Laundry day can be a pain. Not only do you have to spend time washing and drying your clothes, but if you’re out of dryer sheets, you also have to deal with the added hassle of running to the store to buy more. If you’re looking for a way to skip this step, we’ve got some good news for you! There are several great dryer sheet substitutes that will help keep your clothes smelling fresh and free of static cling.
Best DIY Dryer Sheet Substitutes
Let’s go through your best options for replacing those pesky dryer sheets and help you find the best dryer sheet alternatives!
What Do Dryer Sheets Do?
Wondering why you need dryer sheets? Dryer sheets are designed to do two things: reduce static cling and add a burst of freshness to your clothes. They’re very effective at getting this, but store-bought dryer sheets are expensive and can even cause issues over time.
Are Dryer Sheets Bad for Your Dryer?
There are several potential problems with using dryer sheets long-term. The coating from the sheets can leave behind residue that interferes with certain electronic components. This coating can also get onto fabrics, making towels less absorbent, and even irritating sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for a way to get the same results without using store-bought dryer sheets, here are some excellent substitutes that will get the job done.
#1: Aluminum foil
One of the simplest and maybe the best dryer sheet substitute is aluminum foil. Just crumple up a sheet of foil into a ball and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. The foil will help to reduce static cling and keep your clothes looking smooth and wrinkle-free. Plus, it’s an inexpensive option that you probably already have in your kitchen.
#2: Wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are a great eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets. They help to fluff your clothes and reduce static cling, just like dryer sheets. But unlike dryer sheets, they can be reused over and over again. Simply toss a few wool balls in the dryer with your wet clothes and let them do their job.
#3: Vinegar
Vinegar is another great option for reducing static cling. Just add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help to break up any lingering soap residue and leave your clothes feeling soft and static-free. You can also use vinegar in the dryer by adding a few drops to a damp cloth and tossing it in with your clothes.
#4: Rubber Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are a great dryer sheet alternative! They’re similar to wool dryer balls, but they’re usually made from hard rubber. They help to fluff your clothes and reduce static cling, just like their wool counterparts. And like wool dryer balls, they can be reused over and over again. Simply toss a few dryer balls in the dryer with your wet clothes and let them do their job.
#5 : Hang Your Clothes to Dry
One of the best ways to reduce static cling without dryer sheets, is to hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. This will help your clothes retain their shape and avoid any unwanted wrinkles. Plus, it’s a great way to save energy and money on your utility bills. Simply take your wet clothes out of the washing machine and hang them up to dry.
There you have it! These are five great substitutes for dryer sheets that will help keep your clothes static-free and smelling fresh, now you just have to pick the best dryer sheet substitute for you. So next time you’re out of dryer sheets, don’t panic. Just try one of these options and your clothes will be good as new in no time. And if you need a dryer repair team, call the experts at Cody’s Appliance Repair!
P.S. For more dryer tips, check out our tips on how to fix stinky dryers and how to fix noisy a dryer!
