Can you use dryer balls and dryer sheets together?

Author: Mr. Javier Durgan V  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Can you use dryer balls and dryer sheets together? Using dryer balls and dryer sheets together is possible and can bring positive results. It can help you save time and naturally soften the clothes. It may lead to a stronger scent and increased chemical exposure.

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 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?

What is better, dryer sheets or balls?

When it comes down to it, making the choice between dryer sheets and dryer balls has more to do with your environmental footprint than anything else. 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.

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.

Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets-What We Recommend

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 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 you use both dryer sheets and dryer balls?

After all, they serve a relatively similar function. But their differences could make it ideal to use both together, rather than one or the other. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to use both because dryer sheets offer a consistent smell and no static cling.

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.

How to make 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.

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.

What is the proper way to use dryer balls?

HOW TO USE DRYER BALLS. 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.

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.

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?

A dryer ball is a spherical object usually made from wool, sometimes from rubber, used as an alternative to single-use dryer sheets to help prevent clumping and wrinkling and to 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.

Will dryer balls damage my 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.

Can you use dryer balls with towels?

Let's Talk Towels: Dryer Balls Are Great for Your Bath Linens. Wool dryer balls are wonderful for everyday drying of clothes and sheets (cotton and synthetic fabrics, but NEVER silk, which is too delicate), but they're an absolute must-have for drying towels and bath mats.

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 use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets?

"Dryer balls are generally a better option for those with sensitive skin, as they don't contain the chemicals or fragrances often found in dryer sheets that can potentially irritate sensitive skin, making them a hypoallergenic choice for laundry care," explains Cohoon.

How often should I change dryer balls?

Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines, but most wool dryer balls can be used for 1,000 loads of laundry before they need to be replaced. Depending on the size of your family, that is two to five years of laundry. The dryer balls can also be recharged to extend their usefulness a bit longer.

How do I recharge my wool dryer balls?

Step 1: Place your fluff and tumble dryer balls into a sock. Step 2: Run through a hot wash cycle with detergent. Step 3: Remove from sock and toss in the dryer on the highest heat setting! This is the method I try to use every few months!

Which is better, liquid fabric softener or sheet?

If you're looking for ease and combating static cling, dryer sheets might be the way to go. But if you want an all-around softening experience and are mindful of long-term costs, fabric softeners could be your best bet.

How many plastic dryer balls per load?

For a small to medium load, 3-4 balls should suffice. For larger or heavier loads, such as towels or bedding, 5-6 balls will help distribute the load more evenly and improve drying efficiency.

Why are my clothes still static with wool dryer balls?

Reduce the heat setting or take out your clothes ahead of time. If your clothes are already dry, it's creating more static to leave them in the heat. Wet one of your dryer balls and add it back into the dryer for a few minutes. This adds moisture back to the clothes to reduce electricity.

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