Dryer sheets combat static cling, soften fabrics, and add fragrance to your laundry. They’re a great addition to your routine if you want fresh-smelling laundry that feels softer to the touch.
But before you run out to purchase your next pack, read on for some tips and tricks for maximizing the effectiveness of your dryer sheets.
Don’t Overload
When doing the laundry, a dryer sheet is a simple and effective way to keep static at bay while making your clothes soft and fragrant. But this laundry staple is useful outside the laundry room in ways you might not expect.
The fragrance and fabric-softening chemicals in dryer sheets are also useful for cleaning your home. Try rubbing a used dryer sheet against dust-prone surfaces like window blinds to help prevent them from clogging with debris and dirt. You can also use a dryer sheet as a substitute for a tack cloth to pick up spare lint or dust from any surface you’re wiping down.
If your bathroom needs a little TLC, wet a dryer sheet and scrub away that stubborn soap scum. Dryer sheets can also be used to ward off household pests, as they contain linalool and beta-citronella, both insect repellents.
Don’t Overscent
Dryer sheets are thin, nonwoven pieces of polyester fabric that contain softeners to reduce static cling and fragrances to deliver freshness. They’re a staple in many homes, but some safety advocates question their use, citing concerns that dryer sheet manufacturers don’t disclose all of the ingredients used in these products.
It’s important to note that the odor-releasing chemicals in dryer sheets are safe and harmless if used as directed. They’re also incredibly effective, especially compared to the more expensive natural alternatives like wool dryer balls.
A few of our favorite dryer sheet hacks include using them to polish your glasses and sunnies, getting sand off skin after a day at the beach, and eliminating pesky static electricity by wiping down a hat or scarf. You can also wipe down your car or home windows with a dryer sheet to remove grime and smudges. This is one of the best ways to eliminate odors and make your car’s or home’s interior smell good.
Don’t Overdo It
A common laundry hack is to toss a dryer sheet into the dryer with each load. However, this may cause the dryer sheets to melt and distribute their softener and fragrance molecules unevenly, leading to poor fabric performance.
Dryer sheets can also leave an oily residue on the lint filter, clogging it and reducing dryer efficiency. In addition, the chemicals in dryer sheets can potentially irritate skin, especially for sensitive skin.
Some bloggers claim that dryer sheets contain toxic chemicals like chlorine and benzyl alcohol that interfere with hormone regulation and cause cancer. But most of the chemicals in dryer sheets are safe, and as the old saying goes: “the dose makes the poison.” If you’re uncomfortable using dryer sheets, try alternative laundry hacks to eliminate static cling without the harmful chemical residue. These include reusing wool dryer balls or spraying your laundry with white vinegar before drying.
Don’t Overpay
Dryer sheets are great for reducing static and making fabrics soft, but they’re also multipurpose laundry essentials that can have many uses outside the washing machine. Use a dryer sheet to wipe away soap scum from your shower walls.
If you want to give your clothes a fresh fragrance, toss a sheet in the drawer with your clothes or hang one in the closet. If you’re traveling, tuck a dryer sheet in your suitcase or gym bag to keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
