do it. Unfortunately, you and your walls probably don't appreciate the art as much as they do.
To keep the doodling on the page and off the walls, all you have to do is take a dryer sheet and rub away at the crayon marks. They'll come right off with only a few wipes.
Don't Let Deodorant Stains Demoralize You
Imagine this: it's morning, you've just started your morning routine and are getting dressed, you put on a black shirt and accidentally smeared a ton of white deodorant right around the hem and had to change. We've all been there and it's rough.
With dryer sheets, you don't have to change or work away at the deodorant stain for what feels like forever. Just rub a dryer sheet over it and the stain will be lifted almost instantly, so don't sweat it anymore.
Keep Your Scissors Sharp
If you ever feel like you're living in a house filled with scissors that are just never sharp enough, don't go to the store and pick up an expensive sharpener. For a quick fix, reach for your handy dandy dryer sheets.
Simply wipe your scissors with a dryer sheet a couple of times on both blades and those puppies will sharpen right up. Be sure to wear protective gloves while you do it.
Say Goodbye To Your Lint Roller
Most of us are already aware that dryer sheets are a clothing hero. They keep our threads smelling fresh and keep away static but they can also trick people into thinking that you don't have pets.
Ditch your lint roller because dryer sheets are your new go-to for picking up lint off your clothing. All you have to do is wipe one over your body and voila, you can fool everyone into thinking you have an endless supply of lint rollers.
Stop Hat Hair At Its Root
Winter is a great season filled with hot chocolate, beautiful snow, holiday decor, and staticky hair that just won't stop standing on end no matter what you do to it. If you're sick of removing your hat and being stuck with a head full of untamable hair all day then you need to invest in some dryer sheets.
Simply take a sheet and rub the inside of your hat to reduce static and that's it. It's the easy way to make sure that your hair looks as good as it did in the mirror that morning even after being outside.
They Soften Clothes...And Your Feet?
The chemical in dryer sheets that make your clothing soft is stearic acid, which isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. It's found in cocoa butter and many other lotions and moisturizers and it's what keeps your clothes soft. So it's only natural that something found in lotions can be used as a foot cream.
Hear me out, if you suffer from dry feet especially during those cold winter months but don't want to book a pedicure all you have to do is grab a dryer sheet. Simply wipe a sheet over the dry parts of your feet and they'll feel moisturized and soft all day long.
Use Dryer Sheets For Washing Your Child's Stuffed Animals
Is your kid's favorite stuffed animal looking a little sad and smelling a little tool-loved recently? But you don't want to wash it because that always brings the waterworks? Well, reach for dryer sheets instead of the starting the wash cycle.
Dryer sheets don't necessarily replace a good wash of your child's toy because they don't actually disinfect, but if all the stuffed animal needs is a little freshening up because it's looking a little tired after spending 24/7 with your toddler, then dryer sheets should be your go-to.
Keep Sewing Threads From Getting Tangled
Clothing is made of threads and dryer sheets are used to, in part, keep our clothes from sticking together. So it makes sense that a dryer sheet can keep your sewing threads from getting all tangled up. If you're tired of digging through your sewing kit for a usable thread or spending a crazy amount of time digging your thumbs into a knot, then this is the hack for you.
All you have to do is put a dryer sheet into your sewing kit and your sewing threads will never get tangled again.
Keep Your Plant Soil In Hole-y Pots With A Dryer Sheet
While we've been talking about all the wonderful hacks that dryer sheet's chemical makeup can do around your home, we're kind of forgetting that their shape as a sheet is super handy as well. In fact, they can really help you out around the garden.
If you've got a planter outside that's having a hard time keeping the soil inside itself, don't throw it out. Instead, put a dryer sheet at the bottom of the pot to keep the plant happy and intact.
Shoo Away Stinky Shoes
We all know what it's like to slip off a pair of our favorite shoes and be greeted by the mother of all the worst smells in the world. You may have decided to never wear that pair again or maybe you're going to risk them falling apart by washing them. Save a pair of shoes the easy way by relying on dryer sheets.
All you have to do is stick a couple of sheets into your shoes and you'll be rid of that annoying shoe odor. Dorothy wishes she knew this for those used red heels!
Save The Bees And Your Backyard Bashes
We all love bees and want to save them, however, we also probably know someone who's scared of them or allergic. To avoid ruining your outdoor BBQ bash while still respecting the most important organism on the planet, all you have to do is stash a couple of dryer sheets in the area.
You can place them under the patio cushions, under chairs, or really in any concealed place that guests and food will be. The smell repels bees so you can eat and bee merry.
Let Your Inner Artist Out With Clean Paint Brushes
Anyone who's painted for any length of time knows that the biggest hassle to deal with are those paintbrushes that you have to clean when you're done. It sometimes can hours of you scrubbing with your hands under the tap before you can really get them clean. Save yourself some work and trust in dryer sheets instead.
All you have to do is soak your dirty brushes in a container of warm water with a dryer sheet and the paint will magically come right off and you can get painting again.
Say Goodbye To Gum Stuck In The Dryer
If someone in your family is guilty of forgetting to take things out of their pockets before putting their clothes in the dryer then this is the hack for you. Sure, picking up little things like bobby pins or coins is annoying, but the real hair-puller is melted gum stuck to the inside of your dryer.
To get rid of that gross and sticky clingy gum, all you have to do is wet a dryer sheet and get to work on that gum. It'll come right off and hopefully won't happen again.
Don't Let The Diaper Trash Stink Up The Place
If you've ever had kids you know exactly how bonkers that diaper trashcan can start to smell. It'll start to stink to high heaven with all the diapers in it and there's not much you can do except hold your breath when you get within a few feet of it. Unless you grab a dryer sheet of course.
All you have to do is place a dryer sheet on the bottom of the trashcan and it'll help eliminate the odor that diapers cause. So save your coin and don't buy a deodorizer trashcan and, instead, just rely on dryer sheets.
Keep The Deer Away, Dear
If you live out in a rural area, you know how magical it can be to look out into your backyard and see a deer walking through it. They're really amazing creatures and we're fortunate to have them, but sometimes you don't want them walking through your property if you have dogs, small children, or are constantly using vehicles.
Deter deer by cutting up small strips of dryer sheets and hanging them around your property. They're not hazardous, but the smell will repel any deer that come near.
De-Grease Your Pots And Pans
Easily de-grease your kitchenware using only a little hot water and a dryer sheet. The sheet will pick up any errant grease that's sticking around long after the food scum has left. So ditch the scrubby pad because dryer sheets have you covered and will leave your cookery looking brand spanking new.
Dryer sheets are truly a mysterious household superhero because even though they don't disinfect anything, there's something in their chemical makeup that helps them stand up to grease on pots and pans.
No More Soap Scum!
Over time, soap scum building up on your shower walls is practically inevitable. Not only is it unattractive, but most people want their showers to be as clean as possible or else it defeats the purpose of taking a shower! So take a dryer sheet to it.
Just rub it against the afflicted area and it will come out looking as good as ever. However, if you really want to get rid of the build-up clean first with bathroom cleaner, then polish with the dryer sheet.
Make Sure Your Clothing Iron Is Sparkling Clean
The more you use your clothing iron, the more it will get dirty from picking up starches, laundry detergent, and other substances. To get your iron back to its former glory, heat up the iron and carefully go over it with a dryer sheet until it's as clean as it should be.
By doing this, it helps prevent getting any of the grime from the iron from getting on your nice clean clothes.
Do An Even Better Job Vacuuming
If you've ever vacuumed, you know that lugging around a piece of machinery full of dust and dirt can sometimes create more problems than it solves. Not only is there the possibility of dust escaping from the vacuum, but it can leave a room smelling unpleasant.
To put an end to this, throw a dryer sheet into the vacuum cleaner bag or dust container. Not only will it help to contain the dust, but it will leave the room smelling fresh as well.
Clean Up Powdery Messes
Let's say you're baking something and spill flour on the floor or accidentally spill some of the dust from the vacuum bag. Have no fear! instead of reaching for the broom and dustpan (which usually doesn't get everything), grab a dryer sheet!
The sheet will help to cling onto the powdery substance better than a dry towel. Also, this way, you won't have to clean a damp rag afterward! It also helps to use them to get the last bits into a dustpan for a larger mess.
Keep Your Clothes Smelling Fresh On Trips
Even if your clothes are already clean, it can't hurt to throw a few dryer sheets into your suitcase for safe measure, especially if you're putting your shoes in the same bag. And it's also important to bring dryer sheets on a trip for your dirty clothes.
If you're using a clean trash bag or another type of bag to store your dirty clothes, throw some dryer sheets in there too so that the smell is minimized and you're not carrying around a foul-smelling bag.
Pet Hair, Be Gone!
If you own a pet with fur, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit, or whatever, you know the pain of dealing with the shedding. There's nothing worse than sitting on your couch or laying on your bed only to get up looking like you have a coat of fur of your own.
Luckily, dryer sheets can take care of this excess hair with ease on your clothes or furniture. Maybe now, people won't be afraid to sit on your couch!
Clean Your Electronic Screens
If your computer or smartphone screen becomes dusty or is covered in fingerprints, there's no need to go out and spend money on special cloths or cleaning products. Just grab a dryer sheet and slowly and gently rub the surface of whatever screen you are cleaning.
Not only will it help to eliminate any smudges, but it will also cling to any other particles that may be distorting your vision. It's a quick, cheap, and easy solution to a dirty screen!
Make Your Oven Racks Good As New
Unless you're one of the few people that frequently undertakes the task of cleaning your oven, the chances are your oven isn't the cleanest appliance in your house, especially the racks. Most likely, there are years of grease and food-build up that can be daunting to clean.
Instead of spending forever trying to scrub everything off, throw the racks in the sink with some hot water and use a dryer sheet on them. After soaking for about an hour, the sheet will take everything right off.
Get The Bugs Off Your Car
If you take a road trip or drive for an extended amount of time, it's likely that the front of your car will be covered with dead insects. Although it might not seem like a big deal and a car wash will fix everything, that isn't always the case.
They can be tough little buggers to get off, and nobody wants to be driving around with dead bugs all over their car. Before washing, rub off the dead insects with a dryer sheet and repeat.
Keep Your Gym Bag Smelling Bearable
Even if you wash your gym bag regularly or make sure that you don't leave your sweaty clothes in it, it's bound to smell. That is, unless you have some magical bag, but we doubt that.
Although it won't solve the whole problem, placing (and frequently replacing) dryer sheets in your gym will make your bag at least smell bearable. Don't be that person in the locker room who's known for having a horribly smelling bag.
Tackle Tree Sap Like A Champ
There are few things more annoying than parking under a tree without thinking only to discover that your car is covered in tree sap, which is easily one of the hardest things to get off. If you experience this problem grab a dryer sheet or two and dampen them.
Place them over the sap and let them sit for five minutes. This will help loosen the sap so you can wipe it right off after. Plus, this won't harm the windows or paint!
Avoid Shocking Your Pets
In the colder months, you might notice that you find yourself accidentally shocking yourself and your pet when you go to touch them. To help avoid this, keep a dryer sheet around and rub your hands with it in order to decrease the likelihood of producing a shock.
However, it's important to remember to use unscented ones for this situation. Otherwise, this could cause your pet to sneeze or have an allergic reaction which is the last thing you want.
Clean Out Your Lint Trap
Although dryer sheets are commonly used for your clothes in the dryer, that's not the only way they can use on the appliance. If it's time to clean out the lint trap on your dryer, take a dryer sheet that you just used and use it to wipe the screen clean!
Not only will this help to collect all the lint, but you're recycling a sheet! It's important to use a linty one, however, because a fresh one might leave behind a residue.
Make Your Hair Appliances Good As New
If you consistently use hair appliances such as curlers and straighteners, you may notice that over time, they can look like they've been through a lot. This is caused by a build-up from gunk usually from shampoo, hair spray, dandruff, and more.
Not only does this make them look gross and old, but it can seriously affect how they work. All you have to do is turn the appliance on to its lowest setting and run a dryer sheet through it to clean everything off!
Get A Fire Going With Ease!
Starting a fire, either indoors or outdoors, can prove to be a challenging task at times. Things don't always light up in an instant, and if you don't have any fire starter on-hand, it can really be an issue.
Luckily, dryer sheets work as a perfect substitute for a fire starter and can get a blaze going in no time. The trick is to put dryer sheets and lint from the dryer inside of an empty paper towel or toilet roll and set each end on fire. Enjoy!
An Alternative For Swiffer Pads
If you're like most people, you've probably finally convinced yourself that it's time to Swiffer the floor, only to discover that you've run out of pads! Now, you can either make a trip to the store and buy some, or you can pull out a few dryer sheets for a make a simple one that works just fine!
Judge how many you'll need to cover the surface area at the bottom of the Swiffer and get to work. It will get the job done if you're in a pinch!
Don't Let Your Books Smell Ancient
Unless you're into your books smelling like they've been sitting in a cellar for years, you can keep them smelling fresh from the bookstore using with the help of a dryer sheet. Just insert a sheet anywhere in the book, and every time you open it, you'll be hit with a wave of freshness.
On top of that, you can use it as a bookmark too so it serves more than one purpose. Reading a book that smells like a dryer sheet might even help put you to sleep!
De-Squeak Those New Shoes!
If you've ever bought a new pair of sneakers, you know how annoying it can be when the squeak whenever you walk, especially if you're on tile or hardwood flooring. It can be so annoying at times that you might even opt for your old pair of shoes instead.
Luckily, by using a dryer sheet and rubbing it on the bottom of your shoes, it can help to eliminate that almost painful sound whenever you walk.
A Sneaky Way For Keeping Your Bathroom Smelling Fresh
Considering what they're used for, bathrooms aren't always the best-smelling rooms of a house. Well, to help with this issue, there's a simple way to make it smell better without the use of sprays or candles, and it's hidden.
Take a dryer sheet and fold it into a little square. Then, place it inside of the roll of toilet paper so it's out of sight. Now, your bathroom will be smelling nice and fresh and no one will be able to tell where it's coming from!
Protect Your Ornaments
Something a lot of people experience when the holiday season comes around is that when they take out their ornaments, they find that some of them have been damaged. Now, this is no good, because ornaments are sentimental to a lot of people and are kept for years on end.
To protect them as best as possible, wrap them in dryer leaves. Not only will this provide some extra cushioning, but it will also keep them from getting dusty and keep them smelling nice.
Be The Lord Of The Flies
If your kitchen or office is filled with fruit flies and you cannot figure out how to get rid of them, then turn to dish soap to get the job done.
Combine 4 or 5 drops of dish soap (some people swear that it has to be Dawn but that's yet to be cross-tested) with a cup filled about a 1/2 inch full of apple cider vinegar. Then place it wherever the fruit flies are and you'll be good to go.
Dish Soap Will Keep Your Manicure Looking Fresh
If you're looking to step up your manicure game without stepping up your budget and decided to be your own esthetician, then dish soap will make it easier.
Soak your nails in dish soap beforehand to make your cuticles softer and easier to work with. It also strips the natural oils from your fingers and will make your manicure last longer because your polish will adhere better. Before no time you'll have the nicest nails on the block.
Makeshift Bubble Solution
What kid (or adult) doesn't love blowing bubbles? It's a great summer outdoor activity but one kid always ends up dropping the tube or knocking it over and suddenly all the bubble liquid is on the ground.
Not to fear though, dish soap is a great backup so that you don't burst your kids' bubbles. Mix 6 cups of water with 1 cup of dish soap, stir in 1/4 cup of corn syrup and voila, instant bubbles!
De-Fog Your Car With Dish Soap
Yes, you read that right. Dish soap can be used to de-fog your car if you're one those people who still haven't quite figured out if you should turn your windshield de-fogger to hot or cold air.
Squirt some dish soap onto a clean, dry cloth and work it into the glass until the soap disappears. It'll create a layer over the glass that will prevent it from fogging up in the future! You can also use that trick for glasses lenses.
Greasy Clothing Stains Are No More
Dish soap is a proven grease-fighter but it doesn't have to be just on dishes. It can also help remove grease stains from clothing. Dish soap will cut through any type of grease including makeup, butter, and cooking oil.
Simply grab a toothbrush, add a couple of drops of dish soap to the stain and gently scrub at it. Toss the clothing into the washer or just rinse it by hand in warm water and it'll be good as new.
It's Instrumental In De-Skunking A Pet
It can be tiring for a dog owner to run a tomato juice bath each time their dog gets skunked. Instead of your house vaguely smelling of rotten tomatoes, combines 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of dish soap to use as a solution on your pet after they get sprayed.
If your pet allows it, let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing for maximum effect.
Use Dish Soap As A Makeshift Pool Cleaner
If you have an above ground pool or even a blow-up pool, dish soap works as a great cleaner for a fraction of the price.
Put a couple of drops of the dish soap in the center of the pool. It will push all the leftover dirt, suntan lotion, or whatever else is floating around to the edge of the pool so you can clean it up easily. It's also won't do any damage to your filter and it's safe to swim in, so you don't have to worry about harmful chemicals.
Cleaning Your Oil Stains
Sick of looking at those oil stains on your garage floor or on your driveway? Dish soap can help you get those concrete stains out.
It isn't just the dish soap that you'll need though. First, sprinkle some baking soda over the stain, add dish soap and scrub it with a plastic or non-metallic brush. Let the mixture sit on the stain for a few hours then come back to it and scrub again, repeating until the stain is gone.
Homemade Ice Pack
If you need a makeshift ice pack or you're looking for one that's more pliable than the typical lunch box ice pack, you can use dish soap.
Fill a plastic bag about one-third of the way full with dish soap then pop it in the freezer. The liquid will freeze but not completely. Then it will be cold enough to help with any bruises or bumps, but still malleable because it isn't frozen solid.
Ward Off Those Ants Or Spiders
If your kitchen or your entire home has been taking over by ants and they're literally coming out of the woodwork, dish soap is here to help. It can also help you out if you have one too many spiders crawling around.
Mix water and dish soap into a spray bottle, then spray it around vents, windows, door frames, or anywhere that met be letting the ants into your house. It should stop the infestation in no time.
Add Some Shine To Your Life
Dish soap can save you time and money when it comes to dull jewelry. Mix seltzer with any dish soap and let your jewelry soak for about 5 minutes. Pull it out, scrub off any grime or film with a toothbrush, then lay it out to dry and see the sparkle.
Now you don't have to feel about all those times you told yourself you would take your jewelry to a jeweler and watched TV instead.
Say Goodbye To Upholstery Stains
Dish soap is good for cleaning up the mess that your car leaves on the garage floor, but it's also good for cleaning up the mess your kids make inside your car.
Using a hand mixer, whip together equal parts of dish soap and water, then use a rag to clean any spots from your car upholstery. It also works for other upholstery stains that you might find on your chairs or couches.
Skip The Peanut Butter And Use Dish Soap To Get Gum Out Of Your Kid's Hair
On top of getting stains out of your clothing, dish soap can do wonders for your kid's hair if they manage to get something stuck in it.
We've all heard the trick about using peanut butter to get gum out of hair, but then that just means they have another stick substance in their hair. Use dish soap instead. It can get out gum, silly putty, Play-doh, or the peanut butter you inevitably tried first.
Revive Your Hair With Dish Soap
After you manage to get the gum out of your hair, you can also use dish soap as an overall hair mask instead of buying a fancy expensive one from the drug store.
Once a month, swap out your shampoo for dish soap and lather away. It'll strip away all of the oil build-up and residue from the other hair products you've been using in the past weeks, and leave you with squeaky clean shiny hair.
Keeping Your Outdoor Furniture and Toys Worthy Of Your BBQ Guests
Obviously, patio furniture or a kid's playground is going to get dirty when it's sitting outside all day, but you still want to impress your guests and you need to clean it.
Dish soap will have your furniture looking brand spanking new. For things like a kid's pool or a slide, it will wipe all the grime and dirt off without drying out the plastic (which would cause it to break down faster) and it'll have your patio table clean enough to eat off.
Unclog The Toilet
If you don't have a plunger (or don't want to use it) you can remedy a clogged toilet using dish soap. Pour a generous amount into the toilet bowl, about half a cup, and then let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Don't flush-- instead, slowly pour warm water into the toilet bowl. Make sure not to overflow it! You should see the soap and clog slowly drain down.
Kills Fleas For Half The Price
Instead of using expensive (and often harsh) flea prevention products on your dogs or outdoor cats, you can use dish soap instead.
During flea season when you're giving your dog a bath, mix some lemon-scented dish soap into the water and use it to lather up your pets. It's a gentler product, it's much less expensive for you, and it gives your pup a lemony-fresh scent as an added bonus.
Be Gone, Squeaky Hinges
Dish soap is a better, safer alternative for fixing squeaky sliding doors and doorknobs that always get stuck. You've tried every aerosol spray money can buy and yet, you can't get your bedroom door or your front door to stop squeaking. The sprays work for a few days or maybe even a few weeks but then it always comes back.
The dish soap solution lasts longer than aerosol sprays, and it's better if you have children running around touching those doors and knobs.
Poison The Ivy Yourself
Though it won't help with the itch after you touch it, dish soap can be used to get rid of poison ivy in your backyard before it spreads or infects anyone else.
Take a little bit of dish soap and spread it all over the leaves of any of the poison ivy plants you find. Within a few days the plants will wither up and die so you won't have any more popping up and you're free to roam again.
Keep Your Shower Floor, And Your Feet, Clean
Dish soap is meant for cleaning tough stains and food from your dishes, but it's also great as an all-purpose cleaner for tiles. You definitely don't do it as often as you should, but if you're looking to clean your shower floor grab a bottle of dish soap.
Spray a layer of soap over the floor of your shower or your tub, leave it overnight, then scrub away all the grime that built up overnight. It will be satisfying when you see how much grime comes off.
