What you need
Mason Jar or some sort of air-tight container
Old cotton t-shirt (old dish towels will also work)
Scissors (needed to cut the fabric)
Essential Oils , Lavender is popular for linen
Instructions
By making your own dryer sheets, you reduce the consumption of single-use disposable sheets, which helps minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a small step towards reducing your carbon footprint.
DIY dryer sheets are an economical alternative to store-bought options. By using materials you already have at home, such as old t-shirts and essential oils, you can save money in the long run. Plus, these homemade sheets can be reused multiple times, further maximizing their value.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making your own dryer sheets is the ability to create personalized scents. With a wide variety of essential oils available, you can experiment and mix different fragrances to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a floral aroma, a fresh citrus scent, or a relaxing lavender fragrance, the choice is yours.
Step 1: Cut Your T-Shirt into Squares Find an old t-shirt that you no longer wear or need. Lay it out flat and cut it into square pieces. I found that squares measuring about 4 inches by 4 inches work well, but you can adjust the size based on your preference and the size of your mason jar.
Step 2: Prepare the Mason Jar Take a clean mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will be your storage container for the DIY dryer sheets. Make sure the jar is clean and dry before you begin.
Step 3: Add Essential Oil Choose your favorite essential oil or a combination of oils to create a personalized scent for your dryer sheets. Unscrew the lid of the mason jar and add about 30 drops of the essential oil directly into the jar. You can adjust the amount based on how strong you want the scent to be. Feel free to experiment with different oils and create your own unique fragrance blend.
Step 4: Add the Fabric Squares Place the fabric squares you cut earlier into the mason jar. Make sure they are completely submerged in the essential oil. The fabric will act as the base for the dryer sheets, absorbing the fragrance and releasing it during the drying cycle.
Step 5: Pour Distilled Vinegar Now, it’s time to add the distilled vinegar to the mason jar. Slowly pour the vinegar into the jar, filling it up until you are almost reaching the top. Leave about an inch or two of space from the top to prevent any overflow when you swirl the jar.
Step 6: Mix and Let Them Sit Securely tighten the lid onto the mason jar. With the lid in place, gently swirl the jar around to mix the ingredients together. This ensures that the essential oil and vinegar are evenly distributed throughout the fabric squares. After mixing, it’s best to let the jar sit overnight to allow the fabric squares to fully absorb the liquid and become saturated with the fragrance.
Using the DIY Dryer Sheets When it’s time to do laundry, simply remove one of the fabric squares from the mason jar. Toss it into the dryer along with your load of clothes. The heat from the dryer will activate the fragrance, releasing it and infusing your laundry with a delightful scent. Once the load is completely dry, you can put the fabric square back into the mason jar to absorb more of the liquid for another use.
These DIY dryer sheets are a wonderful alternative to traditional ones, as they are reusable and customizable. Experiment with different fabric choices and scents to create the perfect combination that suits your preferences. Enjoy the freshness and scent that these homemade dryer sheets bring to your laundry routine!
There is absolutely no way that you can completely submerge a rag of any size in 30 drops of essential oil. So how does this work?
Sounds like the vinegar is what distributes it throughout the rags.
Sounds good and easy. Do I have to add essential oil, it would aggravate my allergies. Do you squeeze it out first? Does it soften your clothes? Does it stop static, grab lint/animal hair?
Sounds good but does it stop static and grab lint/animal hair? Do you squeeze it out first? Can you do this with regular rags? Does it soften your clothes?