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  1. Real Simple
  2. New Uses for Old Things
  3. New Uses for Dryer Sheets

New Uses for Dryer Sheets

By Real Simple
Updated July 24, 2013
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Dryer Sheet as Gym Bag Deodorizer
Credit: James Wojcik
Hidden tricks behind the laundry room's most valuable product.
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Dryer Sheet as Gym Bag Deodorizer

Dryer Sheet as Gym Bag Deodorizer
Credit: James Wojcik

A sheet at the bottom of a gym bag will help keep odor down.

1 of 9

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Dryer Sheet as Sawdust Clearer

dryer sheet used to wipe sawdust
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

An easy way to keep the work area clean. Saw dust at a work station sweeps up so fast with one pass of a used fabric softener sheet.

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Dryer Sheet as Iron Cleaner

Dryer sheets with an iron
Credit: Sang An

Remove gunk from the soleplate of an iron. With the setting on low, rub the iron over the dryer sheet until the residue disappears, and you're left with a pristine press.

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Dryer Sheet as Shoe Freshener

0202leather-shoe
Credit: Rick Lew

Roll up one sheet per slipper, sneaker, or loafer, insert, and forget about stinky shoes. (Bonus uses: Toss them in hampers, on closet shelves, in diaper bags.)

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Dryer Sheet as Static Stopper

Woman using a dryer sheet to remove static cling
Credit: James Baigrie

Stop static cling on clothes—or tame flyaway hair—by rubbing a sheet over the problem area.

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Dryer Sheet as Thread Detangler

Dryer sheet thread detangler
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

To prevent tangles, run a threaded needle through a sheet before you begin stitching.

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Dryer Sheet as Scum Buster

Dryer sheet used to remove soap scum
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Remove obstinate soap buildup from glass shower doors by sprinkling a few drops of water onto a used fabric-softener sheet and scrubbing.

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Dryer Sheet as Drawer Sachet

Dryer sheet used as drawer freshener
Credit: James Baigrie

If fabric-softener sheets make your clothes smell nice in the dryer, just think about what they could do in your dresser. Slip a few fresh ones between folded clothes.

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Dryer Sheet as Book Deodorizer

Dryer sheet used as book deodorizer
Credit: James Baigrie

Prevent your beloved volumes from acquiring a musty smell by inserting a fabric-softener sheet between the pages.

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    1 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Gym Bag Deodorizer
    2 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Sawdust Clearer
    3 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Iron Cleaner
    4 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Shoe Freshener
    5 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Static Stopper
    6 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Thread Detangler
    7 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Scum Buster
    8 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Drawer Sachet
    9 of 9 Dryer Sheet as Book Deodorizer

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