Bounce Sheet Alternative

Bounce Sheet Alternative

I absolutely abhor static cling.  I mean, REALLY hate it!  Of course, I also hate the filmy build-up that dryer sheets leave behind on my lint screen too.  Last year, after our dryer sensor went out, I learned that dryer sheets could be to blame.  Good time for someone to tell me!  I went looking for a cheap and easy alternative.  I had heard that Bounce bars were wonderful, but I was not at all pleased with the price.  I found a few other suggestions about liquid softener and sponges, but that sounded really messy, so when I came upon this idea, I knew I had to try it.  Here's what I do:

Take several thick wash cloths.  New wash cloths seem to work best.  Those that have been washed several times don't seem to work as well.  To make this even easier, I would suggest buying a few new wash cloths in some really bright and easily recognized colors.  Just make sure they don't match some you already have because you will not want them to get mixed up with the ones you throw in your washer.

Then, take a large bowl and pour in your favorite liquid fabric softener.  One by one, submerge each wash cloth until they are all thoroughly coated and under the fabric softener.  I leave mine in there for a couple of hours.  The idea is to really saturate the cloth with the fabric softener.

Next, gently squeeze out the excess fabric softener from each wash cloth.  Leave as much as you can in each cloth because this will determine how many times you can use each cloth without having to re-saturate it.  Use clothes pins or clip hangers to hang the wash cloths to dry.  It will take at least 1-2 days for them to completely dry and when they do, they will be as stiff as boards.  Just make sure you really like the scent of the fabric softener you use, because your whole house will smell like it while the wash cloths dry!

When your cloths are dry, all you have to do is throw one in your dryer with your wet clothes.  Make sure you pick out you dryer cloth when you put up your clean laundry (this is why wild colored cloths are a good idea) and try to remember not to wash your specified cloths.

I've been doing this for about six months with no problems.  Even in the worst winter months, I had no static cling. The more you re-saturate your cloths, the longer they seem to hold the fabric softener.  I can use one cloth for about 15-20 loads of laundry now, so I only have to re-saturate every couple of months.  One large bottle of liquid fabric softener lasts for about 6 months!