A friend of mine sent me some information about how to reuse fabric dryer sheets. I was intrigued. Her suggestions numbered 5, so I looked up "reusing dryer sheets" on my computer and came up with dozens of sites full of good ideas! Who knew?

Gone are the days where using something once and then throwing it away is "standard operating procedure", (as my Air Force dad would say). The new motto is the old adage, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without".

I'm thinking that there are probably some of our DVO readers who have other wonderful ideas on how to stretch our hard-earned dollar. If you do, please let me know and I will share your wisdom and insight with our readers in another post. In the meantime, if you use dryer sheets, here are some ways to re-use rather than just throw them away.

Dryer Sheets Usages

1. Put them in the bottom of garbage cans (under the liners) to keep them smelling fresh & keep odors at bay. It really works

2. Clean and dust electronics like TV's, clocks, DVD players, etc with a used sheet. An added bonus is that this helps keep the dust away a little longer as well.

3. Using the used sheets as "swiffer dry cloths" when you sweep the floor. (Mostly in the bathroom).

4. Use your dryer sheets for more than one drying cycle. They will still work!

5. Freshen up those smelly shoes. Insert a dryer sheet into the offending pair and let sit overnight.

6. Remove static from clothing, hair, TV screens, and computer monitors. Wipe the surface with a sheet.

7. Clean pet hair from the floor or furniture. Rub a dryer sheet over the spot where Fluffy left her fur.

8. Replace a sachet. Keep a dresser drawer smelling fresh and clean by placing a dryer sheet on the bottom of it.

9. Loosen caked-on food from a pan. Place a fresh sheet in the bottom of a dirty pan; fill with lukewarm tap water, and let sit in the sink overnight. The pan will be easier to clean in the morning.

10. Tackle suitcase and gym-bag odors. Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase or gym bag so your clean clothes won't take on the odors of the dirty ones.

11. Prevent old books from smelling musty when in storage. Stick a dryer sheet between the pages of your beloved copy of Pride and Prejudice.

12. Wipe up sawdust after working in the garage. Rub a dryer sheet over the fine wood particles.

13. Prevent thread from tangling when sewing. Run a threaded needle through a dryer sheet right before you begin your handiwork.

14. Dust venetian blinds. Close the blinds, then wipe up and down with a dryer sheet.

15. Use the sheets to take soap scum off of shower doors. Just wet the shower door a little and rub the sheet over it.