Uses for Dryer Lint

One of the most overlooked resources for crafts, gardening and keeping your house warm is dryer lint. Most people don't think twice about tossing it into the trash can after washing and drying a load of towels. If you're resourceful, you can put this free waste product to good use. Then pat yourself on the back for doing one more thing for the environment. Each time you dry a load, you can look forward to opening the lint filter and finding a prize that can be put to good use.

Toy Stuffing

Anyone who makes stuffed animals will appreciate free stuffing. And since you know where it came from, you won't have to worry about it being full of chemicals and other toxic substances that can harm a small child.

Pillow Stuffing

When your throw pillows go flat, rip open a seam and stuff some dryer lint into the hole. Then patch it up, and you've saved yourself a bundle of money. The bonus is that it's clean and smells wonderful.

For the Birds

Spread a little dryer lint on bushes and shrubs. Nesting birds will spot it and appreciate the soft cushion it will provide for their baby chicks.

Insulation

As winter air begins to seep through the cracks of your windows and doors, stuff a little dryer lint in the holes. Avoid any areas where you have electrical outlets and wires because it can be a fire hazard.

Start Fires

Dryer lint is highly flammable, so it makes excellent kindling. Use it to start a fire in the fireplace. It is easy to pack in small containers for camping. You can also use it in place of lighter fluid to start the charcoal grill.

Fake Papier Mache

Mix 1 1/2 cup of water with 2 cups of dryer lint and ½ cup of flour in a pan. Stir constantly as you heat the mass until it is thick. Pour onto waxed paper to cool. Pat onto a balloon and allow it to air dry. After it is completely dry---after four or five days---decorate it as you would any other papier mache project.

References

• Uses for Dryer Lint
• Dryer Lint Uses