Make reusable dryer sheets for $3
Forget dryer sheets. Try making your own reusable dryer sponges for $3 and a few minutes of your time.
Many people swear by dryer sheets. Not only do they reduce static in the dryer, they can help soften and scent your clothes even more. They even have several uses outside the laundry room.
If they don't make dryer sheets in your favorite Downy scent, you want to cut costs or help save the environment one dryer sheet at a time, you can take just a few minutes and make your own dryer sheets -- or dryer sponges, rather.
The tip comes from Instructables user kelleyscuties, costs half the price of a box of name brand dryer sheets and should last for months. Here's how it's done.
What you will need
Chances are, you already have most of the ingredients needed for this project on hand.
Most importantly, you will need a few non-scrub sponges. I was able to find a pack of six for around $3 (£2.27 or AU$3.95). You will also need some fabric softener of your choosing and a plastic storage container to put everything in.
Depending on your preference and the size of the sponges you use, you may also need scissors.
How to make DIY dryer sheets
Begin by cutting the sponges in half along the long side. This doubles the amount of sponges you have to work with and gets the job done just as well. Of course, if you want, you can skip this step and just use a whole sponge.
Next, mix one part fabric softener with two parts water in the plastic storage container. I used 1.5 cups (354.9 milliliters) of water and 0.75 cups (177.4 milliliters) of fabric softener. Adjust the amounts to better fit your container. You don't need to fully submerge the sponges, since they will wick up the solution as they sit in it.
Finally, give it a stir, drop in the sponges and apply the lid to the container to avoid spills during storage.
When you're ready to dry some clothes, squeeze out all the excess liquid from one of the sponges and toss it in the dryer with a load of laundry. For larger loads, use two halves -- or a whole sponge -- for better softening.
When the sponges wear out, toss them and replace. In total, a six pack of sponges gives you 12 reusable dryer sponges which will last you months, all for $3 (£2.27 or AU$3.95) and a small amount of fabric softener.