Substitutes For Dryer Sheets

Laundry emergency! You just finished washing your clothes and as you’re throwing them in the dryer you realize-no dryer sheets left! If you just ran out of liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets and you still need to dry your clothes, remove static and leave them feeling fresh and soft there are several different substitutions. Don’t fret! We’ve got your back! Try one of these extremely easy and cost-effective alternatives to when you’re out of dryer sheets. These are all made with ingredients you can find around your house, so no need to run to the grocery store!

Try Using Vinegar Instead

If you’re out of dryer sheets, use vinegar on a washcloth instead. Yes, it works. No, your clothes won’t smell like salad, we promise. Just lightly dampen a wash cloth with apple cider vinegar and throw it in the dryer with your clothes. The vinegar prevents static cling and make your clothes softer. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of liquid fabric softener in the wash cycle. Since it is basically unscented, this remedy will not substitute scented dryer sheets, but will definitely do the trick!

Use Baking Soda During the Wash Cycle

Another great home alternative for fabric softener if you usually add it into your washing machine is baking soda. It’s easy, cheap and can replace unscented dryer sheets, if that’s your go-to softener. To use this substitute, just sprinkle ¼ cup into the washer during the main wash cycle to freshen and soften your clothes. Yes, you have to plan ahead. If you just washed your clothes and are looking for a remedy to use in the dryer, this one won’t work.

Wool Dryer Balls

If you are like me and can never make it to the washer at the right time to put vinegar into the rinse cycle, you may wish to opt for wool dryer balls. Even though they are a little difficult to make at home, you can grab these at any grocery store. Dryer balls make for a very safe alternative to scented or mainstream dryer sheets. Since some of the dryer sheets you find at the grocery store can be toxic for you or your pet, it’s very important to read labels and opt for safe alternatives.

Aluminum Foil!

Out of dryer sheets on laundry day? No problem! Open the kitchen drawer and grab a roll of aluminum foil! Just crumple a strip of foil into a ball about the size of a baseball and toss it in the dryer with your laundry. Trust us, it works! Not only does it eliminate static, the tin foil is reusable for future loads. Yay for life hacks.

Make Your Own Dryer Sheets

Yes, you can make your own dryer sheets! With just a little vinegar, cloths and essential oils you could make a batch of reusable dryer sheets. Save a little bit of money and an annoying trip to the grocery store! Find out more here!

Life hack alert!

If you have one dryer sheet left, but several loads to do, simply cut your dryer sheets in half (or in quarters). Store-bought dryer sheets usually have enough fabric softener for two regular loads! You won’t be able to tell the difference in your clothes, and in fact will be tempted to use this money-saver all the time! Using dryer sheets has never been easier.

So next time you can’t find dryer sheets in your house, remember that you have a few things laying around that make for a decent substitute. No hassle, no static, just soft, fresh clothes.