Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Say Buh-Bye To Dryer Sheets

A reader sent me a link to an amazing idea and I thought I'd pass it on. Instead of using dryer sheets, this link shows you how to make a dryer ball out of tin foil that not only removes static but so far has lasted 6 month without replacing. Talk about frugal! So go on over HERE and check it out. I'm so excited to try it.

14 comments:

Melissa said...

That is so cool! I bought some Snuggle sheets with a coupon a while ago and HATE it. Even with half a sheet our clothes got too much fabric softener on them and the towels wouldn't absorb. I used to use the Kirkland ones from Costco, but have now been using no dryer sheets for a few months and have static cling only occassionally. I'll have to give the foil a whirl tho and see how it goes. Thanks for posting the info. :-)

Candi said...

great idea! I shared your tip on FB!

Unknown said...

Finally some free time to do some blog visiting.

Very cool idea!

Flamingo said...

i haven't used dryer sheets in years. i just don't use anything. things tend to lose their static after sitting in the basket long enough:)

SuperMom said...

Thanks for sharing.
I wanna try this idea.

I also recently found this product that I though of trying.
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/nellies-allnatural-pvcfree-dryerballs-p-1636.html

=)

The Prudent Homemaker said...

I your clothes don't go too long in the dryer, you won't have static--even in VERY, VERY dry places like the desert, where I live. I dry everything on low, and I use the timed dry. If you only dry your clothes until they're dry--and no longer--they won't be static-y. Don't use the automatic settings. Find our how long it takes for your loads and use the timed dry. Some thin items might only take 20-30 minutes; most things are 55, and towels take about 75 with my dryer (a great washer that spins the water out real well will also shorten your drying time).

My husband taught me this trick 10 years ago and I've never needed dryer sheets!

Amanda said...

Dryer sheets are HORRIBLE for your dryer, and should never be used. They leave a residue that builds up and can cause malfunction or fire.

momma-lana said...

The active ingredient in fabric softener is FORMALDEHYDE! UCK! We haven't used any fabric softener for about 17 years and I was amazed to see that our fabbfics were actually soft after we got all the softener out of the fabric. I will try this for the static which is still a problem in the winter.

Maria D. @ DownrightDomesticity said...

I like to use dryer balls made out of wool yarn instead of fabric sheets. The only problem being, my cats also like the wool balls. GRRRR. So I may have to try the tin foil thing!

Chef Owings said...

Towels or items you want to absorb water should never be washed/dryed with any kind of fabric softener.

I would use caution with tin foil in the dryer especially with nylon or delicates as it could get too hot and melt or scorch fabric. Not sure if you used high heat it couldn't cause clothes to get too hot.Wouldn't want a fire

The Prudent homemaker is correct.If you have static you are drying your clothes too long.

Anonymous said...

Cool, I cant wait to try it - It would great if it works - dryer sheets are expensive.

Jodi said...

My parents find that adding a tennis ball (bought at a dollar store) to the dryer eliminates static. I only use a dryer sheet occaisionally in the winter.

Terri Steffes said...

Dear heavens that is so cool!! I am definitely going to try that. Hope all is going well with you, I have been busy with school and family. I have kept up but haven't posted much!

jeanne said...

I have used the foil ball and the felted yarn ball methods for about 1 1/2 years. I am happy with both methods.