This is something I actually learned about long ago, and something we have [kinda] been doing since our entire marriage. (A WHOLE 10 MONTHS!)
A while ago when we were still dating Tay bought me this craft book at Urban Outfitters. I must confess that I have done next to NONE of the crafts in the book yet (but I marked the ones I would like to try. That's what life was like before pinterest.) Except for this one thing.
reusable dryer sheets.
So, here's the run down. Basically, dryer sheets are made of the same stuff as fabric softener. Therefore, all you need is some kind of vehicle to get the softener up in there with your clothes while they're in the dryer. To do this, most people just go to the store and buy dryer sheets. Does this sound like you? Because it was me. But we can change that! Wouldn't you like to save money and help the environment just a smidgen? (It's really a win win.) You would? Then keep reading.
To do this, here's what you'll need:
One yard of cotton fabric
or random pieces of fabric that are big enough to cut out 8X8 squares.
Scissors, or rotary cutter
or laser cutter, whatever, just some way to cut the fabric.
Sewing Machine or Serger
Don't get discouraged, this is actually optional
Bottle of your favorite fabric softener
or the cheapest, or whatever kind you have.
Empty spray bottle
They can be found for like 99cents in the travel sized item section at Target
Choose your fabric.
Cut your fabric into 8x8 squares (don't worry if they're not perfect.)
This step is optional, but I ironed my squares, to make sewing easier.
rather than just leaving the squares as is, like in the book, I chose to double up on the squares. I did this because reasons. You don't have to do this, and obviously you can't if you're not sewing.
Then I sewed the edges for two reasons, 1) to sew the two pieces together. 2) to keep the edges from fraying over time. You can also use your serger on them. If you have one.
I have a serger, but it's in the garage, so I just tried out some of my different sewing patterns.
Then, you fill your spray bottle up with softener, keep the sheets and sprayer near your dryer. Right before you start drying a load just moderately spray your sheet and toss it in with the clothes. Pretty simple right?
*WARNING: if your laundry room has tile or hardwood floor, careful where you're spraying because the softener WILL make your floor slippery. I learned this the hard way.*
I actually came across a blog where they posted about the reusable sheets but instead of spraying they soaked the fabric in softener and water for like two days. I'm sure it works but that seems like a unnecessary amount of work. Whatever floats dat boat, I guess.
When we first got married and into our first apartment in South Carolina, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get all of our household items under control. I had remembered the reusable dryer sheets idea, but I didn't have any random fabric so I decided we could try to use some cheap wash cloths instead. It actually worked pretty good for awhile until the wash cloths started to be used for other things like cleaning. So I think if you wanted, you could just use cheap wash cloths, or even cut up an old t-shirt. Get creative. I just felt like making something pretty.
A lot of people ask if this also eliminates static like dryer sheets, I can't really say YES IT DOES! But since we've been doing this, we haven't had any problems with static. So.
Try it out, and tell me what you think!
A lot of people ask if this also eliminates static like dryer sheets, I can't really say YES IT DOES! But since we've been doing this, we haven't had any problems with static. So.
Try it out, and tell me what you think!
