20+ Uses for Used Dryer Sheets

Ever wondered if there are any uses for used dryer sheets? Here are more than twenty you can try!

In fact, one of the first things to know is that you can use dryer sheets several times before considering them “used.” And after that, there are still quite a few useful things to do with used dryer sheets.

It’s worth noting that most dryer sheets have chemicals in them that are not necessarily good for skin. Some brands that claim to be pure and chemical free may be safe.

But just to be safe, I don’t recommend using dryer sheets in any way that involves applying them to the skin, hair, fur, feathers, scales, etc., or people or pets.

Related: You may also want to check out things to do with used coffee filters and things to do with dryer lint.

Things to do with used dryer sheets

1. Reuse it: the first thing you should do with a used dryer sheet is use it again in the dryer! You can reuse dryer sheets quite a few times before they lose their effectiveness or scent.

2. Static Cling: when clothes develop static cling, running a used dryer sheet over them will get rid of it

3. Deodorizing shoes: stick used dryer sheets in shoes overnight to deodorize them.

4. Dusting: they’re awesome for dusting, with or without a dusting spray.

5. Sachet: put a used dryer sheet in a drawer of clothes, and the clothes will keep that nice fresh laundry scent for quite a while.

6. Irons: if your iron has gotten gunky, iron a used dryer sheet on low and it’ll clean the gunk off.

7. Dusting TVs: rub a used sheet over the TV screen to reduce dust-attracting static electricity. This not only dusts the TV, but helps slow down future dust accumulation.

Woman dusting TV screen with used dryer sheets

8. Threading: to keep sewing thread from tangling or tying in knots, pull your threaded needle through a dryer sheet and let the thread follow it through.

9. Closets: put used dryer sheets in closets to keep them smelling fresh.

10. Soap scum: for some reason, just a few drops of water on a used dryer sheet makes a soap scum fighting weapon par excellence. Use it to get tough soap buildup off your glass shower doors and plastic curtains.

11. Car freshening: put them in cars to keep them smelling fresh. Tuck them away in hidden cup holders or seat pockets, or under mats or seats.

12. Cleaning cookware: with a few drops of water, a used dryer sheet will take dirt off cookware with surprising ease.

13. Boxes of books: put a used dryer sheet in a box of books you’re storing to minimize the musty smell from the dust. When you unpack them, use the dryer sheet to dust the book covers off.

14. Cleaning the dryer: what better way to clean your dryer after using it, than to hold onto the dryer sheet and give it a quick once over?

15. Removing deodorant from clothes: if you get deodorant on your clothes while dressing, rub it away with a fabric softener.

16. Preventing trash odors: put a used dryer sheet in the bottom of the kitchen garbage pail to keep food odors to a minimum until you take the garbage out. (Note: this won’t work long-term, but it can make a difference if you’re just leaving it overnight.)

17. Bugs on a windshield: put a little water on your used dryer sheet and rub bugs off a windshield easily.

18. Bug repellent? For years, people have claimed that dryer sheets can repel bugs. One researcher has actually tested this theory and found that it was true – at least for Bounce brand.

Again, while some people rub it on their skin, I wouldn’t recommend that. But you can put it around areas where you want to repel bugs.

For skin, I recommend Avon Skin So Soft Towelettes, which are made for skin but have a mild bug repellant. It’s nice for your skin, and it’s always helped to keep bugs away from me (and I’m a bug magnet).