The Farmers Touch Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are a must to have on hand. They give your laundry a fresh scent and take care of static cling. But, did you know you don't have to buy them at the store? Making your own dryer sheets is easy, and you will love how effective they are.
You will quickly find that homemade dryer sheets are better than any commercial brand for many reasons. First, they cost next to nothing to make and you can save money on the first load. If that isn't reason enough, you also can create your own scents, avoid harsh chemicals, and reuse them again and again. Pair your homemade dryer sheets with wool dryer balls, and your laundry will be fresh, soft, and free of static cling.
How Often Should You Make Homemade Dryer Sheets?
The best part about making your own dryer sheets? You can use them again and again. Unlike store-bought dryer sheets, which get thrown out after one use, these DIY dryer sheets will last around 15 washes. Just make sure to refresh them or make new ones once they lose their scent by following the steps below.
DIY Homemade Dryer Sheets With Vinegar
Many families have concerns about chemicals in laundry products and are trying to find natural alternatives. If you don't want to spend the money on chemical-free fabric softeners to create dryer sheets, there is an alternative.
The inexpensive answer to eco-friendly fabric softener is vinegar. It can be used in the washer to replace liquid fabric softener and to create your own dryer sheets. A single bottle can keep your laundry soft and fresh and eliminate the need to buy fabric softener or dryer sheets.
The combination of vinegar and essential oils in these dryer sheets is perfect. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener, and the smell disappears when it dries. This leaves the oils to add a subtle fragrance, which you can customize and change as you like.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Several pieces of cloth
Glass container with a tight sealing lid
Materials
1/2 cup vinegar
6 to 8 drops essential oil of choice
How to Make Homemade Dryer Sheets
Fold Clothes and Place in Container Your cloth can be store-bought or scraps (think rags, cut-up towels, pieces of old t-shirts, whatever works for you). It's best practice to use a jar with a wide opening at the top so it's easiest to place the rags inside and take them out when you're done.
Add Vinegar and Essential Oils
Mix vinegar and essential oils in a separate bowl or jar. Choose an essential oil that you like, as it will not only mask the scent of the vinegar, but also leave its scent on any clothes you dry with your new DIY dryer sheets.
Add Just Enough Vinegar Solution to the Jar
Pour enough vinegar over the cloths until they are damp—but not saturated or soaking. You can save your excess vinegar for tons of cleaning tasks around the house, from using as a fabric softener to removing odors from pet stains to cleaning soap scum out of your shower.
When You're Ready to Use the Dryer, Grab a Cloth
When you're ready to dry a load of laundry, remove one cloth and ring it out over the jar to remove any excess vinegar before tossing it in the dryer.
Replace and Reuse
Place the cloth back in the jar after each use and it's ready for the next load. Add more scented vinegar as needed; it should be every month or so.
Tips to Make Your DIY Dryer Sheets Last Longer
The dryer sheet will last as long as the fabric holds up! The key to making them last as long as possible is not overusing the cloth.
Rotate the use of different pieces of cloth instead of using the same cloth over and over.
Avoid running your dryer on high heat, if possible.
XoXo
BethAnn
The Farmers Touch