Are dryer balls worth buying?

Author: Dominic Zulauf  |  Last update: Friday, December 26, 2025

Yes! Wool dryer balls can help cut down on drying time and energy costs, allowing you to save money while still getting perfectly dried clothing.

What is the downside to dryer balls?

Cons Of Dryer Balls:

Make a loud noise when drying clothes. Wool can fall off with extended use and move into the lint drawer. Not as effective with large loads of laundry.

How many dryer balls do you use at once?

A: As a rule, the more balls you use the better they work. However, as a guide you really need a minimum of three wool laundry dryer balls for small to medium loads; five for medium to large loads; and up to a dozen for large to huge loads. Q: How long do wool dryer balls last?

Do dryer balls create more lint?

Do wool dryer balls leave lint? Wool dryer balls should not leave any lint on your clothing. If this does occur, it should stop after a few loads or you should try a different brand of dryer balls.

How long do dryer balls usually last?

This means you can use them for years without having to worry about toxic chemicals entering your home or ending up in our landfills! Wool dryers balls typically last for over 1000 loads of laundry and may need to be replaced after two to five years, depending on how often you use them.

Ditch Dryer Sheets: Here’s Why Wool Dryer Balls Are Better

How do I recharge my dryer balls?

How to revive wool dryer balls
  1. Step one: Wash your wool dryer balls. Lint or fiber build-up on your dryer balls can lead to them being less effective than usual. ...
  2. Step two: Dry them on a high heat. ...
  3. Step three: Use them on your next drying cycle.

Do dryer balls need to be cleaned?

They naturally self-clean by collecting lint from your clothes. However, if they start to look scraggly or you notice a decrease in their performance, it's a good sign they need a refresh. A good rule of thumb is to clean them every 1,000 loads or if they become soiled with something specific.

Are plastic or wool dryer balls better?

Wool balls excel in reducing static and softening clothes, while plastic balls are more effective at reducing drying time. From an environmental standpoint, wool balls have a clear advantage. They're made from a renewable resource and are biodegradable, making them a more sustainable choice.

Can I use dryer balls and dryer sheets together?

Yes, you can definitely use dryer balls and dryer sheets together.

What's the point of dryer balls?

Dryer balls are most commonly made of tightly compressed wool, but can also be made of plastic or rubber. They help prevent laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and separating fabric. This action allows warm air to circulate better which can even help reduce drying time.

Can I use tennis balls as dryer balls?

Yes, that's right. One of the most creative hacks for laundry doers everywhere is to throw tennis balls in dryer machines. What does this do? It can prevent clumping of the filling of bulky items (like those mentioned above) AND create more fluff1.

Which dryer balls are best?

  • Best Overall: Grove Co. ...
  • Best Value: Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls at Amazon $13. ...
  • Best Oversized: Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls + Essential Oil at Amazon $22. ...
  • Best for Wrinkles: Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls at Amazon $20. ...
  • Best for Static: Kainga Recka Wool Dryer Balls at Amazon $15. ...
  • Best for Towels: ...
  • Best Plastic:

What is the proper way to use dryer balls?

Place three to four dryer balls inside the dryer drum with wet laundry. Using multiple dryer balls maximizes effectiveness. Also, avoid overloading the dryer. Store the balls in a dry place after the cycle is complete.

Do laundry balls really work?

Although laundry balls are marketed as economical, environmentally friendly alternatives that can reduce water and energy consumption, they have not been demonstrated to be more effective than washing without detergent.

Are dryer sheets bad for your dryer?

Dryer sheets can leave a coating of residue inside your dryer. The residue can get on your dryer's sensors and interfere with its ability to properly dry. Sheets are disposable, that means you have to keep buying them and they create waste that goes into landfills.

Why are dryer balls so loud?

Dryer balls can be quite noisy when you put them in with a load of laundry. This is especially true if you use plastic ones as they will bounce up against the walls of the dryer drum. However, to avoid this happening you can use woolen ones.

Are 4 dryer balls enough?

The number of balls depends on your load size. For small to medium loads, use 3-4 balls. For large to extra-large loads, you can add more if you wish, and use 5-6 balls. Ensure the balls are evenly distributed in the dryer and if you are concerned about static cling, spray them with a bit of water first.

How do I refresh dryer balls?

Pilling may occur over time. You can remove pills, but they actually aid in the drying process. To refresh Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls' static reduction quality, place each dryer ball in a thin sock and run through a hot wash cycle with detergent. Remove from sock and place in dryer on highest heat setting.

What's better, dryer sheets or balls?

Dryer sheets are convenient and add softness and fresh-washed fragrance, while dryer balls are a better choice for the environment since they're made with natural materials and are reusable.

Will dryer balls damage my dryer?

It's a bit disconcerting at first, but keep in mind that wool dryer balls are very light and soft. They're bouncing around in there, but it's unlikely that they're causing any damage. Even plastic and rubber dryer balls won't have an effect on your dryer.

What is the best alternative to wool dryer balls?

Plastic dryer balls can be a bit easier to find in the dryer than wool balls because of the obvious difference in texture, and those who don't care about adding essential oils might prefer them. The best laundry balls made from plastic are the World Market Hedgehog dryer balls.

How many dryer balls per load?

When using the recommended four dryer balls per load, the balls bounce off the dryer drum and into the clothing, says Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home. This action helps the air in the dyer circulate easier, which subsequently prevents pockets of moisture and reduces drying times.

When should you throw out dryer balls?

You might wonder how you will know when you should replace your dryer balls since you are not planning on counting 1,000 loads. The simple answer is you will know it is time to replace your wool dryer balls when they start to look scraggly and pieces of wool start to tear off. Just a quick look is all you need.

Do dryer balls cause lint?

Brown says, “Dryer balls may help reduce the amount of lint in your laundry. Wool dryer balls have the added benefit of helping to keep your laundry items separate while drying them, which reduces friction during the drying process and, as a result, creates less lint.”

Why do my wool dryer balls smell bad?

They don't use harmful chemicals like some single-use dryer sheets, but instead use natural materials (at least the wool kind do). However, like any reusable product, wool dryer balls can deteriorate over time, developing unpleasant odors.

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