There is something wonderful about clothes right out of the dryer, especially in the middle of winter. When we are selecting the most suitable products to use in our laundry, making the switch to reusable dryer balls just makes sense. There are many reasons why switching to wool dryer balls is the way to go. Dryer balls are more eco-friendly than other products like single-use dryer sheets, which are typically filled with harsh chemicals. In addition, dryer balls can be reused over and over again, so they save us money in the long run. Don't miss out on all benefits of wool dryer balls.
How Many Dryer Balls Do We Need?
One of our first questions might be, "How many dryer balls do we need?" How many we need really just comes down to the size of our load of laundry. It just makes sense that the bigger the load, the more dryer balls we will require. For small to medium-sized loads, 3 balls should get the job done. For larger loads, we can use 5-6 balls. For extra-large loads, we may want to use as many as 8–12 balls. It is important to note that we should try not to overload our dryers. This is because while dryer balls are convenient, they need to bounce around in our dryer to work. If there is no space, they will not be able to work effectively.
What Is A Dryer Ball?
What do dryer balls do? Dryer balls are balls most commonly made of tightly compressed wool that we can throw into our dryer in place of dryer sheets. They have been shown to help increase our dryer's drying ability by up to 25%. This means we have to dry our clothes for less time, which both saves electricity and helps keep our clothes looking fresh. Dryer balls typically have a lifespan of about 1,000 uses. This means that, depending on how many loads we do per week, they can last anywhere between two and ten years. This means they can really save us money in the long run compared to other products.
Description
Embrace laundry day, naturally — Our 6 count/100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls are the perfect sustainable alternative to single-use plastic and chemical-filled dryer sheets.
Each year, you'll prevent over 300 wasteful sheets from hitting landfills. Experience a fresh routine that not only pampers your clothes but also helps preserve our planet—one spin at a time.
How Do Dryer Balls Function?
Dryer balls roll around in the dryer, forcing our laundry items apart, when they would otherwise clump together in one big wet mass. In this way, they help increase air circulation around each item in our dryer. This allows clothing to dry more quickly. This is for the same reasons that a pile of wet towels on the floor will take much longer to dry than if the towels are picked up and hung up.
In addition, as dryer balls tumble around in the laundry, they also naturally soften clothes and linens and gently smooth out wrinkles. This means we save time by not needing to bring out our irons as often. And just like how we feel refreshed and relaxed after getting a massage, our clothing is also nice and soft after using dryer balls. We all want nice, soft clothing to come out of our dryers. No one wants to wear scratchy items.
Why Do Dryer Balls Need to Be Recharged on a Regular Basis?
We will want to recharge our wool dryer balls from time to time. This is because wool can become overstressed and lose too much moisture, making it too brittle and less absorbent than it was previously. We will know it’s time to recharge our wool dryer balls when they are either starting to look a touch rough or when we notice they are not helping us achieve the same drying results as before. Don't worry, check out our best tips on how to refresh your wool dryer balls.
How Can We Recharge Dryer Balls?
It is often suggested that every 6 months or so we recharge our dryer balls. This is a fairly simple process. We should first take our wool dryer balls and run them through our clothes washer on the gentle cycle with hot water. Not only will this help clean our dryer balls somewhat by removing some of the lint and fiber buildup they may have accumulated, but it will also rehydrate them. This will make them better at absorbing moisture during drying by rejuvenating over-dried wool fibers.
Next, we can run our dryer balls through our clothes dryer on high heat. While we can throw them in with other clothes, it is best to wash them by themselves. This is because since they are wet, they won’t help the load dry faster. In fact, since they are so waterlogged, they might make the entire load dry slower. It is important to make sure they have completely dried before we use them in a load. Curious if it's safe to use essential oils on dryer balls?
Wool Dryer Balls FAQ
Helping With FAQ For Wool Dryer Balls
How many wool dryer balls do I need for each load?
The number of wool dryer balls you need per load depends on the size of the load and the type of laundry. For a standard load, 3-4 balls are usually sufficient. For larger loads or for laundry that tends to clump together, like bedding or towels, 5-6 balls may be more effective. Using the right number of balls ensures efficient drying and optimal softening.
Can wool dryer balls reduce drying time?
Yes, wool dryer balls can significantly reduce drying time by improving airflow within the dryer, which helps the laundry dry faster. Users often report a reduction in drying time by 10% to 25%, depending on the load size and fabric types. This not only saves time but also energy, making your laundry routine more eco-friendly.
Are wool dryer balls safe for all types of laundry?
Wool dryer balls are safe for most types of laundry, including delicate fabrics. They are chemical-free and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. However, because they work by physically moving and separating the laundry, extremely delicate items might be better air-dried or dried with caution.
Do wool dryer balls eliminate static cling?
Wool dryer balls can significantly reduce static cling by minimizing the contact between clothing items in the dryer, which is often the cause of static. For best results, ensure not to over-dry clothes, as extremely dry air can increase static. Sprinkling a few drops of water on the wool dryer balls or slightly dampening them can also help in reducing static.
Can I add fragrance to my laundry using wool dryer balls?
Absolutely! You can naturally scent your laundry by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the wool dryer balls. Let the oil soak into the ball for about 20 minutes before placing them in the dryer to avoid direct oil contact with your clothes. This method provides a customizable, chemical-free fragrance to your laundry.
Can using wool dryer balls save me money?
Yes, by reducing drying times, wool dryer balls save on electricity or gas costs associated with running your dryer. Additionally, since they are reusable for up to a thousand loads, they offer significant savings over the cost of buying disposable dryer sheets or fabric softener.
Do wool dryer balls cause noise in the dryer?
While wool dryer balls do make a soft thumping sound as they bounce around in the dryer, most users find the noise to be minimal and not disruptive. The sound is considerably less than plastic dryer balls or other alternatives. Placing a towel in the dryer with the balls can further dampen the noise.
How do wool dryer balls compare to plastic or rubber dryer balls?
Wool dryer balls are a more natural option compared to plastic or rubber dryer balls. They don't release any harmful chemicals during the drying process, making them safer for your family and the environment. Wool balls are also quieter and more durable over time, and they can naturally absorb moisture, which can further reduce drying time.
What's Best for Laundry?
Explore the comparison between dryer balls and dryer sheets, evaluating their efficiency, fabric care, and environmental impact. Learn which is best for your laundry routine.
Reviving Dryer Balls
Discover the simple steps to refresh your wool dryer balls, ensuring they continue to efficiently soften and dry your laundry. Learn how to keep your wool dryer balls at their best with minimal effort.
Natural Essential Oils
Unveil the secrets to infusing your laundry with natural fragrances using essential oils on dryer balls. Elevate your drying experience with eco-friendly aromas that delight the senses.
Essential Oils
