7 Unexpected Ways to Repurpose Old Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheet for laundry — Credit:
Wirestock / Getty Images

Reusing old dryer sheets is an easy way to save money, reduce waste, and keep your home cleaner.
Dryer sheets can tackle household chores like dusting, cleaning lint traps, and removing pet hair from furniture.
They also work wonders for freshening up cars, shining stainless steel, and loosening baked-on grime in cookware.

Dryer sheets might seem like single-use items—but they can actually be repurposed in a variety of clever ways around your home, saving you money and reducing waste. Who knew that these laundry room staples could be so versatile?

It turns out that dryer sheets have a lot more to offer than just softening your favorite garments. Below, see our expert-backed ways to give dryer sheets a second life post-tumble dry, and learn how to put them to good use around your home.

01 of 07

Clean the Lint Filter

Cleaning the lint trap after every dryer cycle is an important chore that'll keep your dryer running efficiently and prevent fire hazards. It's not a difficult task, but you can simplify it even further: When you remove the clothes from the dryer, use the spent dryer sheet to wipe away built-up lint on the screen and pull any loose lint from the trap and seals.

"This one is a quick way to reuse the sheet without having to store it," says professional cleaner Stephanie Phillips. "Just wipe down the dryer, then tuck it in the trash."

02 of 07

Use for Dusting

“Used dryer sheets are great for dusting because they naturally attract and trap dust particles,” explains Phillips. Wipe them over furniture, blinds, and baseboards to quickly remove dust and reduce static that can cause it to settle again.

03 of 07

Clean Pots and Pans

Aluminum pans in soapy sink — fcafotodigital / Getty Images

Stuck-on food and grease can be a hassle to scrub away, but, surprisingly, an old dryer sheet can help. Place one in a pot or pan filled with warm water and let it soak for a few hours or overnight.

The fabric softener in the sheet helps loosen baked-on grime, making it easier to wipe away without heavy scrubbing. "Just remember to wash it with dish soap after scrubbing," says Phillips.

Control Static

“As a celebrity house manager, I learned the tricks of a few exciting trades!" says former celebrity nanny and house manager, Kate. "This one came from a wardrobe stylist: Simply rubbing a used dryer sheet over your outfit can help neutralize static electricity, keeping your look smooth and put together."

This method is especially useful in dry weather, when static is more likely, and it also works on hair.

05 of 07

Remove Pet Hair and Lint

Used dryer sheets work wonders for lifting hair and lint off furniture, clothing, and even car seats. "A lint roller doesn’t always fit in your bag, but a few folded used dryer sheets sure will," says Kate. Just rub the sheet over the surface, or your outfit, and the dryer sheet will easily gather and remove pet hair and debris.

06 of 07

Clean Your Car

Keep your car’s interior fresh and dust-free by using old dryer sheets to wipe down the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces. They effectively remove dust while leaving behind a light, pleasant fragrance.

"Toting kids around left my car looking dusty and smelling less than fresh," says Kate. "I used old dryer sheets to wipe the surfaces and even put a few unused ones under my seat to keep it smelling nice."

07 of 07

Polish Stainless Steel

Modern stainless steel kitchen sink — seanoriordan / Getty Images

Phillips recommends giving your stainless-steel appliances a streak-free shine by wiping them down with an old dryer sheet. The soft fibers help lift fingerprints and smudges, while the anti-static properties reduce dust buildup. “I do this in my own house because it works so well,” Phillips shares.

7 Unexpected Ways to Use Old Dryer Sheets Around the Home