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1. Start fires
Stuff toilet paper and paper towel tubes with dryer lint and use as fire kindling. Or, use an egg carton: add dryer lint to each egg cup, add some paraffin wax, let it sit for few minutes and store for fire starter. Most of the items required to make firestarters come from things you would throw in the trash!
2. Stop drafts
I use an old pillowcase (but you can certainly purchase a pillowcase that fits your decor) and stuff it with dryer lint to use as a doorstop. It works perfectly to prevent door drafts, or try using it in a window seal for the same purpose. Obviously, it may take a few loads of dryer lint to make one of these babies.
3. Stuff pet beds or pillows
Since lint is soft, you can use it as a stuffing instead of purchasing polyester filler at the store. Dryer lint also has a fresh smell which helps refresh pet beds. Since lint is soft, you may have to collect from several loads of laundry before you have enough for this project.
4. Use as mulch
Cotton-only dryer lint easily decomposes and works well in flower beds for mulching or to protect against cold temperatures. Don’t use dryer lint from synthetic fibers as these do not decompose and may contain chemicals which will damage your plants. Since dryer lint is soft and light, make sure you cover it with some dirt to keep it from blowing away.
5. Soak up spills
Instead of buying kitty litter to soak up oil spills in your driveway and garage, use dryer lint!
6. Make papier-mache
If you have kids at home, then you know that science projects come every year. Instead of heading to a local craft store, grab your dryer lint and make your own papier-mache. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
3 cups firmly packed dryer lint
2 cups warm water
2/3 cups flour
Directions
- Using a large pot over medium-low heat, mix lint and warm water until the mixture starts steaming.
- Slowly add in flour and mix well so no lumps form.
- Continue cooking over low heat until the mixture holds well.
- Form pulp to desired shapes or store in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready for use. Discard after a few days.
Tip: Store dryer lint in plastic bread bags or plastic resealable bags until you’re ready to use them. Get everyone in your house involved—they’ll love seeing their lint collection put to work!
