Why do people put balls in their laundry?

Author: Ilene Rodriguez PhD  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

The Role of Laundry Dryer Balls in Your Drying Cycle Laundry dryer balls work by tumbling between layers of material and separating the fabric so warm air can flow through it more easily. Wool dryer balls, in particular, absorb heat from the dryer and moisture from the fabric to help separate the items even faster.

What is the point of laundry 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.

Why do people put balls in the washing machine?

The hundreds of ceramic balls inside the rubbery ball increase the pH level of the water when they move around in the washer. They help reduce negative ions in the water, creating a natural Hydrogen Peroxide type effect, which adheres to dirt to keep the clothes cleaner and fresher during the wash.

What is the purpose of washing balls?

Washing machine balls help to remove stains from clothes, reducing the need for pre-treatment.

What is the purpose of putting tennis balls in the dryer?

Tennis balls can provide some benefits like separating clothes, softening fabrics, speeding up drying time, and reducing static electricity. However, tennis balls also have downsides like leaving lint/residue behind and causing potential damage to clothes and dryers long-term.

3 Reasons to Switch to Wool Dryer Balls

Are laundry balls any good?

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.

Why do people put tennis balls in the washing machine?

If we start the washing machine with a couple of tennis balls, they will also allow us, as if by magic, that our casting drys faster. The explanation is simple: the balls allow the air to flow with greater freedom between our garments.

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.

Why put aluminum foil balls in washer?

While the washing machine is spinning and doing its job, balls of foil will do wonders. Aluminum foil will act as natural emollient, which will add exceptional softness to clothes, reduce wrinkles and prevent the accumulation of static electricity in the machine.

Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets?

You may pay a bit more upfront for a dryer ball, but you'll save on lots of boxes of dryer sheets in the long run. "Dryer balls are more cost-effective as they are reusable and help dry your clothes quicker," says Busch.

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 you do with laundry balls?

10 Eco-friendly ways to give a new life to old dryer balls
  1. Compost. ...
  2. Pet toys. ...
  3. Fabric fresheners. ...
  4. Air fresheners. ...
  5. Pin cushions. ...
  6. Crafting. ...
  7. Playtime. ...
  8. Therapy balls.

Can you use laundry balls with detergent?

Can the laundry ball be used with laundry detergents? Although this is not necessary, yes it can. This will not affect the laundry ball. In fact, whenever you use any laundry-cleaning product with the laundry ball, it increases the activity and function of these products.

How many laundry balls to use in a washing machine?

6-10 balls are ideal for a wash weighing around 5 kilograms.

Do you need laundry balls?

When used correctly, wool dryer balls have many benefits. The increased airflow reduces drying times, softens clothes, and limits wrinkles and static cling.

Why do people use laundry balls?

A dryer ball is a ball — typically made of compressed wool or plastic (in our case wool) — that you can throw into your dryer to help reduce static, add softness and speed up the drying cycle of your load of laundry.

Why do you put ice cubes in your washing machine?

You may have heard of people filling their washing machines with ice during storm prep. Some swear that it's a convenient way to repurpose your washing machine into a cooler to keep food and drinks from spoiling when the power goes out.

Can you use tennis balls instead of 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 stink?

Over time, wool dryer balls can start to hold onto odors from laundry detergents, fabric softeners (if you're transitioning from conventional products), or even mildew if they've been stored improperly while damp. Any unpleasant smells emanating from the balls are a sure sign they need to be refreshed.

Do laundry balls help with lint?

They help reduce lint

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.

What kind 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 dry pillows with tennis balls?

According to Masters, the true beauty of using a tennis ball is that they're made to bounce. “The ball will bounce inside the drum and essentially beat out the lumps in your pillow, returning them to their former, fluffy glory,” she explains.

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.

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