As I'm sure you've heard or discovered, you can also reuse a dryer sheet for at least one more additional load in the dryer before it loses it's goodness. I have developed a little system that works for me to help me get the most out of my dryer sheets (and my budget!).
1) It is super simple yet pretty efficient too. First things first. When you get a new box of dryer sheets, grab a pair of scissors and cut the sheets in half and put them back in the box.
2) To set up a recycling system, grab an empty container or jar. I prefer an empty baby wipes container for this project. Label container as Used/Recycled Dryer Sheets.
3) Every time you fold your clothes, grab the used dryer sheet when you find it and shove it into the recycled container.
4) When you have used the entire box of new dryer sheets (which will take a while, since you've doubled the quantity by cutting them in half!), simply start using the recycled sheets from the container you made. Discard the sheets this time, or see the end of this post for some additional ways to use them.
When you finally run out of all those recycled dryer sheets, it's time to buy a new box and start over.
So did you do the math? If you started with a box of 80 dryer sheets, and cut them in half you now have 160 sheets for the price of 80. Then if you save them all and use them a second time, you now have 320 sheets for the price of 80 sheets! Now that is a wise investment!
Here are a few other ways to use those dryer sheets:
- Rub a dryer sheet on your base boards to eliminate dust from settling on them.
- Dryer sheets act like a tack cloth so great for removing pet hair from upholstery.
- Removes static electricity and prevent dust build up on your t.v. or computer screens
- Run a threaded needle through a dryer sheet to prevent the thread from tangling.
How do you use your dryer sheets?
This post was shared at:
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/
http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2012/08/busy-monday-week-of-august-19/
http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2012/08/market-yourself-monday_19.html
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2012/08/151st-penny-pinching-party.html
http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/08/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-41/
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/08/uncommonly-yours-link-party-42.html#.UDQTFamPXtA
Got a pot or casserole with horribly burned food? Lay a dryer sheet in it and fill with hot water....soak overnight....burned food slides right out!!
ReplyDeleteCathy, that sounds so amazing! I will be trying this one out for sure! Love it!
DeleteJan
Takes the soap film off the shower doors too!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea! Thanks Kate!
DeleteJan
We stopped using dryer sheets all together almost 20 years ago when I found out that the active ingredient is formaldehyde!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! Folmaldehyde (in all it's variations of chemical names) is in almost EVERYTHING! (especially beauty products, Many people will be thankful for your input!
DeleteJan
You can also use them one more time. Use 2-4 "twice-used" sheets for one more load of static free clothes.
ReplyDeleteI use them to dust. Cannot wait to try the pet hair upholstery trick!
ReplyDeleteI love the dusting idea! Thanks!
DeleteVery cool! Now if I could get my hubby to stop trying to use TWO sheets each time!
ReplyDeleteOn his defense, I bet the two sheets makes him more snuggly, right? Plus he's doing the laundry! Gotta love that too! Good luck on that mission!
DeleteJan
It isn't just formaldehyde in dryer sheets. Check out this list of toxic ingredients in them: http://natureswizard.com/found-out-why-dryer-sheets-are-toxic/household/136/
ReplyDeleteWhile many of us are being much more careful about what we put into our bodies regarding food, many people underestimate the ability of the skin to absorb toxins. If it is on your clothes, it will go into your body.
Also, apparently it is public knowledge that dryer sheets are bad for cats and dogs, http://laundry.about.com/od/laundryproductsafety/qt/petsdryersheet.htm so you have to question whether they are safe for your family.
Jen, thanks for sharing! I haven't had time to check out the links you shared yet, but happy to pass them along and let my readers have several points of view to consider! Thanks again.
DeleteJan
I've been using1/4 cup vinegar in the softener cup of the washer. It's cheap, gets out all of the soap residue and most of the static, and no perfume to aggravate allergies. Dryer sheets can clog the moisture sensor in the dryer and cause it to run longer than necessary, causing higher energy bills and wear and tear on the clothing. They also clog the mesh in the lint catcher, which can cause overheating.
ReplyDelete