I've heard from multiple friends how I should start creating my own laundry detergent (which trust me, it's coming in the near future of clean living), but I hadn't heard of anyone creating their own dryer sheets, so I looked to my good ole pal, Google, for some tricks and tips. I came to find, much like a lot of clean living recipes, that it's easy as pie. I was definitely skeptical with the main ingredient being vinegar (cause we all know that's a lovely smell..), but I was so happy with the result. Here's how it's done:
Supplies:
Flannel fabric
1/2 cup vinegar
15 drops essential oil
Combine the vinegar and essential oil (I used lavender) into a small bowl and mix well. Next, cut the flannel into small 5x5 inch squares. Soak each square in the liquid mix, and lay them out to dry on an old towel. Once they have dried, store them in a sealed container. The vinegar smell will be strong at first, but once it's gone through the dryer cycle the harsh odor will disappear and leave a fresh, clean scent. What I love about this is how soft the lavender scent is, not overwhelming in the slightest. Plus, the flannel is recyclable, so you're doing mother nature a favor, as well your wallet. Sometimes, we all win. I'm okay with that.
wow this is so interesting! i would never have thought of making them..
ReplyDeleteValentina
Valentina Duracinsky
This is a great idea! I use Castille Soap as laundry detergent! Great for those with sensitive skin and it has a million uses!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteThey Are so sweet and romantic!!xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.oneoblivion.com/
What a great idea! Can you re-use the sheets?
ReplyDeletexo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Yes! :)
DeleteThis is a great idea! i just ran out of dryer sheets and was like "rats! i hate buying more" - i'm going to try this :)
ReplyDeleteCat
catgotdressed.blogspot.com
How did it do for removing static? I've been using dryer balls for some time now because I'm sensitive to traditional dryer sheets, but they don't get rid of static that much.
ReplyDelete<3 Melissa
wildflwrchild.blogspot.com
The only article that had any static was a sweater I was drying for the first time, and the static went away as soon as I separated it from the rest of the clothes. :)
DeleteKinsey
So interesting! So, you put them through with your clothes and you can't smell the vinegar anymore? Only the lavender?
ReplyDeletexoxo
Juliette Laura
juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Yes, only the lavender! Pretty neat, huh?
DeleteKinsey
What a wonderful idea. I'll have to try that, I react to strong scents in detergents and dryer sheets, so I use the eco stuff, but I miss having a scent. This will be perfect to add some personality. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI put vinegar in the wash as a liquid fabric softener and use aluminum foil balls in the dryer...but they're so noisy! I wonder if the vinegar on its own would keep static out? I'll have to try it. What's the difference between vinegar in the rinse cycle and vinegar in the dryer? So many questions!!! lol
ReplyDeleteWell that is a lot easier that I thought it would be. I don't actually use dryer sheets because it just seems like one more step and yet another chemically scent. I might give this a try though.
ReplyDelete-Emily
This is genius + simple. I totally need to try it!
ReplyDeleteAllyson
http://www.allysonwonderlandphotography.com/
Hmmm, think I'm gonna try this...lovely photos!
ReplyDeletebohemiankate.com
That's so great , awesome post .
ReplyDeletexo Meg<3
Meghan Silva's Blog
Whoa!! :) What an awesome idea! I never thought of making these, but the idea of lavender sounds heavenly...
ReplyDeletethis is genius. thanks for all the diy posts, they are greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeletecheers,
charity
http://lumivintage.blogspot.com
Does the vinegar part prevent the static? I have always wondered how that works.
ReplyDeletethreesistersgarden.blogspot.com
how cool!! my mom makes homemade detergent -- it's the best. i always sneak some from her to bring back home with me ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I will definitely try this! And I had to pin this to my DIY board! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration! xxx
ReplyDeletelolvely idea!!!
ReplyDeleteHah, I had to google what on earth are dryer sheets. x) I've never owned a dryer, so makes sense... my favorite smell is when clothes dry out on line in summer. The smell of summer. :) The downside is of course that summer is not all year round. Anyhow, I love the cute jar you have for your dryer sheets. :)
ReplyDeletexx Kaisa
Nice, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteSantenne of Crystallized Elements.
http://crystallized-elements.blogspot.co.uk/
Great idea! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI have had so many Tupperware Customers come in for the Pickadeli containers for making their own dryer sheets and have never till now read how to make them. I am so excited. Thank You. I just reblogged your post and linked you for my readers at
ReplyDeletehttp://layedbacklife.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/homemade-dryer-sheets/
just so you know. I hope they all come and read all of your fabulous information.
great idea, love that they are reusable. looks like this would also be a fun thing to throw into a gift basket as a housewarming gift :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! This would make such a unique gift too, especially in that pretty jar.
ReplyDeleteMary
http://marymarysgarden.wordpress.com
ooooh this is good! Love the reusable, and of course, prettiness aspect of it:-) xoxo
ReplyDeletedo they help eliminate static?? i've been making my own laundry detergent for awhile {get on it, girl - so cheap and easy! ;)}, but i hate static-y clothes, so i've held off on this. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Abi,
DeleteI didn't have any issue with static except for one sweater that I was drying for the first time and it was minimal. I'm not sure how well it does with static since I've only used it twice, but personally I haven't noticed any except that one sweater! :)
Kinsey
I've never heard of this before but as a fan of clean living, I adore this! Can't wait to give it a try and read some more of your great posts:)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.girlsandhappiness.com
How many times do you use these before you redo the vinegar solution?
ReplyDeletehow many times do you use the sheets before redoing the vinegar solution?
ReplyDeleteI used mine 3-5 times each!
Delete