Do dryer balls get old?

Author: Corine Zboncak  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Very very slowly, over time, your dryer balls will pill and shrink. When they start to get too small to be effective, that is when you'll want to buy new balls. It won't happen overnight and your balls will still work, just not as well. You should be good for at least 2 years though and probably more.

How long do dryer balls last?

How Long Do Dryer Balls Last? Part of the reason dryer balls are so eco-friendly is that they're reusable. They last for up to 1,000 washes, which works out to almost 10 years if you do your laundry twice a week. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are a single-use product.

How do I know when my dryer balls need to be replaced?

You'll know it's time to replace them when you notice the wool starting to shed or peel away from the ball. Additionally, the ball itself will become significantly misshappen to the point that using one of the recharging methods below can't reverse it.

How to know when to throw out dryer balls?

How long do wool dryer balls last? You will want to replace wool dryer balls approximately every 1000 loads. If your dryer balls start to look scraggly or fall apart, it is time for a new set. It is also nice to have multiple sets of these wool balls on hand.

Do wool dryer balls lose their effectiveness?

Wool dryer balls can last for a long time, but over time, their effectiveness may diminish. The wool fibers may become compacted or lose their shape, reducing their ability to separate and fluff the laundry. You can extend their lifespan by periodically running them through the washer.

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How to rejuvenate wool 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. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to infuse a pleasant scent if desired. After washing, allow them to air dry thoroughly.

How many wool balls to put in a dryer?

Add 3-6 wool dryer balls to your dryer before starting a cycle. 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.

What are the downsides of 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 can I do with old wool dryer balls?

If they do happen to chew them up, the balls can still be composted! Retired dryer balls make wonderful fabric fresheners and can be used to scent dry items. Since they don't get placed in the dryer's heat, smells will actually last longer. Your Eco Dryer Balls can be charged with whatever essential oil you'd like.

Are you supposed to wet 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 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.

Are wool or plastic 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.

How long do dryers last?

Clothes dryers typically last for about 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been around for nearly a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Ancient dryers should get the boot, as older machines can actually cost you more money. Newer, certified models use less energy, helping you save on costs.

How do you know when dryer balls need to be replaced?

Very very slowly, over time, your dryer balls will pill and shrink. When they start to get too small to be effective, that is when you'll want to buy new balls.

Is 2 dryer balls enough?

For a small dryer clothes load, 2-3 balls will do. However, for medium loads you may want to throw in about 3-4, and for large loads, 5-6 dryer balls. These figures ensure your wool dryer balls absorb enough excess moisture to effectively limit static, improve the drying process, and reduce drying time.

Can you put essential oils on dryer balls?

Transform ordinary laundry into a luxurious aromatherapy experience with essential oil-infused wool dryer balls. Just apply a few drops of a pure, high-quality essential oil right onto the wool. The heat will disperse the oil, infusing your clothes with delightful fragrance.

Can you reactivate wool dryer balls?

The best way to address this is by running your dryer balls through the washing machine on a gentle cycle using hot water.

Do wool dryer balls ever wear out?

Wool dryer balls naturally lose their loft and shape over time. Regularly recharging them every 1-2 months revives their fluffiness, so they remain effective. Recharging helps wool dryer balls maintain their ability to softly circulate air, separate laundry, decrease drying time, and eliminate static.

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.

Can dryer balls damage the dryer?

Even plastic and rubber dryer balls won't have an effect on your dryer. Most manufacturers are careful to note the weight of each dryer ball and the material it's made of. That being said, most loads of laundry don't need more than 2-3 dryer balls at a time.

Do wool dryer balls cause more lint?

Our wool dryer balls represent real savings over time. Gathering lint. Our wool dryer balls do gather lint which is a good thing, as it keeps that lint off your clothing and linens. We recommend purchasing two sets of dryer balls; dedicate one to light-colored laundry and the other to darks.

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.

Can you use dryer balls in a gas dryer?

It's okay to use dryer balls in both gas and electric dryers.

Do dryer balls reduce wrinkles?

They're just as effective as my trusted dryer sheets

My clothes came out static- and wrinkle-free and just as soft as they felt after a turn with my regular dryer sheets.

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