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Dryer sheets are a staple in the laundry room, known for their ability to soften clothes, reduce static, and add a fresh scent. While they’re appreciated for these benefits, their usefulness doesn’t stop there. Dryer sheets can actually be quite handy in other areas of the home as well. Here are 12 surprising ways to put dryer sheets to work beyond just laundry.
Deodorize Your Shoes
Dryer sheets work wonders for tackling the unpleasant odor in your shoes. Simply leave a dryer sheet in each shoe overnight, and when you return in the morning, you’ll be greeted by a noticeable fresher scent. This method is a reliable way to get rid of those lingering odors.
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Dusting Tool
You can use a dryer sheet to effectively dust various surfaces, including shelves, blinds, ceiling fans and other household items. The sheet’s texture attracts and captures dust, simplifying the cleaning process. Dryer sheets not only eliminate dust but also help prevent it from returning.
Removing Soap Scum from Shower Doors
Your shower door is likely a regular victim of soap scum. Dryer sheets offers a practical solution to get rid of the scum. To tackle those scum marks, just wet a dryer sheet and use it to scrub away the soap buildup on the shower door. The slightly abrasive texture of the sheet helps lift off stubborn residue without being harsh on the surfaces.
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Faucets
Utilize dryer sheets to give your chrome bathroom or kitchen faucets a polished and shiny appearance. The dryer sheets will help remove water spots and add shine to your faucet.
Clean Pet Hair
Pet hair has a tendency to get everywhere. With dryer sheets, you can easily clean up pet hair. The antistatic properties make it easier to clean up fur and lint from surfaces like your couch. You can use the dryer sheet to wipe down furniture and other upholstery.
Deodorant Marks
We’ve all been there: the frustrating situation of deodorant stains on our clothes. If you’ve ever had the unsightly and oh-so-hard-to-remove deodorant stain on your shirt, you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of it.
When this happens, reach for a dryer sheet and softly dab at the stain until it disappears. A dryer sheet is one of the most effective ways to remove the stain.
Car Freshener
Rather than hanging an item from your rear-view mirror, try tucking a few sheets under the seat or in the glove compartment of your car to give it a fresher scent.
Bug Repellent
Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or simply spending time outside, think about placing a dryer sheet in your back pocket or tucking one into the back of your ball cap. Using dryer sheets in this manner can help keep insects like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes at bay.
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Sharpen Dull Scissors
If you’re finding your scissors or kitchen shears not cutting as smoothly as you’d prefer, you can try a simple trick. Grab a used or unused dryer sheet and use it to sharpen the blades.
Surprisingly, a dryer sheet can help bring them back to their cutting edge. Just cut through a few layers of the dryer sheet multiple times, and you’ll likely notice an improvement in their cutting ability.
Swiffer Mopping Pad Alternative
Here’s an unexpected tip: dryer sheets work astonishingly well as a substitute for dusting pads or as a Swiffer pad alternative. Dryer sheets have a knack for capturing dust and other dust-like particles on the floor.
To make the most of this hack, take 2-3 dryer sheets to your Swiffer mop and clean as you normally would a Swiffer. You will be surprised by the results. And the best part is that it is a much cheaper alternative.
Clean the Baseboards
Dust and dirt often accumulate on the edges of the baseboards, and it’s not always easy to clean them. Dryer sheets do a solid job of cleaning baseboards.
Diaper Odor Eliminator
An easy solution is to use a dryer sheet to deodorize the diaper and eliminate the smell. Simply tuck a dryer sheet into the disposable bag before placing the diaper inside. The dryer sheet will absorb much of the strong odor.
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