Making DIY Dryer Sheets are one of those simple little projects that make you wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!
Not only are they super easy to put together with just a few household ingredients, but they’re also a natural, affordable way to keep your laundry soft and smelling amazing.
Plus, you can completely customize the scent, which is way more fun than picking from the same old options at the store.
Whether you’re trying to cut back on chemicals, save a little money, or just love a good DIY, it’s totally worth it.
What is the best cloth for DIY dryer sheets?
100% cotton fabric — like old t-shirts, flannel sheets, or thin cotton towels. Cotton is breathable, absorbent, and durable, which makes it perfect for soaking up the vinegar and essential oils without falling apart or leaving residue on your clothes.
If you want something even softer, flannel is a great option too because it’s a little thicker and holds moisture well.
Just make sure to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester — they don’t absorb liquids as well and can get weird in the high heat of the dryer.
How do I make homemade dryer sheets?
This project is way easier (and more fun) than you might think! Scroll down to the bottom for the full printable tutorial so you can get started!
You’ll just cut up some old cotton t-shirts or towels into squares, sew them together if you want a more finished look, and store them in a jar with a little vinegar and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
You can mix up your scents! Try combining essential oils like lavender and lemon, or eucalyptus and peppermint for a fresh twist. You can even change scents based on the season!
Your fabric should be damp, not soaking wet. If it’s too wet, just wring it out slightly before tossing it in the dryer.
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can stitch two fabric pieces together, turn them right side out, press them with an iron, and topstitch around the edges — it only takes about 30-45 minutes total.
Not up for sewing? You can skip it and just use pinking shears to keep the edges from fraying!
Once they’re ready, just twist out the extra moisture and toss one into the dryer with your next load for soft, fresh-smelling laundry.
After about 5 loads, you might need to re-dip your fabric squares in the vinegar/essential oil solution.
How to Use DIY Dryer Sheets:
- Pull one sheet from your container.
- Gently twist or squeeze out any extra moisture.
- Toss it directly into the dryer with your wet clothes.
- Dry as usual and enjoy soft, lightly scented laundry!
Nope! The vinegar smell disappears during the drying process — leaving your laundry fresh.
Yes, they’re safe for standard and HE dryers because they don’t leave behind heavy waxes or residues like commercial dryer sheets do.
Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine, 60 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 7 Included Feet, White
Sewing Thread kit 42 Color Set of Handy Polyester ThreadZenacolor 5 Dual-Tip Black Fabric Markers Permanent for Clothes – Fabric Paint Pens for Personalizing Shirts Bags Hats Canvas and TextilesFiskars Scissor, Original Orange Handle, Stainless Steel Blade, For Multi Surface, Paper and Fabric Shears, Ergonomic All Purpose Scissors for Office, Arts, and Crafts, 8 inchesSinger Pearlized Ball Head Straight Pins, Size 24, 120-Count3pcs Quick Turn Fabric Set, 3 Sizes Quick Turn Fabric Tube Turning Tool Multifunctional Fast Turn Tube Turners for Sewing Turning Tool for Crafts DIY Handmade Knitting AccessoriesPinking Shears for Fabric Cutting, Taotree 9.52 Pack Self Healing Sewing Mat, JIARON 12” x 18” Cutting Mats for Crafts, Double Sided 5 Layers Craft Cutting Mat for Sewing, Crafts, Scrapbooking Mat.Cliganic Organic Essential Oils Set (Top 5 – The Classics) – 100% Pure Natural – Aromatherapy, Candle Making – Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass & Orange (Packaging May Vary)
Homemade Dryer Sheets
Ingredients
- Fabric Scraps
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oils
- An airtight container
Instructions
- Measure (12) 5 ½” x 5 ½” pieces of fabric
- Pin 2 pieces with printed sides facing each other. Using a 3/8” seam allowance, sew around all four sides, leaving a 3” gap for turning. Clip your corners.
- Using your turning tool, turn squares right side out and push out the corners. Press with a warm iron.
- Using a ¼” seam allowance, topstitch around the entire dryer sheet. Sew a line down the middle of the dryer sheet to keep it from twisting out of shape when you use it.
- Fold and place in an airtight container equal part fabric softener and water or add 2-3 drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon for a fresh scent when doing laundry.
- To use, slightly twist once to remove excess moisture and place in the dryer.
Notes
- Cut 5 ½” x 5 ½” pieces of flannel fabric and trim the edges with pinking shears.
- This will keep the raw edges from fraying when you wash and dry them.
- Use each square individually just as you would the stitched version.
Can you make them without essential oils? I’m allergic to anything perfume like.
Absolutely! That is the best part about making them yourself, you control what you put on your dryer sheets!