One of my many small pet peeves is dryer sheets. In fact, laundry in general is not my favorite thing. All the folding (and refolding after Sam knocks it all over) and putting away for 5 people adds up! I feel guilty using a new dryer sheet for each load, and it drives me nuts how they always float around everywhere.
In an ideal world I would hang my laundry on a line outside; I’m one of those people who likes the stiff, starchy feel of line drying. But, c’mon, I have laundry coming out of my ears. Let’s be realistic.
I started thinking about this idea around Earth Day – it’s all part of my master plan to save the planet from death by dryer sheets! Usually I toss a lavender sachet in one of my clothes’ drawers and never think about it again. But for the last few weeks I’ve been using them as reusable dryer sheets for my clothes, and it’s awesome!
How to make sachets into dryer sheets
I’ve seen this idea around (Trader Joe’s used to sell a version but I can’t find it anymore). But none of them were, well, pretty. And seeing these old floral patterns actually makes me enjoy doing laundry a bit more. A tiny bit.
Supplies:
- I used fabric from recycled pillow cases. There are so many super inexpensive pillow cases and sheets at thrift stores that have lovely vintage patterns.
- Dried lavender
- Needle and embroidery thread
- Pinking shears (optional)
The instructions are pretty self explanatory but here’s the gist. Cut two squares of fabric (mine were about 4 inches on each side) and sew three sides with embroidery thread. Fill with lavender and finish sewing. You can trim the edges with pinking shears for a prettier look.
Now I keep a sachet at the bottom of each of our 5 laundry baskets. Yes, 5. Then I throw one in the dryer with each load. To be honest, I was expecting everything to smell really lavender-y. While some of the natural fiber clothes, like a cotton shirt, have a stronger smell, most are pretty subtle. And the simple stitching has held up great!
Before I throw in the sachet I kind of work the lavender with my hands to release the scent. From what I’ve read, the scent is expected to last for 5-10 uses. I’ve used each of mine with multiple loads (I haven’t been counting), and the sachets are still going strong. When they loose their scent, I’ll just open ’em up and change out the lavender.
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I use tennis balls. Just throw one or two in the dryer with your clothes.
I know that I am really delayed on this posting but I just discovered you. I was wondering how long the herbs last before needing to refill them to keep the smell of the drying satchels?
You can also use dryer crystals damp them and reuse as long as desired . I put mine in a knee high stockings and knotted it but the pillow cloth patches are really cute
I love this! I love your entire blog actually :) Just found it a few days ago and your posts are starting to create a to do list for me lol a fun one though! ♥ Thank you ♥
You can never have too many to-do lists, right? :) Have fun!
My only question is what should I put in the dryer (that accompanies the lavender satchet) to release the static-ness of the clothing?
I use a ball of aluminum foil. You can use it over and over. They start out with some pokey corners, so I used newly-crumpled balls in loads of jeans or towels until they smoothed themselves out. Now I use them with everything.
Hi can you use peppermint leaves or wile tea like licorice ?
I make my own fabric softener. I just spay some on a washcloth and throw it the dryer. Not very sexy, but works great! I’m in Nashville also! Actually in Hendersonville, but I grew up in Nashville. Hey, what brand of essential oils do you use? Thanks!
when I use dryer sheets, 2 loads 1 sheet each and the 3rd load I use the sheets out of the first two.
What else can you use besides lavender?
Maybe mint? Vanilla? Whatever you like the smell of.
I’ve made these kinds of sachets to stick in drawers, but never thought to throw them in the dryer! Neat idea!
These sachets are just darling! I must try!
such an amazing idea! Xo, Megan, http://www.TfDiaries.com
lovely! i hate folding and putting away laundry
Too cute! I also hate dryer sheets so I use a dryer bar. I’d love for my laundry to smell like lavender though!
This is awesome!! What a great green alternative to dryer sheets! I have sensitive skin and a sensitive sense of smell so honestly this would probably benefit me all around.
Lavender is my favorite scent and these are just so pretty! I like the idea of not putting chemicals into the dryer.
I love the idea for the scent but what about the static? I hang my wash outside on the line when I can but I do need the dryer from time to time. How do I avoid static in the dryer?
I don’t know if you ever got an answer to your question or not; thought I’d give you a tip anyway. Place two balls of aluminum foil in the dryer with your clothes. They don’t need to be big; I rip off a 3inch piece and split it in half, crush them into balls and throw them in. Hope it helps!
I use tennis balls. Just throw one or two in the dryer with your clothes.
Ouu – I looove this! Finding an alternative to dryer sheets has been on my to-do list! I’m going to try this out!!
Yet another totally brilliant idea Stephanie. I’m the same I love the crunch of air drying. Today is cold and gloomy and my 3 loads will take days to dry outside so it’s into the dryer they go. The other thing I hate about the drier is the smell so maybe this would fix it too!
I’ve never heard of this before–how did I miss dryer sachets when they were at Trader Joe’s?! I get the eco-friendly dryer sheets and they really smell like nothing. :/ These are so much cuter too!
I love an idea that involves reusing and this has double the bang for your buck! Even better yet, I have the perfect pretty fabric scraps for it–because I agree, everything is better when it’s pretty ;)
I’ve purchased some plastic dryer balls that are for helping with static cling. (very cheap & enviro friendly) Problem is, I really love the smell of those Lavender dryer sheets so I’ve been using both (not very enviro friendly at all)…Now I’m gonna make me some nice smelling sachets to go with my dryer balls….Duh?!? Why didn’t I think of that? Brilliant Idea. Thanks a bunch & Happy Momma’s Day to you too! :o)
I love this! :) Definitely making some for my house. I hate laundry too, so hopefully will ease the pain. Or at least give me a project to do so I can hold off doing the laundry just a little while longer :P
I love this! :) Definitely making some for my house. I hate laundry too, so hopefully will ease the pain. Or at least give me a project to do so I can hold off doing the laundry just a little while longer :P