Dryer Hankies are a simple, frugal, and surprisingly luxurious alternative to commercial dryer sheets. I keep a small stack next to my laundry machines along with a selection of my favorite essential oils. I usually use old wash cloths or hankies, so the edges are already finished. If you’re using scraps of fabric, I recommend sewing a seam on all the raw edges to prevent them from fraying and adding more lint or strings to your laundry.
Equipment for Dryer Hankies:
- One or more hankies, wash cloths, or scraps of fabric
- One or more essential oils
To Make and Use a Dryer Hankie:
- Dampen a hankie, wash cloth, or scrap of fabric with water or pull a wet rag from the laundry you just washed.
- Drop two or three drops of your favorite essential oil on the dryer hankie. (Consider keeping a spritzer bottle with with 6 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of water to spray on the cloth instead. Remember to shake it well before use.)
- Add the dryer hankie to the clothes dryer with your damp clothing.
- Dry your load of laundry as usual. The scent and properties of the essential oils will be gently transferred to your laundry.
- Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for each load of laundry.