Wrinkle-Free Laundry from the Best Wool Dryer Balls

Adding a few wool dryer balls to your laundry for faster drying, fewer wrinkles, and softer fabrics just seems too good to be true. Believe it or not, the simple solution of using dryer balls as a time-saving, eco-friendly fabric softener has proven effective and is gaining popularity.

There are a few things you need to consider when choosing the right dryer balls for successful results. Here, we’ll guide you through how dryer balls work and what you need to consider when buying dryer balls to get maximum results.

Why Use Dryer Balls?

Cost-Effective

Using dryer balls saves you money in two ways: they eliminate the need to purchase liquid softener or dryer sheets, and they also shorten drying time, allowing you to run the dryer at a lower heat for a shorter period, saving on your power bill.

Faster Drying

As the balls toss with your clothing in the dryer, they separate the fabrics to prevent them from clumping and tangling. This way, your clothes dry faster, and the heat spreads evenly across all surface areas.

Eco-Friendly

Dryer balls can be used for more than a year. Some brands even offer a quality guarantee for up to three years. Many versions use organic wool or natural fibers. Ditch the dryer paper waste and get the same benefit from something completely environmentally friendly.

Natural Softener

Besides the time-saving factor, many people purchase dryer balls mainly because they replace chemical softeners. Dryer balls have a softening effect on laundry. Clothes and towels feel great without residue left from chemicals.

Better for Your Machine

Some dryer manufacturers recommend not using dryer sheets to prolong the machine’s efficiency and reduce maintenance. Using dryer balls leaves no residue on your clothing or in the machine, ensuring its efficient long-term lifespan.

Allergen-Free

Unlike liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets, dryer balls are hypoallergenic. Because there are no strong chemicals or perfumes in dryer balls, they are ideal for households with people who have sensitive skin or for drying baby clothing.

Reduces Wrinkles

Many dryer balls are anti-static. Because they spread the clothes out more during drying, they also reduce wrinkles. Just make sure to fold or hang your clothes straight out of the dryer while they are warm to keep them wrinkle-free.

Easy to use

Simply toss the balls into the dryer with your load. That’s all it takes to get fluffier, wrinkle-free, and softer laundry.

Features to Keep in Mind When Buying Dryer Balls

Material

Dryer balls come in two main varieties. They are either made from wool or plastic.

Wool dryer balls are environmentally friendly, extremely durable, and less noisy than plastic balls. They are also ideal for adding fragrance to your laundry by sprinkling them with a few drops of essential oil. Some wool dryer balls do release tiny fibers that may require a lint roller after drying.

Plastic dryer balls don’t leave behind fibers and are very durable. However, they aren’t quite as environmentally friendly as natural wool balls and are also somewhat noisy in the dryer.

Color

Natural colored wool dryer balls are best as there is no chance of the color leaking out onto lighter materials. Opt for white or natural non-bleached wool. If you use black balls, keep them for use with dark color clothing only.

Number of Dryer Balls

Dryer balls generally come in a pack of six. However, some manufacturers offer a choice in the number you want to purchase. Dryer balls are available in different sizes. If you are using extra-large balls, small to medium loads only require three balls. Larger loads will need four to six balls.

Cost

Dryer balls can cost anything from $7 to $30 for a pack of six. Wool balls tend to be a little more expensive than plastic ones. Pricier balls sometimes offer a quality guarantee for durability. In the long run, you will still be saving on fabric softeners and machine running time.

Dryer Ball FAQ

Q: How long will dryer balls last?

A: Good quality dryer balls last a few years. Most wool ball brands advertise their product to be effective up to 1,000 cycles.

Q: When should you replace dryer balls?

A: Dryer balls need to be replaced when the wool starts to unravel and they no longer work as effectively. Plastic balls may crack, which is definitely a sign that they should to be replaced.

Q: Why do my new wool dryer balls smell?

A: When you purchase wool dryer balls they may smell strange when you open the packet. The strong sheep smell is an indication that 100% unbleached wool has been used. However, you probably do not want your clothes to smell like this. Toss the balls with a damp towel in the dryer and run them through a hot cycle. If this doesn’t get rid of the smell, run them through a hot water wash and a drying cycle.

Q: How do you use essential oils with wool dryer balls without getting spots on your clothes?

A: If you miss the fragrant smell of liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets, simply drizzle a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the balls. To prevent it from leaving spots on your clothes, make sure to let the balls sit for an hour after sprinkling with oil before using the scented balls in the dryer.

Q: Do wool dryer balls leave lint on clothes?

A: Brand new balls can leave lint on clothes, but this should stop after a few cycles. Running the balls through a drying cycle with some towels should fix the problem. Wool dryer balls should pick the lint up from your clothing. You can clean the balls with a sweater shaver at any time to keep them working effectively.

If the balls are still leaving lint on your clothes after a while, it could be a quality issue. You may want to try another brand for your next purchase.

Q: How can I stop dryer balls from being noisy?

A: Wool dryer balls are generally a little quieter than plastic balls, but either way, you will still hear them bouncing around the machine. Layer the balls in the laundry instead of just throwing them on top to try and reduce a bit of the noise.