Dryer sheets have long been the unsung heroes of the laundry room, but did you know that they’re also secret cleaning wizards?
There’s a second life to this laundry staple that’s just begging to be unleashed in your cleaning routine!
These clever hacks will have you looking at dryer sheets in a whole new light.
So don’t throw your old dryer sheets away, you can use them again. A used dryer sheet still works well for dusting your home, including your blinds. When you need more fragrance, for example, deodorizing your gym shoes, or making the vacuum cleaner smell better, use a new one.
Let’s dive in!
Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling dryer sheets! They contain chemicals that can irritate your skin.
1. Dusting
Glide one over your surfaces and watch as it picks up dust like a magnet. Plus, you’ll leave that lovely, fresh-laundry scent wafting through the room.
Why this works
Dryer sheets are coated with positively charged chemicals that create an electrostatic field when rubbed against fabric or surfaces. This charge attracts and holds onto negatively charged dust particles, effectively removing them from the surface. The electrostatic force helps the dryer sheets cling to the dust, making it easier to wipe away and leaving surfaces looking clean and dust-free.
2. Cleaning Venetian Blinds
Dusty blinds can be such a pain to keep clean, but not if you’re armed with a dryer sheet!
Just close those blinds, grab a sheet and swipe away. Static electricity from the dryer sheet will cling onto the dust. Swing the slats the other way and repeat.
Why this works
When used to wipe down blinds, the dryer sheet’s electrostatic charge helps to pull in and trap dust and debris from the surface, leaving the blinds looking clean and dust-free. The slightly textured surface of the dryer sheet also aids in dislodging and picking up stubborn dirt and grime from the blinds. Additionally, the anti-static properties of the dryer sheet can help to repel dust, keeping the blinds cleaner for longer.
3. Dusting Baseboards
Swipe a dryer sheet over baseboards to remove dust and stop it from coming back. Plus, you get a lovely smell wafting into your room.
Why this works
The slightly textured surface of the dryer sheet effectively attracts and traps dust from the baseboards, making it easier to remove. The anti-static properties of the dryer sheet also help to reduce the likelihood of dust resettling quickly
4. Freshening the Vacuum Cleaner
Freshening up your vacuum cleaner with a dryer sheet is a super easy trick that can make a big difference!
Just pop a dryer sheet into the vacuum cleaner bag, and as you clean, the fresh scent will waft through the air, leaving your home smelling lovely.
This helps to stop my vacuum cleaner from smelling doggy.
Why this works
The airflow from the vacuum cleaner carries the scent from the dryer sheet throughout the room, effectively freshening the air as you clean.
5. Deodorizing Shoes
With three boys in the house, smelly shoes are an issue. I do this when I catch a whiff of something coming from the shoe cupboard, and this sorts it out!
Slip a dryer sheet into each shoe. The sheets absorb the odors, so the next time you slip them on, your nose won’t be in for an unpleasant surprise!
- Step 1: Grab a dryer sheet.
- Step 2: Stuff it in the shoe.
- Step 3: Leave it overnight
- Step 4: Remove before wearing
Why this works
The porous texture of the dryer sheet allows it to absorb and trap unpleasant odors within the shoes, effectively reducing and masking the smell. Additionally, the fragrant chemicals in the dryer sheet, leave the shoes smelling clean and fresh.
6 Repelling Insects
The fragrant chemicals in dryer sheets, particularly those with scents like lavender or citrus, can help deter insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and gnats.
Dampen a dryer sheet to release the fragrance and put them near windows and doors.
Tuck a dry dryer sheet into pockets to stop bugs and their larvae while in your closet.
Why this works
The strong scent of the dryer sheet can mask the odors that attract insects, making it an easy and convenient way to enjoy the outdoors without pesky bug bites.
7. Freshening Up Gym Bags
Tuck a dryer sheet into your gym bag to help keep it smelling fresh between workouts. It’s an easy way to keep your gym bag smelling clean, ensuring that you’re ready for your next workout.
Why this works
The fragrances in the dryer sheet effectively combats any lingering gym odors, ensuring that your bag remains pleasantly scented between uses.
8. Thread Detangling
If you are a fan of sewing, then you’ll know how annoying it is when the cotton twists and ends up in horrible knots.
All you need to do is wipe the thread with a dryer sheet before stitching. This will reduce the static in the thread.
Why this works
Simply running the thread through a dryer sheet can help reduce static cling, making the fibers less likely to stick together and tangle.
9. Refreshing Old Books
This isn’t one I have ever tried, but if you have a lot of old musty books lying around, this could be your answer.
Tuck a dryer sheet between the pages to banish that old book funk. For more effective results, place inside a Ziploc bag and leave it for a few hours.
Why this works
A dryer sheet can be a great tool for refreshing old books due to its ability to remove musty odors and reduce static cling. Gently rubbing a dryer sheet along the pages of an old book can help to eliminate any lingering musty smells, leaving behind a subtle, pleasant fragrance.
