Do you like saving money? Do you like being eco-friendly? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you’ll love these easy DIY dryer sheets! You can make them at home with ingredients that you probably already have on hand. They work just as well as store-bought dryer sheets, but they’re cheaper and better for the environment. So why not give them a try?
How to Make DIY Dryer Sheets
Ready to change your drying world forever? Here’s how to make DIY dryer sheets that will keep your clothes soft and static-free:
1. Make Your Own Fabric Softener
Instead of something like a sheet, try this liquid version that does the same thing. Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water and pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle. Spray it onto your clothes before you put them in the dryer, but be careful not to over-saturate them. The vinegar will evaporate in the dryer and no smell will be left. This mixture helps because it softens fabrics and eliminates static.
2. Use Aluminum Foil as Dryer Sheets
Take a small piece of aluminum foil (big enough to cover your palm) and crumple it up into a ball. Put the foil ball in with your dryer load and let the dryer do its thing. The foil will help soften fabrics, remove static cling, and reduce wrinkles, all while being reusable and cost-effective.
3. Make a Wool Dryer Ball
Wool balls help by reducing drying time, softening fabrics, and fluffing clothes. Take a few ounces of wool yarn (wool roving works best) and roll it into a ball, making sure to keep the shape as round as possible. Put the wool ball in with your load of laundry and the heat from the dryer will fluff the wool fibers and reduce wrinkles.
You can also buy wool dryer balls from the store. If you find your dryer making noise due to clothes clumping together wool balls can help.
4. Homemade Dryer Sheets
To make these homemade dryer sheets with vinegar and essential oils, cut a few pieces of unbleached cotton fabric into squares about 4-5 inches in size. Put 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil into a bowl and mix them together. Dip a fabric square into the mixture and wring out any remaining liquid. Add your DIY dryer sheet to your laundry load in the dryer. If you find your dryer stinks, these can help improve the smell along with cleaning the dryer.
5. Reuse Commercial Dryer Sheets
If you’ve got some commercial dryer sheets lying around, don’t just throw them away! Instead, put them in a container with a lid and keep them near the washer. When you’re ready to use them again, just pop open the lid and take out one of the sheets. They should be good for at least 2-3 more uses.
6. Use Ice as Dryer Sheets
This is a great option for those who don’t want to buy or make any additional ingredients. When you put your laundry in the dryer, add 2-3 ice cubes and close the door. The heat from the dryer will melt the ice, releasing steam that helps soften clothes, reduce static cling and wrinkles, and refresh fabrics.
So there you have it! Six easy DIY dryer sheets that will help you save money and be kinder to the environment. Give them a try and let us know how they worked for you! Happy laundering! And for any dryer issues, the appliance repair team at Moore Appliance is here for you.
