Can you use both dryer sheets and dryer balls?

Author: Mr. Flavio Kirlin PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

You can use fabric softener sheets with wool dryer balls if desired. However, fabric softener sheets may reduce the effectiveness of the wool dryer balls. Fabric softener sheets add a coating to the fabric, which can hinder the ability of the dryer balls to fluff and separate the laundry.

Can I use dryer balls and dryer sheets together?

Google searches show multiple LG reps confirming that dryer sheets are fine to use in combo units. Along with wool dryer balls, or even silicon dryer balls.

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.

What should you not use dryer sheets with?

Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.

How many dryer balls for a full load?

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.

Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets-What We Recommend

Can you use too many dryer balls?

Can You Use Too Many Dryer Balls? Wool dryer balls are safe for most types of fabric, so it's usually fine to use more than the suggested number of dryer balls per load. However, keep in mind that using extra dryer balls can make your clothes dry faster than normal.

Are dryer balls better than dryer 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.

Why you should stop using dryer sheets immediately?

As mentioned, dryer sheets can lead to residue buildup in the interior and vents of your dryer over time, which may pose issues like: Reduced airflow and ventilation. Overheating. Longer drying times.

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.

What bugs are repelled by dryer sheets?

Other university studies demonstrate the effectiveness of dryer sheets to repel certain insects, including mites, food-infesting beetles, German cockroaches and weevils. These studies, however, do not show any significant impact as a mosquito repellent.

Are you supposed to wet dryer balls?

While dryer balls don't eliminate static completely, as some dryer sheets do, dryer balls create a noticeable improvement from drying alone. For added effect, you can spray wool dryer balls with a bit of water to make them slightly damp before placing them in the dryer cycle.

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.

Should you dry towels with dryer balls?

Wool dryer balls can help eliminate these concerns. They reduce static, leave towels fluffier, and don't deposit any build-up.

Is it bad to put too many dryer sheets in the dryer?

Polich says for optimal results, don't overload your machine. “This is a very common mistake, and it can lead to uneven drying and stiff fabrics,” she explains.

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.

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.

What to use if you don't have dryer balls?

Here are some alternatives to using tennis balls in the dryer:
  • Smart Sheep wool dryer balls.
  • DIY wool balls.
  • Sheets of foil.
  • Stuffed animals.
  • T-shirt tied into a ball.
  • Plastic dryer balls.
  • Sock balls.

What type of dryer balls are best?

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

Why we should not dry clothes at night?

Do not leave laundry outside at night as it risks humidity and bad odors. Better to spread it out during the day for good drying in the air fresh.

Do dryer balls damage clothes?

People worry that dryer balls will damage fabric fibers by snagging and tearing them. People also worry that dryer balls contribute to pilling by abrading natural fibers by bouncing around in the dryer drum. While plastic dryer balls can form jagged edges that snag or tear laundry, wool dryer balls are safe to use.

Can you use dryer balls and sheets together?

Using dryer balls and dryer sheets together is possible and can bring positive results.

How many dryer balls should I use per load?

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?

Should I use plastic or wool dryer balls?

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.

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