Wool dryer balls work like dryer sheets. Made from 100% natural wool, dryer balls are designed to reduce static and soften the fabric. They also speed up drying time by boosting the airflow in the dryer.
Simply toss them into your dryer with your laundry, and they work their magic! The main thing that sets wool dryer balls apart from dryer sheets is that they’re reusable. For eco-conscious people out there, this is good news. They’re a sustainable alternative and are worth the investment.
How Do They Work?
Wool dryer balls work by bouncing around in a dryer with the laundry. As they move around, they create space between your clothes, helping the air circulate more efficiently. Better airflow means lesser drying time, helping you save energy.
Aside from speeding up drying time, wool dryer balls also help reduce static, allowing your clothes and other fabric to soften naturally. This happens as the dryer balls absorb moisture from the clothes during the drying cycle, preventing static cling. Meanwhile, the movement of the dryer balls against fabrics prevents laundry from clumping together, helping fight wrinkles and softening them.
Why Are Wool Dryer Balls Better for the Environment?
Wool dryer balls are safer for the environment than dryer sheets. They are long-lasting and reusable, while dryer sheets are disposable after a single use. Another thing, wool dryer balls are typically made from natural materials. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are often made from synthetic materials that are potentially harmful to the environment.
Using wool dryer balls can make your clothes soft and static-free—but you won’t have to fret about landfill waste or toxic chemicals. Plus, they’re compostable and energy-saving.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re using cruelty- and mulesing-free wool dryer balls.
When to Replace Them
Wool dryer balls typically last for 1,000 or more loads of laundry, which is around 2 to 5 years of use. But if you notice that they are no longer reducing static cling or drying your clothes faster, it may be time to replace them. Plus, if they are starting to unravel or lose their shape, it’s a good indication that they need replacing.
How Many Wool Dryer Balls in Each Load
Depending on the size of your load, anywhere from 3 to 6 balls are recommended. But don’t worry. You can start with a few balls and add more until you achieve the ratio you want.
Are Wool Dryer Balls Worth It?
Yes, wool dryer balls are worth it! We’ve already discussed all the wonderful things they do. But here’s a quick rundown:
- Faster drying times. Wool dryer balls help reduce drying time by up to 25%, saving energy. This is better for the environment and good for your bills, too.
- Cost-effective. Unlike dryer sheets, wool dryer balls aren’t disposable after a single use. They’re reusable and long-lasting.
- Eco-friendly. Wool dryer balls are a natural, chemical-free swap to dryer sheets, making them better for our planet.
- Reduce static cling. The absorbent quality of wool help prevents static cling, making your clothes soft and fresh.
BONUS: Safe for sensitive skin. Wool dryer balls are hypoallergenic and are ideal for those with sensitive skin.