Dryer sheets disappear fast, and paying for a box of single-use sheets gets old in a hurry. This shortcut gives you the same basic softening step with something you already have on hand, and it takes about five seconds to set up. It is almost suspiciously simple, which is usually my favorite kind of laundry fix.
A comparable box of 105 commercial dryer sheets runs about $11.50, while a 77-ounce bottle of liquid fabric softener covers 105 loads for about $7.97 at Walmart, making the per-load cost lower before you even stretch it with this method. Making your own also lets you control the exact amount of softener you use and stick with the scent, formula, or dye-free option you prefer.
You only need 2 materials for this trick: liquid fabric softener and a wet washcloth. The method makes 1 homemade dryer sheet per load, with no prep beyond wetting the cloth. Keep a washcloth handy and toss it straight in with the load.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🛠️ How to Make Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
- 🛠️ How to Use Them
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛡️ Safety and Fabric Care
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Cost Breakdown
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
- 📌 Love this Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Materials You’ll Need
- 1 wet washcloth
- 1 dab of fabric softener, about 1 teaspoon
How to Make Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
- Wet a clean washcloth.
- Place 1 dab of fabric softener, about a teaspoon or so, on one corner of the wet washcloth.
- Toss the washcloth into the dryer with your laundry load.
This works wonderfully with the samples you can send for in the mail.
A-M-D
How to Use Them
Use one prepared washcloth per dryer load. If you already make your own fabric softener, this is an easy way to stretch it even further.
One bottle of fabric softener will last almost a full year.
Customization Ideas
- Use the liquid fabric softener scent you already buy and like.
- Choose an unscented or dye-free liquid fabric softener if that works better for your household preferences.
- Swap in a different washcloth so you always have one ready for laundry day.
Safety and Fabric Care
Keep the dab small and place it on the corner of the wet washcloth rather than directly on clothing. The American Cleaning Institute notes that liquid fabric softener should be used according to label directions and not poured directly on fabrics because it may cause staining or spotting. You can read more in their laundry basics guidance.
If you are drying specialty fabrics, children’s sleepwear, or anything with special care instructions, check the garment label before using any softener product.
Storage
There is nothing to premix or store for this method. Just keep your fabric softener bottle closed between uses and grab a fresh wet washcloth when you start the dryer.
Cost Breakdown
This is a low-cost laundry shortcut because it uses only a small dab of liquid fabric softener per load and a reusable washcloth. Based on a current Walmart price of about $7.97 for a 77-ounce bottle of liquid fabric softener labeled for 105 loads, the estimated product cost works out to about $0.08 per load. A comparable 105-count box of commercial dryer sheets costs about $11.50, or roughly $0.11 per load. Prices vary by brand and scent, but the homemade version still comes in cheaper per use.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Liquid fabric softener at Walmart
- Liquid fabric softener on Amazon
- Cotton washcloths on Amazon
- Fabric Softener – How to Make your Own
- MYO Reusable Dryer Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions about Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Yes, as long as it is clean and absorbent. A basic cotton washcloth works well because it holds a little moisture and tumbles easily with the load.
Use a small dab, about 1 teaspoon or so. More is not better here, and using too much can leave residue or spots.
No. Just put the fabric softener on one corner of a wet washcloth. That is the whole trick, and it keeps you from overdoing it.
Skip that. Putting liquid fabric softener directly on fabric can cause spotting, so keep it on the wet washcloth instead.
It can if your main goal is using a little fabric softener in the dryer without buying boxed sheets. If you prefer grab-and-go disposable sheets, the store-bought version is still more convenient, just not usually cheaper.
Yes. This works wonderfully with the samples you can send for in the mail, which makes it an even more frugal option.
One bottle of fabric softener will last almost a full year, especially when you are only using a small dab per load.
Use a wet washcloth. That is the method given here, and it helps distribute the small dab more gently than putting it on a dry cloth.
This method works best made fresh for each load since it only takes a moment and does not require any premixing or storage container.
📌 Love this Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets? Pin it!
Did you try this laundry trick? Tell me whether you stuck with your usual softener or used one of those sample bottles hiding in the cabinet.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Equipment
Materials
- 1 wet washcloth
- 1 teaspoon fabric softener
Instructions
- Wet a clean washcloth.
- Place 1 dab of fabric softener, about a teaspoon or so, on one corner of the wet washcloth.
- Toss the washcloth into the dryer with your laundry load.
- This works wonderfully with the samples you can send for in the mail.
- One bottle of fabric softener will last almost a full year.
- Use the softener on the washcloth, not directly on clothing, to help avoid spotting.
- Estimated cost reflects consumable material only and is based on a current per-load estimate for liquid fabric softener. Washcloth cost is not included because it is reusable.
this sounds good and a way to save money…..will be trying this this week….
this is awesome! such a easy and cheap way to make those little rascals. thanks
i just finished making the laundry detergent (the “no cook” version) and i am going to try this dryer sheet idea next! thanks for all of the awesome ideas!
wow. i never thought about using a wet washcloth to replace dryer sheets. i will definitely try this out next time i do laundry.
can’t wait to try the fabric softener, great way to be frugal
i can’t wait to try this! i’m doing it tonight.thanks
do these help with static cling?
this sounds great! can not wait to try this.
I put the fabric softener in a decorative container and then cut up a sponge into cubes. It’s easier to grab one of these to toss in the dryer, and once used, put back in the liquid for the next time