When dryer lint piles up, it can become a fire hazard. In fact, 34 percent of home dryer fires are caused by failing to clean out the dryer, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. If your lint comes from natural fibers like cotton and wool, you can use it for one of these purposes.

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Start a Fire

Dryer lint is flammable, which is why we’re urged to clean out the trap after each load of laundry. Collect it in a sealed jar to use as tinder the next time you start a fire in your backyard fire pit. For a self-contained fire starter, stuff cardboard toilet paper rolls with lint.

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Use as Mulch

You can add dryer lint as a mulch around potted plants as long as you’re not using dryer sheets, which may leave an unwanted chemical residue.

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Prevent Erosion

When spread out and dampened with water, dryer lint can form a barrier to protect soil from erosion. If you don’t like the look of soggy lint, use the lint as an underlayer and cover with decorative stones.

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Discourage Weeds

Just like a thick layer of lint can prevent erosion, a base of dryer lint can prevent weeds as well. Use it as a substitute for landscape fabric and top with a decorative mulch.

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Add to Compost

Lint from natural fibers is biodegradable, so you can add it to the compost pile as a source of carbon.

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Oil Down Tools

Use a clump of dryer lint to apply linseed oil to wooden-handle tools to keep them from cracking, and to metal parts (after cleaning) to keep them from rusting. Then let the lint and linseed oil dry completely before tossing it in the trash. (Always allow rags used with any oil-based finish or stain to dry thoroughly before throwing them away because they can cause a fire.)

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Line Garden Containers

Line the bottom of a plant pot with dryer lint to keep soil from spilling out the drainage hole. The lint layer will also act as a blotter, soaking up extra moisture and making it available for the roots later. This container gardening tip is not recommended for cacti, succulents and other plants that like soil on the dry side.

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Soak Up Spills

Keep a jar of dryer lint in the garage to use when you need to soak up oil spills.