The Unexpected Benefit Of Using Dryer Sheets To Clean Up Spills
Dryer sheets receive criticism for being unsustainable and harmful to the environment, most of which is credited to their inability to decompose after use. But what if you could repurpose said sheets to clean the surfaces around your home? By that logic, single-use dryer sheets don't necessarily have to be used just once. Try holding onto old dryer sheets for future chores around the house in order to give these laundry additives a second life. The cling-resistant properties commonly found inside dryer sheets make the products adept at cleaning dry spills around the house, even after braving a cycle in your dryer.
Dryer sheets may make cleaning up spills easier than doing so with regular paper towels, as they pick up a variety of substances with the help of charged particles coating their surface. Additionally, dryer sheets are capable of tackling hardened stains that accumulate inside your bathroom and are gentle enough to regularly clean glass surfaces around your house, including mirrors, electronic devices, and eyeglass lenses. Here's more on how to repurpose dryer sheets into makeshift cleaning products.
Why dryer sheets clean so well
Dryer sheets are designed to prevent static cling between articles of clothing in your dryer, while also adding a fresh scent and softness to your loads. Instead of adding a cup of liquid fabric softener to your wash, substitute dryer sheets to accompany your load of wet laundry for the duration of the cycle. These sheets are coated with fabric softener that transfers onto the clothes inside the dryer, and absorbs static electricity via a collection of positively-charged ions. It's this same scientific phenomenon that makes dryer sheets a useful tool for cleaning miscellaneous spills and messes.
Even after a drying cycle, dryer sheets are capable of picking up dirt, dust, and grime. The leftover ions coating the sheet lift unwanted particles without requiring the aid of other cleaning products. Dry ingredients are particularly attracted to the particles inside dryer sheets, making this cleaning hack especially useful for wiping up spills after cooking sessions in the kitchen.
Dryer sheets and the environment
Environmentalists typically frown upon dryer sheets because many contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These chemicals can be extremely harmful if inhaled or ingested in large amounts. Unfortunately, VOCs are found inside dozens of household items, particularly cleaning products. Repurposing dryer sheets does increase the opportunity for human contact with these chemicals. However, laundry brands with eco-friendly missions have recently developed toxin-free dryer sheets that are better for the planet. Look for dryer sheets listed as biodegradable and non-toxic. These products are manufactured without harmful chemicals and should decompose over time.
Reusing dryer sheets can go beyond wiping up loose spills in your kitchen. Use them in lieu of paper towels or sponges inside any room of your house to remove dirt and leave behind a refreshing scent. Dryer sheets can tackle soap scum and hard water stains inside your bathroom, and they can also remove pet hair, dust, and lint from surfaces. Scented dryer sheets can also serve as makeshift deodorizers — place them inside smelly shoes, trash cans, gym bags, or spots around your home that need freshening up.