DIY Reusable Dryer Sheets

If you want to save money and reduce waste, our DIY dryer sheets are the perfect reusable solution for laundry care.

It is so easy to make dryer cloths that you will wonder why you haven’t done it before! These are the perfect reusable substitute for those other types of dryer sheets that are tossed in the trash after every use.

These DIY fabric softener sheets will start saving you money after just a few loads of laundry.

You can easily make a dozen of the dryer ball alternatives in 30 minutes or less.

DIY Homemade Dryer Sheets

We made 12 reusable dryer sheets with these supplies.

Supplies

• ½ yard flannel fabric (use your scraps to make these reusable makeup remover pads)
• Matching thread
• Sewing pins or clips
• Turning tool or chopstick
• Iron
• Sewing Machine

Instructions

Step 1

Measure 5 ½” x 5 ½” pieces of the flannel fabric.

You will need two pieces for each reusable dryer sheet, so decide how many sheets you would like to have on hand before cutting the fabric. A dozen DIY fabric softener sheets is a good amount, but it will depend on how often you do laundry.

Using two squares of fabric, pin the printed sides (right sides) facing each other.

Step 2

Using a 3/8” seam allowance, sew around all four sides, leaving a 3” gap for turning.

Step 3

Clip the corners of the seams.

Step 4

Using a turning tool, turn the squares right side out and push out the corners.

Step 5

Fold under the edges of the small opening so that they are even with the rest of the edge of the fabric square.

Press the fabric squares flat with an iron. 

Step 6

Using a ¼” seam allowance, topstitch around the entire dryer sheet.

Then, sew a line down the middle of the dryer sheet. This will keep it from twisting out of shape when you use it. 

Helpful Tips

• Wash the fabric in hot water before cutting and sewing. This allows for pre-shrinking so that your dryer cloths don’t lose their shape after washing.
• If you reuse old flannel shirts instead of buying flannel fabric, these are definitely a no-cost project!
• You must use flannel fabric! The softness of the flannel is great for the dryer. Flannel is also most absorbent, that’s why it is perfect for this project.

How to Use Reusable Dryer Sheets

The great thing about these homemade dryer sheets is that you can use any type of fabric softener that you choose, whether it is a natural fabric softener, homemade fabric softener solution, or a store bought fabric softener liquid.

Place the reusable dryer sheets in an airtight container filled with your fabric softener of choice.

If using a store bought fabric softener, you can dilute the solution to equal parts fabric softener and water.

To use your homemade fabric softener sheets, remove a sheet from the container and slightly squeeze it to remove excess moisture. Then place it in the dryer with your clothes or towels.

Be sure to Pin This idea to save for later and to share with others!

Want more money-saving zero-waste sewing projects? See these ideas next:

• DIY Turtle Floor Mop
• Reusable Swiffer Duster
• DIY Reusable Paper Towels
• Reusable Bowl Covers
• How to Make Reusable Sponges