How to Make Homemade Dryer Sheets with Stuff You Already Have

Most of us do multiple loads of laundry each week without ever thinking about how much money we’re throwing away or our impact on the environment. And, if you use dryer sheets, you could be exposing yourself and the environment to some unwanted chemicals.

That’s why some people are choosing to fight static cling with homemade dryer sheets. Homemade dryer sheets save money and keep disposable dryer sheets out of landfills. Here’s how to whip up a batch with ingredients you already have in your house.

This laundry trick solves one of your toughest laundry day problems.

Why Would You Make Your Own Dryer Sheets?

According to CBS News, a study (using two participants) found that scented laundry products, like dryer sheets, contain carcinogens. These cancer-causing agents are released through our dryer vents, causing them to be spewed into the air we breathe.

Are you making these common laundry mistakes?

Researchers found 25 volatile air pollutants in these emissions including benzene, which the American Cancer Society says causes leukemia and other blood cancers. Claims of the dangers of store-bought dryer sheets and scented laundry products have been echoed on natural wellness and other websites. However, fact-checking website Snopes deemed the claim to be “mostly false.”

These nifty products make laundry day so much easier.

How to Make Homemade Dryer Sheets

Even if you’re not concerned about store-bought dryer sheets being safe, you’re still throwing money away with every dryer sheet you use. You’re also putting more garbage into landfills. We love saving money and the environment, so we want you to know how to make your own reusable homemade dryer sheets.

First, cut up an old sheet or t-shirt (any clean rags will do) into 4-in. squares. Soak them in a jar of three parts organic hair conditioner and one part white vinegar. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Remove your squares and wring them out. Leave them to air dry and store in a clean container.

Add these secret laundry ingredients to your next load.

Toss a square into your dryer the next time you dry a load of laundry. Don’t worry, your clothes won’t smell of vinegar! The odor dissipates in the dryer. Each square lasts for about three loads of laundry. When your squares are used up, run them through the washer and dryer and repeat the process so you can use them over and over again. Just make sure you don’t throw these things in your dryer.