Ditch Dryer Sheets For These DIY Alternatives

While dryer sheets are the default for keeping your clothes static-free and smelling fresh, they aren't always as great of an option as they're cracked up to be. Most standard dryer sheets are made of a non-woven polyester material. These thin fabric sheets are coated with softening agents, fragrances, and other ingredients. Not only do the plastic-based materials create unnecessary waste, but the fragrances can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some sensitive groups. The softening agents on the dryer sheets also coat the inside of your dryer and build up on your lint filter, eventually causing it to be less effective.

Luckily, dryer sheets aren't your only option for reducing static and making your clothes smell better. Whether you're concerned about shrinking your carbon footprint or you simply want to avoid harsh, artificial fragrances, there are plenty of DIY alternatives to explore. You can pull off many of these projects with items you already have around the house. From coffee filters to old t-shirts, you can upcycle and craft your way to fresher, static-free clothes. Let's explore 10 different options you can try.

You can easily craft DIY dryer balls. All you need is wool yarn. If you can't find 100% wool, look for 85% wool and 15% mohair. Just avoid synthetic material. To construct yours, take both ends of the skein and wrap them around two fingers about six times. Wrap the yarn around the loops you created, and from there, start to form a ball. Once it's about the size of a baseball, cut the yarn and tuck it as far into the ball as possible. For fragrance, apply a few drops of essential oil before use.

You probably have the secret to keeping your clothes smelling fresh right in your linen closet. Believe it or not, pillow cases can serve as a great DIY alternative for dryer sheets. Take a standard size pillow case and stuff it with a cotton ball soaked in essential oil, fresh herbs, or even cinnamon sticks. Secure the end of the pillow case with a hair tie and throw the whole thing in with your next load of laundry. For an even more eco-friendly approach, use a pillow case made out of natural material to avoid creating excess microplastics. 

Do you have old scraps of fabric or clothes lying around? Repurpose them into DIY dryer sheets. For this project, you'll need to cut your fabric into uniform squares about the size of a standard dryer sheet. Place your scraps into a jar with an air-tight lid. Combine 1/2 cup of vinegar and 6 to 8 drops of your favorite essential oil. Slowly pour the vinegar solution over your fabric, stopping once it's damp but not soaked. Secure the lid. Wring out and use one sheet per dryer load. 

To say paper towels are extremely useful to have around the house is an understatement. But did you know you can use them as DIY dryer sheets? This clever scented paper towel hack will convince you to ditch regular dryer sheets for good. All you need to do is apply a few drops of essential oil onto a paper towel and toss it in with your clothes in the dryer. Bonus points for picking an antibacterial option such as lavender or clary sage.

Try out this clever way to use coffee filters in place of dryer sheets. Start by boiling about 3 cups of water. Add in 1 cup of hair conditioner along with 1 ½ cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix into the water thoroughly. Allow the solution to cool down. Now throw in your coffee filters for about a minute or two. Remove them and spread them out to dry. Once they're completely dry, they're ready to use in your dryer.

This DIY is similar to the old fabric and coffee filter option. You'll need a sealable jar, a waffle dish towel, distilled vinegar, hair conditioner, and an essential oil of your choice. Combine 1 ¼ cup distilled vinegar, 2 tablespoons conditioner, and about 10 drops of essential oil in your jar and shake up well. Cut your waffle dish towels to your preferred size and roll them up. Place each rolled towel into the jar and allow it to soak up the solution. Use one or two sheets per dryer load.

While all of these DIY options are a fun, effective replacement for dryer sheets, they do take a lot of work to pull off. If you want to avoid the negative consequences of regular dryer sheets but aren't feeling especially crafty, this hack might be for you. All you need is a damp dish towel and essential oil. Simply dampen your dish towel and apply three to five drops of your essential oil of choice. Throw it in your dryer and enjoy fresh, pleasantly scented laundry.

If you're battling static every time you dry your clothes, you may need some extra power to combat the issue. Static is created when the items in your dryer rub together and pass negatively and positively charged electrons back and forth. Aluminum balls can help discharge some of that built up static as you dry your clothes. Simply crumple up aluminum foil into two or three tight balls and throw them in with your load. You can combine this with other DIY laundry sheets for supplemental static control.

If you're ready to try another more involved DIY and you have spare clean sponges lying around, give this option a try. All you need is sponges, vinegar, and essential oil. Cut your standard sponges in half and place them in an air tight container. Add in water and white vinegar at a 2:1 ratio. For a refreshing fragrance, add in 20 to 30 drops of essential oil. When you're ready to use your DIY dryer sheet, squeeze out excess liquid from one sponge and throw it in with your laundry.

If you're not a fan of essential oil, there's another natural alternative you can explore. Herbal sachets are easy to make and can be an excellent replacement for traditional dryer sheets. First you'll need a muslin bag, coffee filter, or mesh bag. Select your favorite dry herb. Lavender, chamomile, or rosemary are all good options. Fill your bag with the dry herbs and secure tightly. Toss it in your laundry and enjoy the spa-like aroma. You can use the sachet up to 10 times before it's time to replace the herbs.