Are you supposed to wet dryer balls?

Author: Jordi Hessel  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Disperse your dryer balls evenly among a load of laundry before starting your cycle. If you have an especially large load, add another dryer ball. If you are having difficulty with static build-up, lightly spray wool dryer balls with water prior to including them.

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.

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 one time?

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.

How often do you refresh dryer balls?

Our recommendation is to recharge them once every 100 loads. If we keep in mind that wool dryer balls usually last around 1,000 loads, it means you'll need to refresh them 10 times.

Will 30 Wool Dryer Balls Dry Your Clothes Faster?

How do you reactivate dryer balls?

To refresh your wool dryer balls, simply place them in a lingerie bag or pillowcase and wash them with a load of laundry in warm water.

What is the life expectancy of a dryer ball?

Wool dryer balls can be used over 1,000 times and you may need to replace them after two to five years depending on your laundry needs. For example, if you do one load every week, your wool dryer balls can last for almost 20 years. Likewise, if you do 20 large loads a week, you can use dryer balls for about a year.

Which dryer balls are better, wool or rubber?

Wool dryer balls are heavier than plastic dryer balls, so they do a better job of breaking up our laundry. They're also absorbent, so they wick moisture away from garments better than their plastic equivalents. Wool dryer balls are preferred over plastic dryer balls by many people because they dry laundry faster.

How do you know when dryer balls are done?

Wool dryer balls are expected to last 1,000 or more loads if properly cared for, says Poepping. How do you know when your wool dryer balls are done? Wool dryer balls should be replaced when you notice the outer layer of felt has started to come apart.

Can you use a dryer sheet with dryer balls?

Dryer balls help your laundry dry faster, while dryer sheets infuse luxurious scents and add an extra layer of softness to your fabrics. Not to mention they both fight static and reduce wrinkles. Just toss them in together and when the dry cycle is done you'll be able to smell and feel the magic.

Do dryer balls cause more lint?

3. They help reduce lint. When you use high-quality dryer balls made from wool they will help reduce the amount of lint on your laundry items. This is because the balls help to keep your laundry items separate during the drying cycle which reduces friction and as a result creates less lint.

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.

Do dryer balls help with smell?

Wool dryer balls on their own are odorless and will not make clothes smell. In fact, they can help absorb odors and freshen laundry. However, scented laundry balls infused with essential oils will impart some fragrance.

Are dryer balls better than sheets?

Wool dryer balls are made of all-natural products, last longer than dryer sheets, and are compostable when they're no longer being used in your laundry routine. They cut down on the amount of electricity you'll be using and don't contain harmful additives or single-use packaging.

How do I make my dryer balls smell good?

I pick my favorite oil (Geranium) and inject it into my dryer balls. Yes, I use a syringe. That way the oil doesn't get on my clothes. After injecting, I let the balls stand for a day or two just so that the oils can disperse around and I have extra balls too.

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.

How do you activate dryer balls?

Step 1: Toss your dryer balls in the dryer with your wet washing. Dryer balls need space to bounce around and circulate air, so never stuff the machine too full. Step 2: Shut the dryer door and start the drying cycle. Step 3: Keep an eye on the laundry as the drying time will be shorter than you're used to.

How often should you wash dryer balls?

For households that do laundry less frequently or use the balls in every other load, cleaning the dryer balls every few months or even once a season may be sufficient. In homes where the dryer is in constant use, or if the balls are used for heavy, dirty loads regularly, a monthly cleaning might be more appropriate.

Do dryer balls make clothes dry slower?

Why use wool dryer balls? Depending on the make and model of your dryer, they decrease drying time by 30 to 50 per cent, saving energy and money. Decreased wrinkles = less time ironing! No static.

How many dryer balls should I use per load?

A: I usually use 6 balls for an average load of laundry however I have used as few as 3 or 4 balls with regular clothing, socks, underwear, etc and still noticed a significantly reduced drying time.

Can dryer balls damage the dryer?

Not only are these types of dryer balls dangerous to your health, they are toxic to the environment as well. Additionally, the harsh tumbling action of rubber, plastic, and tennis balls may damage your dryer's sensitive electronic sensors. Finally, some of these types of balls may melt slightly and stain your laundry.

Are dryer balls worthwhile?

They're a little, inexpensive addition to your laundry cycle that goes a long way. They cut down on dry time, save some money on washes and even get rid of clingy pet hair that just won't budge. “Wool dryer balls can soften linens, reduce static cling, increase fluff and eliminate wrinkles,” Amy says.

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.

Are dryer balls a fire hazard?

Dryer balls are great and help reduce static and drying time but you should be careful when adding essential oils to them since it's a potential fire risk!

Why do dryer balls stop working?

Dryer balls can lose their effectiveness over time as they become worn and covered with hair and debris. However, they can be easily cleaned and recharged to extend their usefulness.

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