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.
Dryer balls are a chemical-free, economical alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets. They are made from either plastic or wool and are used to reduce drying time, decrease static cling, and soften clothes. Unlike other alternatives, dryer balls do not contain any compounds or ions.
Q: How many laundry balls do you 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.
That's right, you use them the same way you would a dryer sheet; just throw in your wet clothes, add your dryer balls, and start the dryer. This is one of the easiest eco-friendly products to transition to because they're just as simple and easy to use as their traditional counterparts.
An easy way of restoring them is to "recharge" your dryer balls by washing them in hot water on a gentle cycle and then dry them in the dryer - or air dry, note that this will take longer. This will regenerate the wool and give the dryer balls a fresh recharge.
Dryer balls can dramatically reduce your drying times (sometimes even by 25%!!), they soften clothes, and, if used correctly, they reduce static in your laundry.
Size of load and dryer performance will determine how many balls you should use. For small to regular-sized loads, 3 balls are sufficient. For large loads, 6-8 balls, and for extra large loads all the way up to 8-12 balls. The more balls you use, the less time it takes to dry.
If the static problem persist when using wool dryer balls, there is an easy fix. Just spray each ball with water until they are slightly wet or damp. Then throw them in the dryer with your clothes. This will help to create steam in the dryer, which in turn helps to reduce static on clothes.
See our roundup of the best dryer balls on the market in the UK for some recommendations. To get the most of them it's best to use at least two per load, with six or more for large loads. You can't really use too many of them, as long as your clothes still have space to move around.
Wool dryers balls typically last for over 1000 loads of laundry and may need to be replaced after two to five years, depending on how often you use them.
On the other hand, if you use them more than once a week, I recommend cleaning them once a month because of the build-up that can occur over time. If you've purchased your wool dryer balls or gotten them as a gift, it's always a good idea to read the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and care.
Tennis balls in the dryer can help improve airflow and speed up the drying time, but they won't completely dry wet clothes on their own. Wool dryer balls are much better than tennis balls.
Get your dryer balls at the ready and let's begin! 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.
Wool Dryer Balls Are Safe To Use
Okay, so this one's already been said by many an expert. But, it bears repeating. Wool dryer balls are Natural, Non-Toxic, and Safe. And for those with sensitive skin (like me), this is a real bonus.
Wool dryer balls can help eliminate these concerns. They reduce static, leave towels fluffier, and don't deposit any build-up. Moreover, the reduced drying time can help your towels last longer by minimizing exposure to heat.
Plastic dryer balls, when heated, emit the harmful chemicals they're made of. They also have a tendency to crack and break over time. Though plastic may cost less and serve as the better option for anyone allergic to wool, wool dryer balls, hands down, are more durable, eco-friendly and quieter.
Reduce drying time – Static cling can occur of you overdry your laundry. The easiest way to avoid this is to reduce the drying time. Safety pin – Add a safety pin to one or a few of the wool dryer balls you are using. As it is made of metal the safety pin helps to diffuse static electricity.
The number of dryer balls you use can be determined by the size of the laundry load you are drying. For small to medium-sized loads, 3 balls should get the job done. For larger loads, you can use 5-7 balls. For extra-large loads, you may want to go as high as 8-12 balls.
The next question many people ask is, “do they damage your dryer?” There is currently only one instance that we have found where they may injure your dryer. There are some older dryers whose inner drum is coated with paint. Those, when hit repeatedly by the dryer balls, will have the paint begin to chip and flake off.
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.
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.
Step one: Wash your wool dryer balls
Lint or fiber build-up on your dryer balls can lead to them being less effective than usual. The best way to address this is by running your dryer balls through the washing machine on a gentle cycle using hot water.
Dryer balls can develop mold if they are not properly cared for. Dryer balls are made of materials that can absorb moisture, which can create an ideal environment for mold growth. To prevent this, it's important to allow them to air dry completely after each use and to store them in a dry place.
A wool dryer ball set saves you money
Over time, the cost of buying liquid fabric softener and conventional dryer sheets on a regular basis really adds up. A bag of six Heritage Park Wool Dryer Balls is good for more than 1,000 washes, and costs far less over time.