Although originally made for laundry, people are now using dryer sheets for plenty of other things around the house and it has been such a game changer! Who would’ve thought that this teeny-tiny little thing could do so much? From getting rid of musty smells to helping keep your kitchenware in tiptop shape, here are a few clever ways to use dryer sheets outside of the laundry room.
#1 Keep luggage clean
If you hate the smell of old luggage that hasn’t been used in a while, try throwing a dryer sheet in there before putting it back in storage. Obviously, you’re going to need the scented kind for the smell to linger in your luggage. You can also add a single dryer sheet to your luggage before packing so everything you packed inside for your trip smells fresh and clean when you take it out.
#2 Freshen up gym bag and gym shoes
Another thing you can freshen up with dryer sheets are your gym bag and gym shoes. Sweat makes gym bags and gym shoes prime breeding grounds for bacteria that cause horrible smells but a dryer sheet can help get rid of that smell. This is not a permanent solution, though. You still need to wash your bag and your shoes regularly so think of it as a quick fix for when you need to go to the gym but you forgot to wash your gym bag beforehand.
#3 Get rid of stinky garbage smells
One of the stinkiest things you own, your trash bin, can also benefit from a dryer sheet. Just place one at the bottom of the can before putting a new liner on and you’re good to go!
#4 Deter bugs
Want to spend the evening out in your backyard but can’t because you’re all out of bug repellent? Just rub a scented dryer sheet all over your skin (the exposed parts, especially) and you can put your bug worries away for the whole night.
#5 Tame flyaways
If your hair is the type to get all wild all the time, you need a dryer sheet. Keep one in your desk at work, in your purse, and your emergency kit and use it to smooth your hair over on those wild days of flyaways.
#6 Lift pet hair and dander
Having furry pets means having to deal with shedding and dander. If you’re constantly dealing with pet hair on your clothes, your bed, couch, and all the other surfaces where your pet often lies, try wiping it down with a dryer sheet. Not only will it smell fresh but it will also be free from pet hair as dryer sheets are pretty good at lifting pet hair from clothes and furniture.
#7 Lift burnt and stuck-on food from pots and pans
Left the stove on a little too long? Food that’s been baked-in, burnt-on, and now stuck to your pots and pans can be a challenge to clean. Instead of wasting your energy on scrubbing it off, place a dryer sheet in the pot or pan and fill it with hot water then leave it to soak overnight instead. In the morning, everything should be soft enough to remove with a gentle wipe. Proceed to wash it as normal and then dry before putting it away.
What other genius dryer sheet hacks do you know? Share them with us in the comments!