 So, we’ve talked about how to save money with our fabric softener, and also how to make homemade laundry detergent.Now, let’s talk about dryer sheets. I’m always looking for a good deal, you know that. I can’t recall any time that I got dryer sheets for very cheap. That makes it a non-necessity for me. Yes, I use them occasionally but not every time. Even when I do use them, I will use the same sheet two or three times. So, I knew there was probably a way for me to make my own….or at least make a cheaper version. Ta da! There is! So, let’s get together and save more money in the laundry room. |
 We used this already to make cheaper fabric softener…..so now we’re going to use our Downy again to make fabric softener. We’ll kill two birds with one potato. This bottle is just an old perfume sprayer that I had kept for some reason. I knew I would have a use for it eventually. It’s like I can see the future or something. You can use any type of spray bottle that you might have handy – or that you might find at the Dollar Tree. Do you know how much they’re charging for things there? |
 Fill your bottle 1/4 of the way with Downy (or other fabric softener). Fill the remainder with water. It was a miracle I didn’t make a mess doing this. Usually when I do something that involves a small opening, I have to use a funnel…..or make Barry do it. He wasn’t at home, so I had to do it myself. No mess! Maybe I’m getting better. |
 Now, shake the bottle up to combine the water and Downy. Don’t shake it too hard or it will make it all bubbly. Just rotate it from side to side and gently combine it. It’s hard isn’t it? You really want to shake it – I wanted to. Every day is an exercise in restraint for me. |
 Now, if you don’t have any fabric softener you could substitute, wait for it………………………………….hair conditioner! Bet you didn’t see that coming, did ya? Use a similar bottle and also fill it 1/4 of the way with conditioner and the remainder with water. See, mine is apple scented so my laundry is going to smell all nice and fruity. |
 Now, mix it up too. It’s going to look sorta weird. Mine looked a bit chunky, but eventually I got it all mixed up. Chunky Monkey! Man, I love ice cream. |
 Make sure to label your bottles. I’m really big into labeling things……I picked up these stickers at a yard sale for $.25. |
 Ok, now we need some rags. I raided Annie’s re-usable wipes stash to get these. You only need 4-5. They don’t have to be rags. They could be old socks, old dishcloths, heck even old underwear will do the trick. |
 Here I am reusing stuff again. This is the empty box of dryer sheets. I didn’t save this because I thought I would use it again….it was actually still in there because I just forgot to throw it away. How convenient! |
 Take either of your bottles and spray your rag. Don’t drench it, but do get it nice and moist. |
 Now, toss it in the dryer with your wet clothes. Viola! Homemade dryer sheets. You can use reuse them over and over. When you think it needs to be washed, plop it over in the washer. It’s not like to have to walk far to do it. Turn around….or maybe even just side-step. I’m so tickled with these, I’m using them all the time. The only disappointment is, I can’t smell the apple. Booooooooo!!!!!If you’re really hard core into using your dryer sheets, that’s cool too. Just cut them in halves or thirds. Or just reuse them a few times. Little savings here and there really add up! |
Oh you are so awesome! We don’t buy fabric softener sheets because they are so expensive but I do miss how they take the static out of my clothes when they go through the dryer. This is pretty cool!
Something awesome is the Bounce Dryer Bar, you can get them in 2 or 4 month size. It sticks inside the dryer and stays there. There are always coupons for them too especially at Target. I have been using the powdered homemade laundry detergent, vinegar in the rinse, and the dryer bar. Very inexpensive and our laundry smells great! Thanks for all the great tips.
Great tip Amanda, thanks!
got my supplies for this last night and going to try it out today. can’t wait!
Just when I was about to *gasp* BUY dryer sheets! Thanks for reposting today
I’d been using the Duggar’s recipe for fabric softener (sponges) and was just thinking today that I’m tired of the messiness of it. Your method rocks!! Can’t wait to transfer my fabric softener to my left over B&BW bottles! Great recycle! and I also love labels. Gonna make your dishwasher soap in a sec. Been making the the laundry soap for a while. Thanks for the tips!!
You’re very welcome! I hope the dishwasher soap works well for you. Make sure you read the comments in that post to get a tip on what to add to the cycle to keep the streaks away.
I don’t have a dishwasher, so I’m not an expert.
I started this today. Love it!
I’m glad!