Homemade dryer softner sheets

14 years ago

I figured since we can make our own laundry detergent there must be a way to do dryer sheets.

I found this, I copied from another source___________________________________

Pour fabric softener into a spray bottle, spray an old washcloth 4-6 times, and then put in the dryer with the wet clothes. A small refill carton should last you over 1 year.
In a pail, such as an ice cream container, mix one gallon water and one cup concentrated liquid fabric softener. Every time you do laundry, dip an old washcloth into the mix, wring out, and dry with your clothes. Put the lid on the pail and don't forget to label both the pail and lid.
Pour a 50/50 mix of fabric softener and water into a spray bottle, spray your wet clothes 3 or 4 times, or an old washcloth, then put the rag in the dryer. Basically the same as the first recipe, but less concentrated.
Mix equal parts hair conditioner and water in a spray bottle, spritz a washcloth, and dry with the wet clothes. I wouldn't recommend this recipe too often, as hair conditioner can be very expensive.
Vinegar with a few drops of essential oil misted on an old washcloth works just as well, and is much cheaper than dryer sheets.

One fabric softened rag should last about 5 loads before you have to wash it. Old pieces of flannel work great too, if you don't have any old washcloths kicking around. Don't forget to wash your rags every once in a while too, not only to remove build up, but to keep them from smelling funky.

_______________________________

http://www.diylife.com/2008/03/06/homemade-dryer-sheet-recipes/

Here is a link that might be useful: diy dryer sheets

Comments (12)

solstice98
14 years ago
That seems like a great idea!
Jasdip
14 years ago
I've read where you can soak your dishcloth, hang to dry and put in the dryer. This can be re-used a few times. While you're at it, soak 2 dishcloths, hang to dry; then you've always got another one ready to use, while you are re-soaking the first one.

I've also read that cheap hair conditioner works as a fabric softener. That would be cheaper yet, than buying the bottle of fabric softener!
Related Discussions
Downey Fabric Softner - NOT April Fresh Anymore?
Q
Comments (55)
I used Downy for decades without any issues. Then a few years ago I learned about how waxy it is and more likely to cause problems with a washer, particularly if the user does not use the proper amount and do routine hot washes. I switched to Snuggle and was happy with the scent and felt like I was not going to ruin my machine. I currently do not use FS. My intention is to do as dadoes does when we invest in new towels-occasionally use Snuggle. It is a real shame that with all of the formulation changes in detergents and additives that you have to approach doing laundry as a scientist rather than as a homeowner.
...See More
Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets?
Q
Comments (28)
We use white vinegar instead of liquid fabric softener. Your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar after they are dried. Your towels and jeans will feel lots softer with all the soap cut and rinsed out in the rinse load! I throw in a fabric dryer sheet in loads that I want to keep from being 'staticky" or feel real soft (mostly just knit shirts). I do also wash my dryer screen every month or so just in case the softener has built up on it.
...See More
Dryer Fabric Softener Sheets
Q
Comments (23)
Haven't used any type of commercial fabric softener in decades. Occasionally I use vinegar to help remove smells. No need to worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar. They don't. I occasionally use vinegar to wipe down the cutting board, counter or wipe out the microwave. It's actually a disinfectant. And once dry, there's no smell. My sister uses vinegar to wash her floors. The cats won't walk on it while damp (they don't like the vinegar smell) but she knows when the floors are dry. The cats are in the kitchen. o vinegar smell. I fill the fabric softener dispenser in my current machine with white vinegar. The old one I used a Downey Ball and some would dilute the vinegar in the ball but I wouldn't. I'd fill the ball with white vinegar and toss it in. Worked great. And as I said, no vinegar smell. Think about it for a minute, it's diluted down so much there really isn't anything left to smell. And of course you're rinsing after too, most likely. I don't like smelly clothes which is why I hated commercial softeners and most detergents. Why do people think clothes have to stink before they can be clean? Amazes me. When clothes smell, it's time to wash them IMO. And for those who have static problems, you're issue is not caused by not using softener or not using enough, the problem is that you're over-drying your clothes. Cut back the drying time, save yourself money in two ways, less electricity (and possibly gas) and no softener. I use dryer balls to assist in drying (which they do). Supposedly they help with static which they might, but I can't prove it one way or the other. Grainlady bought some of the anti-static version and she says they help a lot. Since I don't have static issues since I quit over-drying the clothes, I really don't have need to try them. And FWIW my towels and jeans are as soft as anyone's. The occasional time they're a little stiff, I know I didn't rinse them well enough as already mentioned. So when I wash them again, I use less or no detergent depending on the amount in them. And some say dryer sheets are good for cleaning shower doors. I can't confirm.
...See More
Fabric softner
Q
Comments (4)
Well personally I don't like fabric softener on sheets, makes them too soft, but I like my sheets to have that crisp smooth feel.I really can't answer about modern day sheets most of mine are from the 70's. I just can't find any modern sheets that feel like the older ones, they usually feel either like guaze or they are too soft.perhaps I've looked in the wrong places lol. Usually I buy them at flea markets yard sales or thrift stores, than they go thru a process to remove built up detergent, and body oils..lol that I doubt new sheets could tolorate. Wish I could have helped .a note about dryer sheets...they are known to cause an invisable build up on the dryer lint screen that does not come off without hot soapy water, this can cause fires..if you use dryer sheets run water thru your lint screen and see if the water runs thru freely, if not it should be washed.
...See More
bee0hio
14 years ago
I've read that fabric softeners/dryer sheets are beef tallow.

So I have switched to using white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead & also use dryer balls.

Cheap.Simple.Green.
jannie
14 years ago
Wet a washcloth, wring it out, then pour on some liquid fabric softener. Throw in the dryer with your damp clothes.
Jasdip
14 years ago
Like Beeohio, I use vinegar, have for years. Rest assured, you don't walk around smelling like a "pickle" LOL

Personally, I haven't smelled a fabric softener that I like!
FYI I would absolutely stay away from the Bounce sheets. They put a coating on your dryer and on your lint filter and gum things up. This can cause overheating in your dryer.

Here's the snopes article....

Here is a link that might be useful: Dryer Sheets gumming lint filter
kayjones
14 years ago
I already do all those things, plus, when I am a couple of days away from washing the sheets, I spray the sheets with my mixture of half fs and water in a spray bottle - makes the whole house smell good.

I frequently spray inside all my closets and dresser drawers - I just love the way everything smells when I use it. I spray it on the couches and throw rugs, too.

After I clean the toilets, I spray some around the bottom of the stools - ummmmm, it smells SO FRESH! I also spray it in my car!!!

If I go out to visit for the evening, I spray a bit on my hands and rub it through my hair - keeps the fly-aways in check and makes my hair soft and good-smelling.

I spray it under my sink and in all my trash cans - it is so refreshing!

I even spray it on my dog's back if I'm having company - after all, he's a member of the family, gets loved on alot, and needs to smell good, too.
rthummer
14 years ago
I have actually done this when I was getting down low on my fabric softener and since we live so far from town; I would use half water and half fabric softener on a wash cloth and throw in dryer. Now, I will do it to save moola. I like the cheap hair conditioner idea as well. I was wondering if you could do that...Thanks for posting!!
carol_in_california
14 years ago
I do the same as BeeOhio.....works well for me.
linda_in_iowa
14 years ago
I do the same as Carol in California. Works for me.
cynic
14 years ago
All fabric softener, whether liquid from the clothes or dryer sheets will coat the lint filter and sensors in a dryer. If you truly must use fabric softener all you need to do is take some alcohol and wipe the sensors every few months and pull the lint filter and clean it with a soft brush and some dish soap and water. Make sure the water runs through it easily and you're fine. Actually, even if you don't use softener you should occasionally wash the filter from the lint dust and such. And you should regularly clean the vent and the dryer of lint and buildup. You'd be amazed how many house fires start every year because of this negligence, which of course raises insurance rates for everyone. If you're a camper save some of the lint for starting fires and you'll understand why so many houses go up in flames.

For years I used a washcloth and softener in a spray bottle diluted about 1:4 with water. I also would use just a part of a dryer sheet and yes even reuse the sheets several times. Worked fine. The sheets that have little cuts in them at a couple inches or so worked fine to just tear into strips, otherwise, I'd just cut them up.

I don't like the smell of softener nor the feel. After dumping out bottles of the stuff and it plugged up my drain so the pipes had to be replaced (it was like concrete in there) I quit and never looked back. What does that do to humans?

I don't like my clothes to smell. When they smell, it's time to wash them in my opinion. If you have static problems, you're overdrying the clothes. Cut the drying time and you save energy costs and costs of softener... AND eliminate the static!

Vinegar is a good option since vinegar will help cut the excess soap out of the clothes. Although, if you don't overdose your laundry detergent, and so many way overdo it, you wouldn't have much trouble. But it also helps in the northland in the winter when the water temps are lower.

Making powdered laundry detergent isn't as difficult as making liquid/gel. But I usually get detergent cheap enough that it doesn't pay to bother making it.

I think people too often get so hung up on we've ALWAYS done it this way and get brainwashed by commercials that they lose site of the objective. For me, I want my clothes clean. I don't need a $3000 washer and 17 different chemicals to accomplish this.
mtnwomanbc
14 years ago
I use organic fabric softener, mixed 1:10 with water in a spray bottle.

A few years ago I tore up an old sheet into approx 8 1' x 1' squares and then edge-stitched. 5-6 sprays per sheet, use one per dryer load. I've never had any problems with the filter or sensor.
wantoretire_did
14 years ago
A friend crochets 6" cotton squares and gives them as little gifts, along with the FS/water or vinegar water instructions. The only difference is that I mix 1/2 water and 1/2 FS then let them dry before using. Each one lasts a long time :-)

Homemade dryer softner sheets

Comments (12)

solstice98

Jasdip

Related Discussions

bee0hio

jannie

Jasdip

kayjones

rthummer

carol_in_california

linda_in_iowa

cynic

mtnwomanbc

wantoretire_did

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US