You probably never thought that dryer sheets had any uses other than keeping your clothing static free but you’ll be surprised at how versatile they are. Before you’ve finished reading about all the things that used dryer sheets can do you’ll probably regret all those years of throwing them away.

Here are just some of the ways you can re-use and recycle dryer sheets:

• Dust your computer or TV screen to get rid of dust and lint
• Doing small hand sewn work can be frustrating when the thread tangles every few stitches. Rub a used dryer sheet over the thread you’re using and it won’t tangle as easily as you sew.
• Keep a few used dryer sheets in the bathroom to easily clean up spilled powder. They work equally well on flour spills in the kitchen.
• If you notice a few pet hairs on the furniture run a used dryer sheet over the area to easily remove it.
• Mice and insects hate recycled dryer sheets! Find where the mice are entering the house (or barn) and loosely fill the hole.  Mice won’t chew through it and will avoid that area at all costs. Put sheets wherever you see spider webs and in the corners of rooms where you see indications of insects. Hang a few in the attic and distribute some in the basement.       Your house will be rodent and insect free.
• Put one in your vacuum bag or bagless receptacle before you vacuum to leave your house with a pleasant, fresh scent.
• They are great for polishing chrome in the house, car, or motorcycle.
• If you are bothered by static in your hair just wipe a used dryer sheet over your hair to eliminate it. This is especially handy during the winter.
• Wipe your window blinds with used dryer sheets every few weeks and they will actually repel dust.
• Recycled dryer sheets leave your bath and kitchen gleaming.
• Put a couple of those dryer sheets in the bottom of your garbage can to absorb odors.
• If you don’t like the smell of old books (I do, but some don’t) put a recycled dryer sheet in a plastic bag and seal the book in with it. Leave it for 48 hours and it will no longer smell old and musty.
• Place a couple of used dryer sheets in your shoes to make them smell fresh.
• Do you enjoy making things?  These dryer sheets are ideal stuffing for decorations, 3-D collages, travel pillows, and many other things. Please do not use them to stuff children’s toys before reading the label carefully.

You don’t really need an entire dryer sheet for your typical load. Cut them in half and use one half for each dryer load. You’ll save money and cut down on waste, too.

You can see how useful dryer sheets can be when you recycle them. You may have heard that some dryer sheets are toxic but those made in the U.S. have passed rigorous standards for safety. Look carefully at the point of origin and the ingredients if you want to recycle your dryer sheets into items that will be close to pets and small children.