5 Innovative Uses For Dryer Lint

Most people dispose of their dryer lint in the trash, assuming it serves no real purpose or utility. However, these finely bundled fibers have dozens of different uses. So the next time you get ready to clean your dryer’s lint filter, consider saving this stuff for one of the innovative uses listed below.

#1) Fire Tinder

Do you have a camping trip planned for the summer? Place some dryer lint in a resealable plastic bag and bring it with you. Due to its broad surface and exceptionally dry characteristics, dryer lint makes excellent tinder for starting a fire. Exposing it to a couple sparks from a magnesium bar or flint striker will create a fire in no time at all.

#2) Oil Absorbent

Dryer lint is soft and spongy, making it useful for absorbing oils, lubricants and other spilled liquids. If you’re a auto junkie who constantly works on cars, keep a bundle of dryer lint nearby. When a spill occurs, toss some directly into the center of the liquid and watch closely as it soaks it up.

#3) Stuffing For Pet Beds

Dryer lint can also be used as stuffing for pet beds. It’s not uncommon for dogs and cats to tear the stuffing out of their beds, resulting in a flat, uncomfortable lounging area. Rather than purchasing a brand new bed for Fido, you can stuff it full with dryer lint. Granted, it may take a couple months worth of dryer lint to fill an medium-sized pet bed, but continue saving it and you’ll eventually have enough to fill your dog or cat’s bed.

#4) Compost

You might be surprised to learn that dryer lint (cotton, linen, and other non-synthetic fibers) can be used as plant compost. As it decomposes, it releases beneficial nutrients into the soil, promoting bigger, healthier plants.

It’s important to note that dryer lint alone isn’t going to yield beneficial compost. You must add a variety of all-natural ingredients, including egg shells, fruit peelings, vegetable scraps, pine straw, coffee grounds, etc., to create balanced, well-rounded compost.

#5) Make Paper

Last but not least, dryer lint can be used to create paper. There are several different how-to guides available, both in print and online, revealing the step-by-step process on how to turn dryer lint into paper. The basic idea is to combine dryer lint, hot water and glue, press it tightly together and wait for it to dry. Once it’s finished drying, you should have something that resembles hardened paper mache.