This laundry room staple doubles as a multipurpose tool in your travel bags. They are perfect for stashing in a dirty laundry bag at the end of a trip, take up almost no room, and keep things smelling fresh. That’s only the beginning of their uses. Check out the list below to learn about other ways to use dryer sheets on your next trip.
- Deodorant stain remover: There’s no feeling more irritating than getting deodorant marks on an outfit you’ve been looking forward to wearing. Using a washcloth leaves watermarks, and wiping with toilet paper may leave little clumps of paper sticking to your shirt, so what do you do? Grab a dryer sheet, rub at the stain, and boom it’s gone.
- Sand Duster: A visit to the beach is full of sun, surf, and sand… so much sand. Perfect if you want a natural exfoliator, but it’s like nature’s glitter. Lovely, but it gets everywhere. Good thing you packed dryer sheets! Rub them over your legs and feet to remove the sand before jumping into the car and head to your next destination.
- Bug Repellent: If you’re like me, spending a day out and about is like turning on a sign that says, “All you can drink Buffet.” I use sprays and repellents, but they don’t last all day. For a boost in a pinch, I unleash my secret weapon: Dryer sheets. Strange but true, most dryer sheets contain linalool. This ingredient is commonly found in lavender and basil, which naturally repels pests. So, keep mosquitoes at bay while smelling like your favorite detergent.
- Keep Stale Suitcase Odors away: Before you store your suitcase away for your next getaway, tuck a few dryer sheets inside. If you store your suitcases away in an attic or garage, it’ll prevent your bag from absorbing musty odors. It’s also great for use while you’re packing because it keeps your clothes smelling great and deodorizes your shoes.
- Electronics Dust rag: Dust on your favorite electronics can actually cause major, major issues. Save yourself hundreds of dollars in repairs by cleaning them regularly with dryer sheets. Bonus tip: they also clean smudges on glasses in a pinch.
- Hotel Hacks: Have you ever entered a Hotel Room or an Airbnb, and been introduced to a moldy or stale odor. Chase the smell away by using dryer sheets to deodorize the room and drawers. It can also double as a dust cloth because it’s effective at trapping hair and dust.
- Residue Remover: Irons can accumulate debris over time by being used over plastic buttons and fabrics that are made with plastic. Luckily there’s a simple fix for that. Turn your iron onto the low, and let it warm up. Afterward, lay a dryer sheet down on your ironing board and gently rub the iron over it. The dryer sheet will capture the gunk and leave the iron clean. This tip also works with hair straighteners and curling irons.
- Firestarter: If your idea of adventure is exploring nature, and camping out under the stars, dryer sheets can be helpful in an unexpected way: To start a fire. Take dryer lint, wrap it in a dryer sheet, stuff it in a toilet paper tube, and fold the ends inward. Place under your kindling and light. Getting your campfire lit is made easy, so you can focus on the essential things like making the perfect smores.
So, while you’re packing for your next getaway, don’t forget to pack a few dryer sheets. They may just come in handy.