Dryer Sheets for Dishes? Here’s the Secret to Lifting Baked-On Food the Easy Way

At Fresh Nest, we're always on the lookout for cleaning tricks that actually work—and make life easier. One of our favorite low-lift, high-impact hacks? Using dryer sheets to tackle those stubborn, baked-on messes in your casserole dishes, pans, and more.

That cheesy lasagna? Delicious. The crusty aftermath stuck to your dish. Not so much. Scrubbing takes elbow grease—and time. But a dryer sheet can change the game.

The Hack: Soak It with a Dryer Sheet

You’ll need:

- A used or new dryer sheet

- Warm water

- Dish soap (optional)

What to do:

1. Fill the dirty dish or pan with warm water—just enough to cover the mess.

2. Add a dryer sheet into the water, pushing it down to submerge it.

3. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. For truly baked-on grime, let it sit overnight.

4. Wipe or rinse. The residue should lift off easily with a sponge or cloth.

Dryer sheets contain softening agents and anti-static compounds that help break the bond between the baked-on food and the surface of the pan. It’s like giving your mess a gentle nudge to let go.

This hack works best on ceramic, glass, or non-stick bakeware. Avoid using dryer sheets on cast iron or unfinished metal surfaces.

And while the ingredients in dryer sheets are mild, we recommend doing a quick wash afterward with regular dish soap—just for peace of mind.