Toss This Item In Your Luggage To Keep Your Clothes Fresh On Longer Trips

Travelers spend a lot of time thinking about how to pack all their outfits into their suitcase. Far fewer think about what their luggage will smell like over time. After several days on the road, however, even carefully packed clothing can start to pick up odors. Think about those funky shoes, dirty underwear, damp swimsuits, or a suitcase that's been sitting in storage between trips. Even if you have access to a laundromat, or use Rick Steves' brilliant travel laundry hack, one little tip is sure to help keep things extra fresh: tossing a few dryer sheets into luggage before departure.

The hack has circulated for years on travel blogs and Reddit threads. A box costs only a few dollars, takes up almost no space, and can provide enough sheets for dozens of trips. The idea is straightforward: Dryer sheets are designed to leave fabrics smelling fresh after a laundry cycle. So, some travelers place them in their suitcases to reduce bad odors and infuse their clothes with pleasant ones.

Not everyone is enthusiastic about dryer sheets, though. Some researchers and consumer advocates have raised concerns about the chemicals and fragrances found in certain dryer sheets. Studies have examined whether some ingredients may contribute to skin irritation, respiratory sensitivity, or indoor air pollution in certain circumstances. For those who are sensitive to fragrances, the hack may not be appealing. Still, many travelers continue to swear by it. If you're comfortable using scented laundry products and are looking for an easy way to keep your luggage smelling fresher during a trip, experienced travelers have developed a few strategies that can make the trick more effective.

According to travelers who regularly use the dryer sheet trick, success depends on how you pack them. Simply dropping one or two sheets into a crowded suitcase often produces disappointing results. Placement is one of the most important factors. Experienced travelers recommend distributing them throughout the luggage, rather than leaving them in a single compartment. Some line the bottom of the suitcase before packing; others place sheets between layers of clothing, or near shoes and used clothing where odors tend to accumulate. Longer trips create another challenge: separating clean clothing from dirty laundry. Even when travelers use designated laundry bags, odors can gradually spread through a suitcase over time. For this reason, many frequent travelers place dryer sheets directly inside laundry bags to help contain smells until they can wash their clothes.

Some travelers even use the trick before a trip begins. Suitcases stored in basements, garages, attics, or closets can develop stale smells between vacations. Keeping several dryer sheets inside empty luggage during storage may help prevent mustiness and leave the suitcase smelling fresher when it's time to pack again. Footwear is another common source of unwanted odors. Shoes often spend days packed inside enclosed luggage, particularly during road trips, cruises, or multi-city vacations. Tucking a dryer sheet into each shoe can help reduce odor transfer to nearby clothing.

Travelers who are planning active vacations (like a hike in a U.S. national park) will especially love this hack. Athletic clothing, hiking socks, gym shoes, and moisture-wicking fabrics tend to trap odors more readily than everyday garments. Using this trick along with packing cubes is the perfect combination. Cubes help keep luggage organized; they can trap odors when clean and dirty items end up sharing the same space. A dryer sheet placed inside a cube containing socks, undergarments, swimwear, or activewear can help minimize odor buildup.

The technique works equally well for carry-ons and checked luggage. Travelers who prefer larger suitcases often use dryer sheets between layers of clothing. In a carry-on, advocates appreciate that they add virtually no weight or bulk. In addition, some travelers slide a dryer sheet into dresser drawers at their destination before unpacking. This is especially useful in older hotels or vacation rentals, where furniture may have a lingering musty smell.

For frequent travelers juggling multiple destinations, limited luggage space, and a growing pile of worn clothing, that small advantage can make life on the road a little more pleasant. Many travelers start using dryer sheets to freshen their luggage, then discover a variety of other uses once they're on the road. Because the sheets are lightweight and take up almost no space, they're just so easy to keep on hand throughout a trip.