For years, I automatically tossed a dryer sheet into every load of laundry without giving it much thought. It was just part of the routine. Then I started wondering if I was actually getting much out of using them in the dryer.

After I stopped, I realized those same dryer sheets were far more useful in other parts of the house. They ended up solving all kinds of little problems that had nothing to do with laundry.

Now I keep a box in my cleaning cabinet and reach for them whenever I need a quick fix. Here are some of the ways they’ve earned a permanent place around my home.

Dust Around the House

Dryer sheets are great for picking up dust from shelves, baseboards, blinds, and ceiling fans. Instead of sending dust floating into the air, they grab onto it, making cleanup faster. I’ve also noticed those surfaces stay cleaner a little longer afterward.

Related: 14 Uses for Dryer Sheets

Freshen the Car

A dryer sheet tucked under a seat or inside the glove compartment can help keep a car smelling fresh. The scent is usually much lighter than most air fresheners, making it a good choice if strong fragrances aren’t your favorite.

Remove Soap Scum

Soap scum on shower doors and bathroom fixtures can be stubborn. Wetting a dryer sheet and rubbing it over the buildup helps loosen the residue, making it much easier to wipe away afterward.

Wipe Down Faucets

Bathroom and kitchen faucets collect water spots surprisingly fast. A quick wipe with a dryer sheet helps remove those spots while leaving the metal looking cleaner and brighter with very little effort.

Pick Up Pet Hair

Pet hair has a way of sticking to furniture and upholstery. Running a dryer sheet across couches, chairs, or even clothing helps gather loose fur so it’s easier to remove instead of chasing individual hairs.

Remove Deodorant Marks

White deodorant streaks on dark clothing always seem to show up at the worst time. Gently rubbing the mark with a dryer sheet usually removes it in just a few seconds without leaving another mess behind.

Help Keep Small Bugs Away

When spending time outside, some people keep a dryer sheet in a pocket or nearby while gardening or relaxing on the patio. It won’t replace insect repellent, but it may help discourage a few small flying insects from hanging around.

Help Clean Scissor Blades

Scissors can become sticky after cutting tape, labels, or other materials. Cutting through a folded dryer sheet a few times helps remove some of that buildup, allowing the blades to move more smoothly.

Use One on a Sweeper

If you’ve run out of disposable floor pads, a dryer sheet can work as a temporary substitute. Attached to a flat mop or sweeper, it does a good job collecting dust, hair, and other small debris from hard floors.

Clean Baseboards

Baseboards are one of those spots that often get skipped during routine cleaning. Wiping them with a dryer sheet removes dust quickly, and many people find they don’t seem to collect dust quite as fast afterward.

Help Control Trash Odors

Placing a dryer sheet at the bottom of a trash can or inside a diaper pail helps reduce unpleasant smells. It won’t completely remove odors, but it can make opening the lid a little more pleasant.

Freshen Shoes

Shoes that get regular use can start to develop unpleasant odors. Sliding a dryer sheet inside each shoe overnight helps absorb some of those smells, leaving them fresher by the next morning.