14 Uses for Dryer Sheets

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Dryer sheets have earned their place as a laundry room essential, adding fresh scent and reducing static in our clothes. They’re appreciated for making laundry softer and more fragrant.

But these sheets offer more than just laundry benefits. In fact, they can be quite handy around the house.

These little laundry additives are actually genius multi-purpose tools that can be used throughout your home. From removing stubborn soap scum to repelling insects, dryer sheets have countless uses you probably never thought of. 

Here are 14 ways to use laundry sheets for more than just laundry.

Traditional Uses of Dryer Sheets

Traditionally, dryer sheets have long been praised for infusing our clothes with a fresh scent, softening fabrics, and reducing static cling.

One of their primary advantages is their ability to combat and neutralize static buildup in most fabrics and clothing. Mixing various types of clothing in a laundry load can become entangled and generate static electricity. Dryer sheets address this issue by serving as a barrier against the accumulation of static electricity.

Dryer Sheet Hacks

1. Deodorize Your Shoes

Dryer sheets work wonders for tackling the unpleasant odor in your shoes. Simply leave a dryer sheet in each shoe overnight, and when you return in the morning, you’ll be greeted by a noticeable fresher scent. This method is a reliable way to get rid of those lingering odors.

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2. Dusting Tool

You can use a dryer sheet to effectively dust various surfaces, including shelves, blinds, ceiling fans and other household items. The sheet’s texture attracts and captures dust, simplifying the cleaning process. Dryer sheets not only eliminate dust but also help prevent it from returning.

3. Removing Soap Scum from Shower Doors

Your shower door is likely a regular victim of soap scum. Dryer sheets offers a practical solution to get rid of the scum. To tackle those scum marks, just wet a dryer sheet and use it to scrub away the soap buildup on the shower door. The slightly abrasive texture of the sheet helps lift off stubborn residue without being harsh on the surfaces.

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4. Faucets

Utilize dryer sheets to give your chrome bathroom or kitchen faucets a polished and shiny appearance. The dryer sheets will help remove water spots and add shine to your faucet.

5. Clean Pet Hair

Pet hair has a tendency to get everywhere. With dryer sheets, you can easily clean up pet hair. The antistatic properties make it easier to clean up fur and lint from surfaces like your couch. You can use the dryer sheet to wipe down furniture and other upholstery.

6. Deodorant Marks

We’ve all been there: the frustrating situation of deodorant stains on our clothes. If you’ve ever had the unsightly and oh-so-hard-to-remove deodorant stain on your shirt, you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of it.

When this happens, reach for a dryer sheet and softly dab at the stain until it disappears. A dryer sheet is one of the most effective ways to remove the stain.

7. Car Freshener

Rather than hanging an item from your rear-view mirror, try tucking a few sheets under the seat or in the glove compartment of your car to give it a fresher scent.

8. Bug Repellent

Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or simply spending time outside, think about placing a dryer sheet in your back pocket or tucking one into the back of your ball cap. Using dryer sheets in this manner can help keep insects like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes at bay.

How to Get Rid of Gnats Around the Home | Natural Methods

9. Sharpen Dull Scissors

If you’re finding your scissors or kitchen shears not cutting as smoothly as you’d prefer, you can try a simple trick. Grab a used or unused dryer sheet and use it to sharpen the blades.

Surprisingly, a dryer sheet can help bring them back to their cutting edge. Just cut through a few layers of the dryer sheet multiple times, and you’ll likely notice an improvement in their cutting ability.

10. Swiffer Mopping Pad Alternative

Here’s an unexpected tip: dryer sheets work astonishingly well as a substitute for dusting pads or as a Swiffer pad alternative. Dryer sheets have a knack for capturing dust and other dust-like particles on the floor.

To make the most of this hack, take 2-3 dryer sheets to your Swiffer mop and clean as you normally would a Swiffer. You will be surprised by the results. And the best part is that it is a much cheaper alternative.

11. Clean the Baseboards

Dust and dirt often accumulate on the edges of the baseboards, and it’s not always easy to clean them. Dryer sheets do a solid job of cleaning baseboards.

12. Diaper Odor Eliminator

If you had babies or toddlers, then you know all too well the funky and unpleasant odor of used diapers that can emanate from the trash can.

An easy solution is to use a dryer sheet to deodorize the diaper and eliminate the smell. Simply tuck a dryer sheet into the disposable bag before placing the diaper inside. The dryer sheet will absorb much of the strong odor.

13. Pest Control

Squirrels, rats, and certain insects have an aversion to the scent of dryer sheets. These sheets can prevent pests from entering your home through small cracks. Simply stuff the cracks with dryer sheets, which act as a natural repellent and help keep these unwanted guests away from your home.

14. Remove Fingerprints from Glass Surfaces

You can use a dryer sheet to remove fingerprints from mirrors and TVs.

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Conclusion

Dryer sheets have proven to be more than just a laundry staple. Their versatility and unexpected uses make them an invaluable tool in any household.