8 Ways You Can Use Dryer Lint In Your Garden
Dryer lint usually gets tossed in the trash without a second thought, but it's actually full of surprising uses for the garden. Made mostly from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and other biodegradable materials, dryer lint can be repurposed to help with composting, plant insulation, pest control, and more. If you’re looking for simple, low-cost ways to make your garden a little more efficient, this throwaway item might be worth saving.
Add It to Your Compost Bin
Dryer lint breaks down over time, especially when it's made from natural fabrics. Mixed in with fruit peels, leaves, and kitchen scraps, it acts as a carbon-rich (or "brown") material that balances out the moisture-heavy greens. Just make sure the lint comes from loads that didn't use synthetic fabrics or chemical-heavy detergents. Stick to lint from cotton or wool clothing, and avoid anything washed with dryer sheets or fabric softeners.
Use It as Seedling Mulch
A small layer of lint placed around seedlings can help lock in moisture and keep the soil warm during early spring. Since young plants are vulnerable to cold snaps and drying out, this soft insulation can give them a better chance at thriving. Just make sure to keep the layer thin so it doesn't prevent water from getting through. Once the seedlings are established, you can gently mix the lint into the soil to keep feeding the microbes.
Stuff It in Homemade Garden Pillows
You can make small "lint pillows" by stuffing dryer lint into old socks or cloth scraps and tying them closed. These can be used under potted plants to help retain moisture or placed in raised beds as a soft buffer for roots. As they break down, they add organic material to the soil. It's a good way to recycle both lint and worn-out fabric at the same time.
Repel Pests With a Barrier
Some gardeners have had luck using dryer lint to create soft barriers around plants to deter certain pests like slugs or cutworms, as the texture isn't always appealing to these soft-bodied creatures. While it’s not a perfect solution, it can be part of a bigger pest control plan that includes companion planting and keeping the garden clean. Replace the lint regularly so it doesn't become a hiding spot for other bugs.
Line Hanging Baskets and Planters
Instead of buying coconut coir or moss liners, consider using dryer lint as a base layer in hanging baskets. It helps hold soil in place and keeps moisture from draining too fast. It won't last forever, but it's a good temporary fix and a way to cut down on waste. Combine it with shredded paper or old newspaper for a thicker, more stable lining.
Feed Your Worm Bin
Worms can digest small amounts of dryer lint, especially if it's made from untreated cotton or wool. If you have a worm composting system, try adding tiny amounts at a time. Mix it with food scraps and paper to keep the balance right. Watch how the worms respond, and don't overdo it. Like anything new in the bin, moderation is key to avoid throwing off the microbial balance.
Use It for Weed Prevention
Dryer lint can help block light from reaching weed seeds if spread in a thin layer under mulch. It's not strong enough to stop weeds on its own, but it can work as part of a layered approach. Use it beneath wood chips or straw to help slow down growth and reduce the number of weeds breaking through. Again, only use lint free from synthetic materials to avoid adding plastics to the soil.
Insulate Cold-Sensitive Plants
In the colder months, some perennials and bulbs need a little help staying insulated. Tucking dryer lint around the base of these plants can help shield them from sudden temperature swings. Cover it with mulch or straw so it doesn't blow away. Once spring comes, rake it into the top layer of soil or remove it if it looks matted or moldy.
Dryer lint isn't something most people think of as useful, but in a garden setting, it can offer some surprising benefits. The key is to use it responsibly and make sure it’s free of synthetic fibers and harsh chemicals. With a little thought, even something this ordinary can be turned into a helpful tool in your gardening routine!