After every load of laundry, there’s usually a small pile of lint left behind in the dryer filter. Instead of automatically tossing it in the trash, you can reuse clean lint for a handful of simple projects around the house, in the garden, and in the craft room.
Dryer lint is made mostly of tiny fabric fibers, so how you reuse it matters. Lint from clothes treated with chemicals, heavily scented products, or synthetic fabrics is best disposed of in the trash, especially for uses involving pets, plants, or wildlife.
Fire Starter for Camping or Fireplaces
Dryer lint catches fire easily, which makes it useful as a homemade fire starter. Pack a small amount into a cardboard toilet paper tube or egg carton and add a little melted wax to make a simple starter for an outdoor fire.
Keep in mind that lint is highly flammable, so store homemade fire starters away from heat and open flames until you’re ready to use them. Never leave a fire unattended, and follow local rules for outdoor burning or campfires.
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Pet Bedding
Clean, unscented lint can be used in small craft projects for pets, such as adding a little softness to a temporary bed or cushion. Since lint can contain detergent residue, loose fibers, and synthetic materials, it’s safer to skip this idea if you’re not sure what it contains.
For anything your pet will sleep on regularly, washable pet-safe fabric or commercial bedding is a better choice. Avoid using lint for bedding if your pet is likely to chew or swallow the fibers.
Handmade Paper
Dryer lint can be mixed with water and paper scraps to create textured handmade paper. Blend the materials into a pulp, spread the mixture onto a screen, press out the excess water, and let the sheet dry.
The finished paper can work well for greeting cards, gift tags, scrapbook projects, and other crafts. Since lint fibers vary from load to load, you may get different textures and colors depending on what was in the dryer.
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Stuffing for Pillows and Stuffed Animals
Small amounts of clean dryer lint can work as filler for simple decorative crafts and homemade ornaments. Mixing it with other stuffing materials can add more body to the project without requiring a large amount of new material.
Lint isn’t a good choice for pillows, toys, or other items that will be washed often because it can compress and break apart when exposed to moisture. For children’s toys or anything that will see heavy use, use stuffing made for that purpose instead.
Seed Starters
Dryer lint can help hold moisture in a small seed-starting container. Place a thin layer of clean lint in an egg carton, add soil on top, and plant the seeds as you normally would.
Skip lint from loads containing dryer sheets, fabric softeners, heavily treated fabrics, or synthetic materials for garden projects. A small amount of plain, natural-fiber lint is a better choice if you want to try this method.
Homemade Clay
You can mix dryer lint with water, flour, and glue to make a lightweight material for simple craft projects. Once it dries, the mixture can be shaped into small ornaments, figures, and decorative pieces.
This homemade clay works best for projects that will stay dry after they are finished. Try a small batch first since different types of lint can produce different textures and drying times.
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Craft Filler for Ornaments
Dryer lint can serve as lightweight filler for homemade ornaments and other decorations. Place a small amount inside fabric, paper, or clear ornaments to give them a soft, textured appearance.
This is an easy way to use a material that would normally end up in the trash. Just keep lint away from candles, light bulbs, and other heat sources because it can catch fire.
Mulch for Gardens
Some people use lint from natural fibers as a temporary mulch around ornamental plants because it helps retain soil moisture. If you try this, use only a thin layer of clean lint and keep it away from your plants’ stems.
Avoid using dryer lint around edible crops unless you know exactly what fibers and laundry products it contains. Lint from synthetic fabrics or loads treated with fabric softener can introduce unwanted materials into the garden.
Cleaning Spills
A handful of dryer lint can soak up small amounts of oil or grease in a garage or workshop. It can be especially handy for a quick cleanup when you don’t want to use a fresh paper towel or cloth.
Use lint for small spills and dispose of it properly afterward, especially if it has absorbed flammable liquids. Don’t use lint to clean hot surfaces or anything near an open flame.
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Bird Nesting Material
Dryer lint may look soft enough for birds to use in their nests, but it isn’t always a safe choice. Some lint contains synthetic fibers, chemical residues, or long strands that can wrap around birds’ feet or bodies.
If you decide to offer nesting material, use small amounts of clean lint from natural fibers and place it in a dry, protected spot. The Journal of Applied Poultry Research discusses concerns surrounding nesting materials and shows why care is needed when offering fibers to birds.
Composting Material
Lint from natural fibers can sometimes be added to a compost pile as a small source of carbon. It can help balance nitrogen-rich materials such as food scraps and fresh grass clippings.
Skip lint made from synthetic fabrics or loads containing dryer sheets and fabric softeners. The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on composting materials and the balance between carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich ingredients.
Insulation Material
Dryer lint has been studied for use as an insulating material in small projects because its loose fibers can trap air. Research from the University of Oregon has examined lint and other materials for insulation properties.
For actual home insulation, use products that are rated and approved for building use rather than stuffing dryer lint into walls or other enclosed spaces. Lint is highly flammable, so using it as household insulation can create a serious fire risk.
