Before You Throw Out That Dryer Sheet, Reuse It To Sharpen Dull Scissors

There are many reasons to keep a pack of dryer sheets in your kitchen and ways to reuse them that have nothing to do with laundry. One handy use for dryer sheets is to sharpen a pair of scissors. Whether you're a regular crafter who uses them every day or someone who only needs them occasionally, chances are you own at least one pair of scissors. Chances also are that, unless you recently bought a new pair, those scissors are pretty dull. 

Rather than continuing to struggle with worn down blades, a dryer sheet or two will have your scissors cleanly shearing through any material. All you need to do is rub a dryer sheet — new or used — along each blade. Another technique is to cut through a few sheets until the slice becomes smooth and easy. Both methods seem to be equally effective, but feel free to utilize both to get the most out of your dryer sheet.

Although no research has been done to determine exactly how dryer sheets sharpen scissors, there are plenty of people who swear that it works. It's believed that either the material of the sheets acts as a sharpening tool that cleans and hones the blades as they cut through them, or the fabric softener and lubricants embedded in the dryer sheets coat the edges to provide a smoother cut. Likely, it's a combination of both explanations since cutting through aluminum foil is also known to sharpen dull scissors and using a rust-removing lubricant like WD-40 can make an old pair good as new.

The downside to using dryer sheets is it won't keep your scissors sharp for long. This is probably enough for those who grab a pair to cut wrapping paper for presents and snip open packages. But, if you have a pair of professional scissors — such as hair-cutting or fabric shears — that you use frequently, you'll need a long-term solution for when your blades start to dull. A bench stone or handheld sharpener are two options you can use to give your scissors a sharper edge at home. For the best and longest-lasting results, bring your scissors to a professional service, such as your local Ace Hardware, for sharpening.