Did you know that dryers are typically the biggest energy zappers in our homes?

There’s no better time than the summer season to let your laundry air dry in the sunshine. Even if you don’t have a sprawling backyard and clothesline, you can still hang your clothes to dry indoors on a rack in your basement, garage or other dry area. By doing so, you’ll not only save money on your personal electricity bill, you’ll also pitch in and help save the planet from global warming. 

Line drying is beneficial for clothing, and may even prolong the life of certain garments. Tumble dryers can be rough on clothing, while line drying poses no wear and tear. We’ve all scratched our heads over unbelievably wrinkled, scrunched up clothing sometimes pulled from the dryer. When you shake out clothing and pull it taut before hanging it to line dry, wrinkles are eliminated. Sunlight acts as a natural bleaching agent, so whites get even whiter on the line. For this reason, turn bright colored clothing inside out, or hang vibrant items to dry indoors. If you think your clothes aren’t as cuddly when dried on the line, simply add fabric softener during your wash cycle to soften the load. 

As you know, I’m all about re-purposing household items, and those dryer sheets will need a new job while you hang your laundry out to dry on clotheslines. 

Here are ten clever ways to use your dryer sheets outside of the dryer: 

1. To leave a fresh scent in odorous areas, place a dryer sheet in the bottom of the diaper pail, under the liner of the kitchen trashcan, at the bottom of the laundry basket, inside stinky shoes, in your gym bag and under the seat of your car
2. Dust your blinds with a dryer sheet and watch the dirt stick
3. Pin a dryer sheet to your shirt while in the great outdoors, and it will act as a mosquito repellent.
4. Wipe your television screen with a dryer sheet to remove static and dust
5. Use a dryer sheet to clean soap scum off shower doors
6. Rub a dryer sheet across your clothing or fabric furniture to collect and remove pet hair
7. Next time you spill flour, powder, or sawdust, easily wipe it up with a dryer sheet
8. Clean scissor blades with a dryer sheet to restore smoothness
9. Place a dryer sheet in your luggage and clothes will smell laundry fresh throughout your trip
10. Rid an old or used book of a musty odor by enclosing a dryer sheet between its pages