Single use dryer sheets are filled with toxins that transfer to your clothes and your body. Reusable dryer sheets are simple to make, and much prettier too!
This jar of squares is a wonderful project for those new to sewing to practice straight lines. Really, who cares if your dryer sheets have sewn straight lines anyway?
Why Should You Switch to Reusable Dryer Sheets?
Store bought dryer sheets contain chemicals and fragrance that can be harsh on your skin. Dryer balls may help dry clothes quickly, but they don’t leave them feeling soft with a clean smell.
You can add an essential oil or two of your choice to reusable dryer sheets, and your clothes will come out of the dryer soft and fragrant again and again using all natural products.. This is a nice project if you are working toward a zero waste lifestyle or just want to save money.
As a side bonus, you get to choose the fabric prints. With so many fun fabrics available, reusable dryer sheets are sure to make laundry day a bit brighter. Plus, they only cost pennies!
Supplies for Reusable Dryer Sheets
You will need one yard of flannel total. I chose two coordinating fabrics to add interest (and fun).
Washcloths can be purchased in packs at a discounted price, or cut up a towel or terry cloth yardage.
You will also need basic sewing tools.
For the solution to soak the reusable dryer sheets in, you will need:
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Vinegar
- Essential Oil(s)
Vinegar works great for removing unwanted smells and making fabrics softer. It will not make your clothes smell like vinegar. Promise!
How to Make Reusable Dryer Sheets
Step 1 – Cut Terry Cloth
Cut the terry cloth into 5″ x 5″ squares.
Step 2 – Cut Flannel Fabric
Then cut the flannel fabric into 5″ x 5″ squares. Cut as many fabric squares as you have terry cloth squares.
Step 3 – Pin Squares Together
Pin one piece of fabric and one piece of terry cloth with wrong sides together.
Step 4 – Sew Squares
Sew all four sides together with 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 5 – Stitch Center
Sew a line down the center of each side or from corner to corner. This prevents the reusable dryer sheets from ‘ballooning’ in the dryer. Repeat until all pieces are sewn together.
Step 6 – Make Solution
Add water, vinegar and essential oil(s) to your container. Add the reusable dryer sheets to the jar. You may want to fold or roll them for aesthetics. Let the fabric soak up the liquid before using.
Use and Care
To use, lightly wring a reusable dryer sheet with your hands and place in the dryer with a load of laundry. When the cycle is complete, return the dryer sheet to the jar. Refill with water, vinegar and essential oils as needed.
Your laundry is sure to come out smelling fresh again and again!
Don’t forget to pin this project for later and check out more easy sewing projects for beginners listed below.
Reusable Dryer Sheets
Replace disposable dryer sheets with easy to sew reusable dryer sheets.
Materials
- 1 yard Flannel Fabric
- 10 Wash Cloths or Terry Cloth Fabric
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Vinegar
- Essential Oil(s) of Choice
- Glass Jar with Lid
Instructions
- Cut flannel fabric into 5" x 5" squares (as many dryer sheets as you are making).
- Cut same number of 5" x 5" terry cloth squares.
- Pin one flannel square and one terry cloth square with wrong sides together.
- Sew all sides with a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Sew from corner to corner to prevent dryer sheets from puffing up in the dryer.
- Repeat until all squares are sewn together.
- Combine water, vinegar, and essential oil(s) in glass jar.
- Add reusable dryer sheets to jar.
Notes
Place one dryer sheet in each load of laundry. Return to jar after cycle. Refill water, vinegar, and essential oils as needed.
Recommended Products
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Fiskars 12-94458697WJ Pinking Shears, 8 Inch, Orange
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Robert Kaufman Kaufman Baby Bunting Hearts Flannel Blue Fabric by The Yard
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Simpli-Magic 79148 Multi Washcloths-Pack of 60-Size 12 x 12-5 Colors Included, 12” x 12, 60 Piece
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STORi Premium Quality Clear Plastic Apothecary Jars | Set of 3
Does the vinegar eat into the acrylic of the recommended jar?
I’ve been using them for over 6 months and haven’t had any issues with that.
Wrong-sides together, did I miss turn it back inside out? Or leave wrong sides together???
You leave them with wrong sides together. That means the right sides should already be facing out. The edges will be visible. That was intentional to make this project as easy as possible. Plus, they are just getting tossed in the dryer.
If you prefer to have your edges tucked in, begin with right sides together. Leave an inch or two opening when sewing the perimeter, turn, then top stitch 🙂
Can you use a different fabric than flannel or is there a reason that you use that I stead of cotton, for example?
(I have a lot of excess cotton fabric that I’m trying to use.)
will the flannel get on black fabric
Hi Phyllis! We haven’t had any issue with that.
Mary, the flannel is more absorbent and takes a little longer to dry. It’s also a bit softer on clothes. Cotton will work though.
Do these help with static like the one time use ones?
We tend to use fabrics that aren’t clingy, so I haven’t thoroughly tested that. I’m guessing reusable dryer sheets would not be as effective as the store bought ones for preventing static cling.
Why do you sew wrong sides together. Do you not leave an opening to turn the right sides together before sewing down the centers
Nope! I don’t bother turning. It’s an added step that isn’t really necessary for this project. You couldn’t do it though. I won’t make a difference when in use.
Grea idea. For those that want the edges to look more finished, with wrong sides together use a zigzag stitch on the edge instead of a straight stitch.
Excellent tip, Delia!
Can I hand stitch? I don’t have a sewing machine. I love the idea.
Thanks
Absolutely! Hand stitching sounds super relaxing.
Is there a specific type of essential oils? Some are for body and sime for diffusers.
I use dryer sheets for lint and static.. does the vinegar help with that or is this just sort of a scent only dryer sheet?
I’m not sure about the lint, but they do reduce static.
I love these! Depending on the time of year, and what fabric you’re drying, I have had some static (also have wood stove in the north east winter)…but only recently…have been using fragrance oils due to the need to refill frequently … thinking maybe would need less of essentials?
Hi! I’m excited to try this project soon, but was curious about how many drops of essential oils you used? I don’t want add to much or too little!
Honestly, it’s more about how strong you want to the scent to be. I would suggest starting with less as you can always add more if needed.
What a great idea. Trying to make so much more stuff homemade.
I’m assuming you use white vinegar?
I’m assuming it’s white vinegar
In my experience, disposable dryer sheets can be used more than once. I keep using them until there is no crispness left in them. I will try these reusable ones, but will use my serger & wash them before use to reduce lint.
Static is caused by the tumbling action of the dryer creating negative and positive charged ions. Synthetic fabrics (eg nylon, polyester) hold on to their charge longer than natural materials (eg cotton or wool). Vinegar relaxes fibers making them less able to hold on to the charge. This means you want to use natural materials to make your disposable cloths … or simply add 1/4 – 1/2 c distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washer or to the final rinse cycle.
I bought supplies to make a set for me and for my BFF. I use the wool balls and also a sheet of aluminum foil in a ball to help with static (winter is REAL dry here in MN-but really miss having a a scent on my towels, etc.
how many dryer sheets do you use with the two cups essential oil mixture