DIY Reusable Dryer Sheets

Over the summer, I was in search of an easy way to make reusable dryer sheets and found a great tutorial from Live Renewed.  Simple and free from all of the chemicals of store bought, regular dryer sheets.  I do not make my own fabric softener (something that I may do once my bottle is gone) but I have been using these reusable dryer sheets since mid-summer and have no complaints. 

What You Need:
*Fabric Softener - I purchased Ecover Dishwashing Liquid based on the recommendation of Emily from Live Renewed but I've also read that Seventh Generation Fabric Softener Free & Clear works fine as well. I purchased a 32 oz bottle and I still have more than half a bottle left and just made a batch.  This will easily last me a year.
*Flannel Fabric - I purchased flannel baby blankets from a garage sale for $.25 each. 
*Pinking Shears - These are expensive and if you won't use them on a regular basis, just borrow them.  That's what I did - thanks, Grandma!
*Empty baby wipes container - If you don't have any, ask a friend with a baby to save one for you.  Most likely, they have plenty! 

What You Need to Do:
*Cut the flannel into strips.  Use the pinking shears so the edges don't fray.
*Put the flannel strips into the baby wipes container.  Fill it to the top but don't overfill.  If you fill it so full that you have to smoosh it down, the fabric softener may not soak in to all of the sheets.
*Mix 1/4 cup of the fabric softener with 3/4 cup of warm/hot water.  I have an old measuring cup specifically for making these so I pour the fabric softener in first and then add the warm water until it reaches the 1 cup line.  I use a plastic fork to mix.
*Pour the fabric softener/water mix over the flannel sheets and give it an hour or two to soak in.

Using the Sheets:
Throw them in with your wet clothes just like you normally do!  When you get to the bottom of the dryer sheets, you may notice that the sheets aren't very wet.  That's fine - it still have the fabric softener on it and will work just fine.  If you live in a dry area (like Michigan in the winter), you may need to use more than one dryer sheet.  I've always had to do this in the winter with my regular dryer sheets so this really is no different for me.

The hardest part is cutting the strips of flannel but you only have to do that once!