The drawbacks of dryer sheets have been well documented in recent years. Their waxy coating can accumulate on clothing and inside the dryer, shortening the lifespan of both. If you recently made the switch to wool dryer balls, you might have a box of unused dryer sheets collecting dust somewhere. Before you chuck them in…
Freshen Up Your Spaces
Dryer sheets come in all kinds of refreshing scents that make your clothes smell amazing. Luckily, you can harness those same scents to freshen up other areas of your home, from shoes in your entryway to trash cans in your kitchen, according to TikTok creator @genuinecleaning.
Have a stinky pair of ballet flats or work boots? Stuff a few dryer sheets in your shoes and let them sit overnight to get rid of unpleasant odors. For a whiff of fragrance — not rotting food — stash some dryer sheets at the bottom of your kitchen trash can, underneath the trash bag. You can also toss a dryer sheet or two under couch cushions for a subtle boost of freshness. Lastly, you can put dryer sheets in your dresser to keep your drawers and clothes smelling fragrant.
Remove Deodorant Stains
We’ve all dealt with those dreaded deodorant stains when putting on clothes. The white marks are especially irritating when you’re on your way out and don’t have time to change. While you could whip up a DIY cleaning solution using hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda, you can also turn to a dryer sheet in a pinch. Simply rub the dryer sheet over the stain, and the mildly abrasive texture will lift it away.
Clean Burnt Pans
Last, but not least, you can use dryer sheets to easily clean cookware with baked-on food. Cover the stain with dryer sheets, leaving them folded up for maximum effect, and squirt some dish soap on them. Boil water in a kettle or on the stovetop and pour it over the dryer sheets to saturate them completely. Let the dish soak this way for about an hour. When the timer goes off, give the pan a good rinse, using a scrub brush to remove any stubborn residue. The baked-on food should melt away effortlessly, leaving your pan as good as new.
