If you think that dryer sheets only do their magic in the dryer, you’ll be surprised to know how handy this common household item actually is outside the laundry room. They’re an asset in the kitchen, the bathroom, and many more places you would’ve never expected to use them!

Dryer sheets are made out of liquid softeners as well as fragrances packed in a sheet of fabric. Popping one of these in your dryer will keep your clothes feeling and smelling their best!

With just a pack of dryer sheets and these six hacks, you’ll leave your home smelling heavenly, gleaming, and dust-free in no time!

1. Banish hard water stains

Pesky water stains in mirrors, shower doors, and windows can take a lot of muscle power and mental fortitude to buff away. If you’ve tried every trick in the book to no avail, then it’s time to venture out and give your dryer sheets a shot!

According to HuffPost, the chemicals in dryer sheets that soften clothes also soften the grime and mineral deposits on the glass. They are also mildly abrasive thanks to the fibres they are made out of.

From grimy to shiny! Image Credit: theforkedspoon​

This makes them the ideal cleaning agent for items made out of glass as they are the perfect balance of being rough enough to banish stains but not too much that it’ll leave scratches.

Start by grabbing a sheet and running it under the sink faucet. Once it’s damp, wipe it over your shower door or mirror in circular motions. And just like that, you’ll leave your bathroom sparkling effortlessly.

Video Credit: @evelynn_evey​

2. Keep sheets and pillowcases smelling fresh

In the same way dryer sheets give your clothes a lingering fresh scent after a laundry session, tucking them in your bed sheets and pillowcases will result in a similar effect!

Fresh linens for weeks. Image Credit: Alibaba​

The next time you store clean and folded sheets or pillowcases, place dryer sheets in between each stack. This will keep your linens smelling heavenly long after the laundry.

3. Protect old books from musty odours

Does anybody catch themselves taking a good whiff of newly bought books? That particular scent is something else, eh? Unfortunately, it doesn’t last for long as books are prone to musty odours after some time.

Farewell, musty book odours. Image Credit: Reader’s Digest​

But if you’ve been hunting for a way to protect your book collection from stuffy odours, look no further! Sneak a dryer sheet in between a page (preferably somewhere in the middle) and walk away worry-free.

4. No dusters? No problem.

Dryer sheets are a great alternative to dusters. Grab a piece and wipe the dust away from hard-to-reach areas including window screens, furniture, and more! You can also opt for used dryer sheets for dusting if you want to cut down on waste and save a few bucks.

Video Credit: @howdoesshe​

5. Help minimise garbage bin odours

While some people already know this trick by heart, it’s still a secret to many. Keep stinky odours at bay by dropping a dryer sheet at the bottom of an empty garbage bin before lining it with a garbage bag.

Image Credit: The Spruce​

Known for its anti-odour and scented properties, dryer sheets will help neutralise the stench from all the contents in your garbage throughout the day. The result? Less funk and more fresh.

6. Freshen up your bag

When was the last time you gave your bags a thorough cleaning? We make it a point to clean clothes, dishes, and the bathroom regularly but often forget to keep our bags clean as well. An easy way to freshen up your bag is by tucking in a dryer sheet along with the rest of your essentials.

Fresh bags for the win. Image Credit: Pinterest​

You can use this trick to freshen up all sorts of bags including gym bags, suitcases, and grocery bags.

Who knew dryer sheets were so versatile? Which one of these hacks is your favourite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Did you know that you can also use dryer sheets to clean window blinds? Learn how by watching the video below:

Video Credit: @cleanwith_kayleigh​

 

[Ricci]

I have never bought dryer sheets and don't expect to start now. There are far cheaper and more eco friendly ways of keeping things smelling nice. Got a used reed diffuser? Put it in your wardrobe or linen cupboard and shut the door, the perfume will permeate the enclosed space and make things smell nice, can last for months. All those fancy smelling soaps you have been given over the years should be put one per drawer in your chest of drawers to keep your "smalls" smelling nice and they also deter silverfish.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I put a dyer sheet on the floor of my car, under one of the front seats. It gives the car a lovely fresh smell, and is cheaper than a car air freshener.

 

[Steedy]

Dryer sheets are made from polyester which doesn't break down and are therefore extremely bad for the environment. There are many alternatives for all the above suggested uses.