20 Innovative Ways to Recycle Used Dryer Sheets

And Stretch Your Household Budget

It all started in the 1960's when manufacturers such as Proctor and Gamble put liquid fabric softeners on the store shelves. Not only did these products help to soften laundry, but they added a fresh, clean scent to clothing too.

However, there was one drawback to using a liquid fabric softener: you had to keep an ear tuned to the washing machine. Because, you could only add the softener when the machine started its rinse cycle.

To remedy this problem, manufacturers then developed a "dryer sheet" in the 1970's. A dryer sheet is a thin cloth that's permeated with fabric softener. One sheet is added to a load of laundered clothes when they are placed in a dryer. Once the drying cycle has ended, the cloth is then tossed away.

Problem solved, right? Yes. But actually, you can get more than one use out of a dryer sheet. No, I don't mean to use it to soften more than one load of clothes. Used dryer sheets can actually be used for a variety of purposes around your house!

Here are 20 innovative uses that you can try today:

1. Use it to dust your television screen. The anti-static chemicals in a dryer sheet will help to repel dust and lint.

2. Use old dryer sheets to easily wipe up talcum powder, flour, and other messes of this type.

3. Used sheets usually have enough fragrance in them to freshen up other areas in your home. Stuff them in tennis shoes, place them in closets, in laundry hampers and in pieces of luggage- anywhere in your house that needs refreshed.

4. Run a sheet over a piece of thread when you're doing sewing tasks. The thread won't tangle up as easy.

5. Have pet hair on your clothing? Simply wipe it off with a used dryer sheet!
Also works great on cloth furniture too!

6. Keep dust and other contaminants off your glass computer screen by carefully wiping it with an old sheet.

7. Did you purchase some old, musty books at a garage sale or thrift shop? Make them smell good again! Simply place the books in a sealed plastic bag with a used dryer sheet. Allow the bag to sit undisturbed for a day or two, then remove the contents. The musty smell will be gone!