How to Make DIY Dryer Sheets for Soft, Fresh Laundry
Discover how to make DIY dryer sheets that are gentle on skin, eco-friendly, and effective at reducing static cling. Using simple ingredients like old t-shirts, towels, vinegar, and hair conditioner, you can create homemade dryer sheets that are reusable and safe for sensitive skin.
Yield: 1 quart
Cost: 5
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Materials
- 1 Cup Water warm
- 1 Cup White Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup Hair Conditioner any gentle variety
- Optional: drops of essential oil for a fresh scent
- 4-6 squares of old towel or old t-shirts (roughly 4–6inches each)
Instructions
- Mix the vinegar and hair conditioner. Stir or shake until combined.1 Cup White Vinegar, 1/2 Cup Hair Conditioner
- Add drops of essential oil if you want a nice scent in your laundry.Optional: drops of essential oil for a fresh scent
- Fill the rest of the quart jar ¾ of he way with warm water. Stir or shake until combined.1 Cup Water
- Cut your towel or t-shirt into squares. It doesn’t need to be perfect.4-6 squares of old towel or old t-shirts
- Place 4–6 towel pieces in the jar.
- To use: Take one out, squeeze it, and toss it in with your damp cloth in the dryer. Use one per load of laundry to help prevent static cling and slightly soften fabrics.
Notes
This method is versatile. You can also top off the jar with more water to reuse the liquid over several loads. If you want, keep a spray bottle on hand for smaller laundry loads or spot treatment.
Fabric for Reusable Dryer Sheets
One of the best parts of making homemade dryer sheets is that you can repurpose old t-shirts, towels, or other fabric scraps that might otherwise go to waste. Choosing the right fabric ensures your DIY dryer sheets last longer and work effectively to reduce static cling and soften laundry. Best fabrics to use:- Cotton. Soft, absorbent, and gentle on clothes—perfect for sensitive skin.
- Old towels. Thick, durable, and easy to cut into squares. Great for multiple loads of laundry.
- Flannel. Soft, lightweight, and ideal for smaller first load tests.
- Old t-shirts. Thin cotton works well for lighter laundry loads and is a fun way to recycle fabric.
Tips for reusable dryer sheets:
- Cut fabric into 4–6 inch squares. Doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Make sure the fabric is clean and free of stains; dark spots may transfer in the dryer.
- Use fabrics that don’t fray easily. If needed, finish the edges with a simple stitch or leave them raw.
- After each use, let the squares dry, then store them in a glass jar with your homemade laundry detergent or DIY softener mix.