Dryer sheets are a familiar sight in most American households, best known for their ability to soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and leave laundry with a fresh scent. However, their usefulness stretches far beyond the laundry room. These small, scented sheets are packed with features that make them incredibly versatile for a range of household tasks.

Whether you’re battling bad odors, stubborn grime, or even pesky insects, dryer sheets can be a surprisingly handy addition to your cleaning routine. Crafted from non-woven polyester material and coated with softeners and fragrance, dryer sheets offer more than just laundry benefits. The softeners—often made from fatty acids or other lubricants—work to eliminate static electricity, while the added scent helps freshen up anything they touch. These very properties that make dryer sheets effective in the dryer also make them ideal for tackling everyday problems throughout your home. Take your gym bag, for instance. It doesn’t take long for sweat and dirty clothes to leave it smelling less than pleasant.

Tossing a dryer sheet inside your bag keeps it smelling clean and fresh between uses. You can switch it out every couple of weeks or sooner if needed. If you have pets, you know the struggle of fur-covered furniture. Thankfully, dryer sheets are excellent at removing pet hair thanks to their anti-static properties. Simply run one over your couch or chair and it’ll lift the fur right off, making cleanup a breeze. They’re also a game changer when it comes to bathroom cleaning. Soap scum on shower doors can be a real pain, but a damp dryer sheet can help scrub it away. The fabric’s texture combined with the softening agents breaks down the residue, leaving your glass sparkling and clear.

Dryer sheets also provide a quick fix for static cling in clothing. If your clothes start sticking together or clinging to your skin, just rub a dryer sheet over them and the static will disappear. No need to change your outfit or run another cycle in the dryer. Chrome fixtures in your bathroom or kitchen looking dull? A dryer sheet can help polish them up. Just buff the chrome with the sheet and watch fingerprints, water spots, and smudges vanish. It’s a fast and effective way to restore shine. Trash cans are another spot where odors like to linger. Even when emptied regularly, they can still smell bad. Dropping a dryer sheet in the bottom of the bin helps absorb unpleasant odors and keeps the area smelling better. Replace the sheet whenever you notice the smell returning. Dryer sheets can also help keep bugs away.

Some insects—like mosquitoes and gnats—are naturally repelled by the scent of dryer sheets. Placing a few around your patio or inside the house can serve as a mild, chemical-free deterrent. Electronics are another place where dryer sheets prove their worth. Screens and keyboards tend to attract dust due to static. Gently wiping these surfaces with a dryer sheet not only removes dust but also reduces the static, helping keep them cleaner longer. Stinky shoes? Slide a dryer sheet into each one to absorb odors and leave behind a fresh scent. This trick works great overnight, especially if your shoes have been exposed to sweat or moisture. Change out the sheets regularly to keep things fresh. And if you’re a DIYer or painter, you’ll love this last tip—when paintbrushes harden due to dried paint, soak them in warm water with a dryer sheet. The softening agents in the sheet help loosen the dried paint and make the bristles flexible again. It’s a smart way to save brushes you might’ve otherwise thrown away. In conclusion, dryer sheets are far more than just laundry aids. Their composition and scent make them a multi-purpose solution for a variety of household challenges. From odor control and cleaning to dusting and repelling pests, these sheets can simplify your daily chores while saving you time and money. So the next time you grab a dryer sheet for your laundry, consider how else it might come in handy around the house—you might be surprised by how many tasks it can tackle.