How to Make Natural Dryer Sheets

When I was little, one of the things I looked forward to about growing up was doing my own laundry… but not for the reason you’d think. I wanted scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets. My mom smartly used an unscented natural detergent that was closer to the homemade laundry detergent I use now, but I wanted the heavily scented chemical stuff that all my friends used.

I actually did use those artificially fragranced harsh detergents in college, and eventually realized that while they smelled good, they weren’t all they were cracked up to be and they gave me a headache.

When I had kids and made the switch back to natural detergent, I missed my clothes having that “clean” smell I had become so used to. Using essential oil scented soap in my DIY recipe solved this problem somewhat, but I realized that the scent didn’t stick around after the clothes were dried.

Natural Dryer Sheets

I stopped using conventional laundry detergent and dryer sheets, but desired a solution that would leave a fresh scent on clothes naturally.

I was also frustrated with the static cling that was tough to get rid of without dryer sheets. After some experimentation I found a two-fold solution that left clothes static-free and nice smelling without the harmful artificial fragrances:

Homemade Natural Dryer Sheets
Wool Dryer Balls

DIY Dryer Sheets:

I looked for a natural dryer sheet to buy, but could never find an option with ingredients I truly felt comfortable with. Just as with deodorant or toothpaste and all-purpose cleaner, homemade was the best, cheapest and easiest option.

I mainly wanted dryer sheets for the scent, so this was a really simple DIY project.

What you need:

Cloth baby wipes (or old scraps of cloth)
Essential oils of choice
White Vinegar
A glass jar with a wide lid or other storage container

What to do:

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 25+ drops of essential oils of choice. I like Geranium, Citrus, Lavender and Mint.
Fold the wipes or cloth scraps and place in your jar or storage container.
Moisten but don’t saturate the cloth with the vinegar mixture (store extra in a bottle if you don’t need the entire mixture).
Use one wipe/cloth per dryer load to freshen laundry. The vinegar smell will evaporate during drying and the essential oil scent will remain.

Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls help remove static cling, and also shorten the time it takes to dry a load of laundry. I couldn’t believe it took me so long to try them and I won’t ever go back. The mixture of natural dryer sheets and dryer balls has been the perfect solution for me.

With wool dryer balls, you can make them at home or buy them:

Make them: This is a great tutorial for DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Buy them: Or, get good quality dryer balls at a great price here.

What, if anything, do you use in your dryer to reduce static and freshen clothes?

Natural dryer sheets combined with wool dryer balls are a great reusable alternative to artificially scented disposable dryer sheets.

Sources

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

112 responses to “How to Make Natural Dryer Sheets”

Danielle

July 28, 2015

Do i leave the cloths soak in this mixture until ready to use or just dip the cloth in the mixture when ready to throw it in the dryer? If you leave in the vinegar solution, how long can they stay in this mixture for?

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  August 3, 2015
  
  I just leave in the vinegar because I use them all within a month, but you could spray as you go.
  
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  1. Laura
    
    March 25, 2016
    
    Since our laundry area is in the garage I’m concerned that they will mold or mildew if left in the solution during our very hot summer months. Have you had any problems with that? Does the vinegar prevent mildew from growing or will I need to find a different storage option when it’s hot?
    
    Reply
    1. Wellness Mama
      
      March 25, 2016
      
      I haven’t had any trouble with it, but to be safe, you could just mix the vinegar solution (it should be fine on its own) and add to the rags right before using.
      
      Reply
Amy

July 28, 2015

I’m new to essential oils, do you use the geranium, citrus, lavender, and mint together in your dryer sheets or do u just do different combos of them?

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1. Sarah
  
  October 15, 2017
  
  I was wondering that, too.
  
  Reply
Julia Erlikh

July 27, 2015

Katie,
Thank you for all the tips! Question for you – do you use bleach ? What kind? Or what do you use instead to keep your whites white?
Thank you!!

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 27, 2015
  
  I don’t use bleach but I do use this brand of oxygen bleach https://www.amazon.com/Biokleen-Oxygen-Bleach-Plus-32/dp/B00J5I7V3W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=6e2f7db49ac6e2537c3299ef1f70b0a1&language=en_US
  
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Samantha

July 27, 2015

ok- I’m kind of a doofus and have a silly question. You don’t store the cloth wipes in the vinegar/EO solution until you’re ready to use them, do you? Because then I assume it would soak up all the liquid. Do you just moisten slightly right before you wish to use them? Also, is there any chance the vinegar/EO would stain any type of clothing? IE- should I avoid using it on a particular type of fabric? Thank you! I just want to make sure I do it correctly, just getting into all this natural stuff and loving it!

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1. Samantha
  
  July 28, 2015
  
  can some of the readers respond or “Wellness Mama”? I’d like to try these…
  
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  1. Del
    
    September 24, 2016
    
    I think you just put enough of the liquid on the sheets to moisten them and then leave them in a sealed jar or ziplock bag so they are ready for use. Although you could just spray them before use if that is more convenient.
    
    Reply
  2. Mande
    
    September 25, 2016
    
    I store mine folded up in the glass jar with the vinegar solution and wring out when I need to use.
    
    Reply
2. Kellie
  
  September 11, 2015
  
  I’m wondering the exact same question! Do you put the mixture directly in the glass jar with the folded cloths and just let it sit until you’re ready to use?
  
  Reply
Miranda Cunningham

July 27, 2015

I use a vinegar and essential mix as softener and bleach in the washer. I end up with a slight scent that sticks around a while. Will probably etsy some wool balls for winter but in the summer I am line drying now. Anyone have tips for line drying? This is my first real attempt at this and the towels are like sand paper and my sheets are linty. My clothes are awesome though.

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1. Shauna
  
  August 20, 2015
  
  Getting that dry, scratchy feeling on towels and such is caused by them being out in the sun for too long. That being said, I put them into the dryer with a hot, wet washcloth for about 10 minutes, and that usually takes care of it!
  
  Reply
Dawn T.

July 26, 2015

I took your advice and ordered the Smart Sheep wool balls from Mama Moon Boutique. I can’t believe I waited so long. I love them! Shortened my drying time, less wrinkles in the clothes and no static. I think I will need the homemade dryer sheets in the winter time, but for now, the balls are sufficient for static control. Thanks for the recommendation!

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1. kathleen
  
  July 26, 2015
  
  I have been using he wool balls for over a year now. I did not have much static in winter at all.
  
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Ashlyn

July 26, 2015

I will try this right away.

I tried dryer balls but they almost ruined some clothes (workout pants in particular) with white lint. I followed all instructions. Is this common problem?

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 27, 2015
  
  Were they new? They are more likely to do this when they are new. Sometimes putting them in pantyhose helps.
  
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Noelle

July 26, 2015

Is this dryer sheet recipe safe for drying cloth diapers? Do you have to be careful with what kind of essential oils to put on them? Or is the dilution rate so low it won’t matter? TIA!

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 27, 2015
  
  The dilution is so low that it shouldn’t matter, but I would only use skin safe essential oils for anything that will touch baby’s skin.
  
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2. heather
  
  May 19, 2016
  
  Essential oils can be very volital as some are alcohols. I would NOT do this in the dryer, I am also in school becoming an aroma therapist. Yes it is great if someone has been lucky, but warnings are not without premise. Some people think fragrance oils can be used interchangeably, on ones skin, as in the ones made of kerosene and for use in kerosene lamps, No! EO are also not for use in candles but people are doing it. I love these blogs but more research should be done before putting oil products is encouraged for use in dryers! And no some oils should never touch a baby no matter what dilution!!!!
  Lavender augustifolia is a good one for little ones 6 mo plus though.
  
  Reply
Sobela

July 26, 2015

Hi I was wondering about the E oil.
I read my dryer manual and it says don’t put anything with oil in it because the oil build-up can start a fire.
I would love to try this but I’m renting and a don’t need a fire because that really won’t help when I renew my lease lol.
Is E oil not like normal oil?
Does anyone know about this?

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1. Carol
  
  July 27, 2015
  
  I have used dryer balls with my own E.O. on them for several years now. No problem. I have also, (against such rules: WHY throw out a perfectly good rag?? ) washed and dried material that has wiped up oil spills, both auto and food like olive oil. I think it is just like the warning on coffee, it is for legal purposes. Although, I will admit, if the oils don’t come completely out in the wash, they POSSIBLY COULD cause a fire in a dryer. Which is why I will usually : wash immediately before the oil dries, and wash several times to make sure it is all out. Washing and drying material that was soaked in oils causing fires: It has never happened to me, and I have done it for decades. You may want to try line drying outside if you are that worried about oils, but the amount of essential oils you will be using is so small, the real threat of fire will not be an issue.
  
  Reply
Wendy

July 26, 2015

This sounds great but I’m worried about oil stains. Has anyone had that problem? Are there some fabrics this doesn’t work well with?

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1. Chris
  
  March 30, 2016
  
  I have not tried this method. The best I can tell you is this… We use the wool dryer balls. I started putting oils on them for scent, then my husband did a few loads and used probably 3-4 times more than I had tried. And we did end up with oil stains. But it as fine if I used a small amount on a dryer ball. Based on the proportions of this recipe, I would assume you are going to be totally fine.
  
  Reply
Brenda

July 26, 2015

This is a good addition to my toolbox, thank you! I also made my own wool dryer balls and permanently removed fabric softener from my shopping list. Also have made a set of dryer balls for a couple new parents and they were so much appreciated. Great for baby clothes as fabric softener will interfere with flame retardant properties.

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Jackie

July 24, 2015

I love the wool dryer balls also. They do a good job with the static and also fluff up heavier items, like comforters and winter coats. I only bought mine a few months back and wish that I had done so sooner. You can add essential oil to them. I don’t. The ones that I bought recommended that you dry the clothes, then add the essential oil to a dryer ball and THEN run the fluff cycle. Well, no thanks! I do way too much laundry to mess around with an extra step. Also, in very dry/static prone weather, you can moisten them a little to help with the static cling. I bought my wool dryer balls from amazon but there are tons of them on e-bay also.

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1. Teresa Grace
  
  September 14, 2015
  
  I use the wool balls now, but would like something that would help with the clothes sticking together. Do you think adding the vinegar and essential oil to the wool balls, maybe be spraying it on would help? It doesn’t seem to be a static cling thing, just the material sticking together on some pieces of clothing.
  
  Reply
  1. Kathryn Bolen
    
    May 6, 2016
    
    Static cling is from overdrying. Try the manual setting for 15 minutes less than usual. I’ve also heard that you can toss wadded up balls of aluminum foil into the dryer and it will cut the static.
    
    Reply
Jessica

July 24, 2015

Do you think it would work to put the solution in a glass spray bottle and spray the sheets as you need them for each dryer load? Or is there a magic behind letting them sit in the solution for a time?

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 24, 2015
  
  You definitely could do that too
  
  Reply
2. Ashley
  
  December 27, 2015
  
  I actually make and sell my own lavender spray. All I do is put purified water and some lavender essential oil in a glass bottle and you can spray a small cloth 12-15 times and throw the cloth in with your laundry in the dryer. Works great to soften clothes. And very simple.
  
  Reply
Tiffany Hunter

July 23, 2015

Can’t wait to try this! I use vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener in the wash- makes the clothes soft and helps them smell fresh (although scent free). I have tried adding essential oil to the vinegar, but it takes a lot, and you have to line dry, to get the slightest scent. And if you’re line drying, well, you don’t really need an added scent!

This will be a great solution for rainy days and the winter! Thanks!

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Erica

July 22, 2015

Hi, I’m looking forward to trying this, but wondering if I could just use the essential oils without the vinegar. What is the purpose of the vinegar? Thanks!

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 24, 2015
  
  The vinegar helps soften and seems to help with static but you could leave it out. You could also just put the EOs on the dryer balls if you have them
  
  Reply
  1. Cheri
    
    February 21, 2016
    
    I read recently that putting essential oils on dryer balls was a fire hazard, any truth to that?
    
    Reply
    1. Wellness Mama
      
      February 21, 2016
      
      I haven’t heard of that but will need to look into it more…
      
      Reply
  2. Jodi
    
    March 17, 2019
    
    I heard from another site that essential oils are flammable and should never be added to the dryer. I was bummed to read that! But you say that it’s OK?
    
    Reply
Mary Beth

July 21, 2015

I don’t suppose there is any natural substitute for that magical spray on dewrinkler? It’s the one thing I can’t get away from. The smell makes me cringe because I know it’s full of chemicals, but some (most) days, I just don’t have time to iron.

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1. Christi Wood
  
  July 27, 2015
  
  YES! I make my own wrinkle-release spray, super easy! 16 oz. distilled water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon hair conditioner. Add all ingredients together in an old spray bottle, and shake well before each use. I use the cheapest, most natural hair conditioner I can find at the discount store that has a great smell. The vinegar smell evaporates when the garment dries. This mixture works exactly the same as the store bought version, for pennies per bottle.
  
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  1. Wendy
    
    July 27, 2015
    
    Christi,
    
    I have never used a de-wrinkler so I am not familiar with how or when to apply it. Do I spray at the beginning of the drying cycle? Does it work if air-drying? Do I spray or mist the whole garment?
    
    I have three garments hanging in my closet that need ironing but I am procrastinating.
    
    Wendy
    
    Reply
    1. Christi Wood
      
      July 27, 2015
      
      Wrinkle release spray basically works to “relax” the contracted (wrinkled) fibers in a garment. It works best on dry items. Hang item so it is hanging freely. I usually spray item a section at a time, depending on how large the item and how wrinkled. Spray a section until damp, then smooth and stretch fabric until wrinkles release. I use wrinkle release spray on mainly clothing, especially items that are delicate, hard to iron, or could be damaged by ironing. It also works great on t-shirts.
      
      Reply
      1. Wendy
        
        July 27, 2015
        
        Well, it looks like I won’t be ironing those three garments after all. Thanks Christi!
    2. Debi Zahn
      
      March 6, 2020
      
      I use my dryer as my de-wrinkler! I just take the wrinkled piece of clothing (or a few) and throw them in the dryer with a clean wet (not dripping) washcloth or handtowel and run for about 10 minutes. Wrinkles magically disappear!!!
      
      Reply
  2. Mary Beth
    
    July 27, 2015
    
    AHHH! I can’t wait to try this! You are my hero!
    
    Reply
kathleen

July 21, 2015

I stopped using dryer sheets when I found out how many chemicals they contained. I now hate the smell of them on clothes. Smells like a bunch of chemicals.
I started using wool balls not too long ago and love them. I will try your recipe now too.
How long do the wool balls usually work, and how do you know when to replace them?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  July 21, 2015
  
  According to the tutorial, the wool balls last 1000+ washes!
  
  Reply
  1. Elsie A. Brown
    
    December 10, 2020
    
    What would be an acceptable substitute for those of us who are allergic to wool?
    
    Reply
Sarah

July 21, 2015

How many times can each dryer sheet be used in the dryer?

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  July 24, 2015
  
  Once, but they can go back into the vinegar mixture to be used again.
  
  Reply
Em

July 21, 2015

I LOVE this!!! So easy and yet a great way to get that “chemically” deliciousness that we eco-mommies all desire. Since I use my own cloth wipes for my twins, this will be an easy project to make my laundry smell Oh So Amazing.

Thank you for the tips, I can’t wait to whip these up when I make my monthly cleaning supplies!

Strive to thrive,
Em

Reply
Marsha

July 21, 2015

Could you put the essential oil/vinegar mix on the wool balls or is there a reason not to do this?

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  July 21, 2015
  
  I wouldn’t use vinegar, but if you read the “make your own” tutorial, there are instructions for adding essential oils towards the bottom 🙂
  
  Reply

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