Most people think of dryer sheets as a laundry-room staple. Toss one into the dryer, and your clothes come out softer, fresher, and less static-prone. But those little sheets can be useful long after the laundry is done.
From picking up dust to freshening up shoes, dryer sheets have plenty of uses around the house. Some of these tricks are handy in a pinch, while others might become part of your regular cleaning routine.
Here are 16 unexpected ways to put dryer sheets to work beyond the laundry.
Dust Your Electronics
Dust seems to settle on TVs, computer monitors, tablets, and other electronics almost as soon as you clean them. A dryer sheet can help pick up some of that loose dust from smooth surfaces.
Gently wipe the surface with a dryer sheet, using a light touch. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your particular device, and avoid getting moisture anywhere near electronic components.
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Freshen Up Trash Cans
Even after you take the garbage out, the smell can linger inside the bin. Placing a dryer sheet at the bottom of an empty trash can can help add a fresh scent between cleanings.
Replace the sheet whenever the scent starts to fade, and give the trash can a proper wash regularly to deal with the source of the odors.
Wipe Down Baseboards
Baseboards are easy to forget during routine cleaning, which is probably why they seem to collect so much dust. A dryer sheet can be a quick way to pick up that layer of dust.
Run the sheet along the top of the baseboard and over the front surface. Some people also find that the residue left behind helps keep dust from settling as quickly.
Related: 13 Items You Should Never Store in Your Laundry Room
Clean Your Iron
Starch, fabric treatments, and other residue can build up on the bottom of an iron. A dryer sheet can help loosen some of that buildup.
With the iron turned to a low, warm setting and unplugged when appropriate for your cleaning method, gently rub the dryer sheet over the soleplate. Check your iron’s care instructions first, and never use a dryer sheet on a hot surface if the manufacturer warns against it.
Try Them as a Bug Deterrent
If mosquitoes seem determined to join every outdoor gathering, you may have heard about the dryer-sheet trick. Some people tuck a sheet into a pocket or place one nearby when sitting outside.
According to The Spruce, dryer sheets are sometimes used as a mosquito deterrent, though the evidence behind this trick is limited. If you’re spending time outdoors, proven insect repellents are a better choice for protection.
Freshen Suitcases and Gym Bags
Gym bags and suitcases can develop stale smells after repeated use, especially when they’re stored while they’re still a little less than fresh.
Place a dryer sheet inside the bag between uses to add a clean scent. Replace it every so often, and wash the bag when its material allows. A dryer sheet can freshen the smell, but it won’t replace cleaning.
Related: 12 Genius Hacks to Dry Laundry Fast Indoors — No Dryer Needed!
Help With Stuck Zippers
A stubborn zipper can turn a simple task into a frustrating one. Rubbing a dryer sheet lightly along the zipper teeth can provide some lubrication and may help the zipper move more smoothly.
Work the zipper back and forth gently rather than forcing it. If the zipper is bent or damaged, a dryer sheet won’t fix the underlying problem.
Polish Chrome Fixtures
Water spots and fingerprints can make chrome faucets and fixtures look dull. A dryer sheet can be useful for a quick wipe-down.
Rub the sheet gently over the chrome to pick up light residue and fingerprints. For heavier buildup, clean the fixture with a product recommended for chrome first, then use a soft cloth to finish the job.
Reduce Static Cling After Laundry
This one still has something to do with clothes, but you don’t necessarily have to use a dryer sheet during the drying cycle.
If your clothes come out with static cling, gently rub a dryer sheet over the affected areas. It can help reduce the static that causes fabrics to stick together.
Tame Flyaway Hair
Static can leave your hair full of flyaways, especially during dry weather. A dryer sheet can provide a quick fix if you’re dealing with a few stray hairs.
Lightly run a sheet over the surface of your hair. Don’t rub aggressively, and avoid using this trick if your skin or scalp is sensitive to fragranced laundry products.
Freshen Up Shoes
Shoes can develop unpleasant odors after plenty of wear, especially sneakers. A simple trick is to place a dryer sheet inside each shoe overnight.
Polygiene Group also mentions dryer sheets as one option for dealing with sneaker odors.
Remove the sheets before wearing the shoes again, and wash or air out the footwear regularly for a more lasting solution.
Clean a Dirty Windshield
Bug residue and grime can be stubborn on a car windshield. A dryer sheet may help loosen some of that mess when used with water.
Lightly dampen the sheet and gently work on the affected areas. Follow up with your regular glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth so you don’t leave behind residue that could affect visibility.
Freshen Closets and Drawers
If your clothes or linens have started to smell a little stale while sitting in a drawer or closet, tuck a dryer sheet into the space.
You can also place one on a closet shelf or inside a storage bin. For more ideas on keeping your home smelling fresh, check out these 14 genius hacks to keep your home smelling fresh all day.
Try Them Around Rodent-Prone Areas
Some people use dryer sheets in garages, basements, cabinets, and other areas where they have noticed signs of mice. The strong fragrance may be unpleasant to some rodents, but this isn’t a dependable method for controlling an infestation.
If you have a rodent problem, sealing entry points and using proven pest-control methods is a much better solution. A dryer sheet can add a fresh scent, but it shouldn’t be treated as a reliable rodent deterrent.
Pick Up Pet Hair From Furniture
Pet hair can stick stubbornly to sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture. A dryer sheet can help gather loose hair as you wipe across the surface.
Run the sheet over the furniture in one direction, then dispose of it when you’re finished. For a larger amount of pet hair, a vacuum or pet-hair removal tool will usually do a better job.
Remove Deodorant Marks
Those white deodorant streaks on a dark shirt can show up at the worst possible time. Before changing clothes, try gently rubbing the mark with a dryer sheet.
The sheet can help lift some of the residue from the fabric. Be gentle, though, and check the garment’s care instructions if you’re dealing with delicate material.
Freshen a Car Interior
A dryer sheet can also work as a quick air freshener for your car. Place one under a seat or inside a cup holder to add a light laundry scent.
Just keep it away from pedals, vents, controls, and other areas where it could interfere with driving. Replace it once the scent fades, and don’t use it as a substitute for cleaning the source of a bad odor.
