How to Use Wool Dryer Balls, and Why You Should
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When it comes to laundry, there are so many products and tools that you could try, with each offering different benefits and uses. It can be difficult to know exactly which ones are worth investing in and implementing into your laundry routine, and which ones are simply not worth the time or effort.
This is especially true when it comes to drying your clothes. Should you use dryer sheets? Or is fabric softener enough? Can the two be used in conjunction with one another? Or should you bypass both and go for the DIY aluminum ball trick? You’re likely to receive different advice depending on who you ask, but here, we’re going to discuss our personal favorite natural and eco-friendly laundry drying tool which is Wool Dryer Balls; and specifically how to use Wool Dryer Balls.
Wool Dryer Balls make a great addition to your laundry routine, potentially saving you time, money, and energy and leaving your laundry feeling soft, fresh, and fluffy. They have numerous benefits and uses, all of which we are going to cover here.
We’re going to tell you what makes Wool Dryer Balls so great and why you should consider including them in your next laundry cycle. We’re confident that once you have given Wool Dryer Balls a try, they will become a staple item within your regular laundry routine, making each cycle significantly more efficient and effective.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Moonbrook Wool Dryer Balls
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | SnugPad Wool Dryer Balls
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
What Are Wool Dryer Balls and What Do They Do?
Wool Dryer Balls are designed to be used as an alternative to regular dryer sheets that often have harmful and unnecessary chemicals. They are typically roughly the same size as a tennis ball and are made from super soft wool yarn. They should be used in your dryer with each laundry load and can be reused multiple times.
By bouncing around in your dryer amongst your laundry, the wool dryer balls work to prevent the items of clothing from sticking together, meaning more warm air can circulate freely within the dryer. They will also absorb excess moisture and agitate the fibers in your clothing or linens; speeding up the drying process and leaving your laundry feeling super soft and fluffy.
Related: 9 of the Best Dryer Sheet Substitutes: Non-Toxic Alternatives
Organic Wool Dryer Balls
How to Use Wool Dryer Balls
Using a wool dryer ball is really simple, just toss it into your dryer along with your laundry and let it do its thing. It is best to use wool dryer balls in a dryer that isn’t crammed full, so use with a light to medium load for the best results.
You can use multiple dryer balls in one load if you wish, typically, we would recommend using three large dryer balls for a medium load of laundry. For bedsheets and towels or other large, dense items, you could use up to six Wool Dryer Balls.
Be sure to check in on your laundry load periodically to prevent over-drying since the dryer balls will reduce the dry time.
Related: Can You Add Essential Oils to Laundry?
The Benefits of Using Wool Dryer Balls
The main benefit of using Wool Dryer Balls is the reduced drying time. By speeding up the time it takes for your laundry to dry, you can save a substantial amount of money and energy. This also reduces the chances of your laundry remaining damp for too long which could lead to unpleasant smells or mildew and mold growth.
Wool Dryer Balls also dramatically reduce static within your laundry. They’re cost-effective and eco-friendly, made using all-natural ingredients, and lasting considerably longer than regular dryer sheets or other alternatives.
Most wool dryer balls can be composted and don’t contain any toxic ingredients or synthetic chemicals. Check out our post 6 Benefits of Wool Dryer Balls to learn more about the benefits of switching to wool dryer balls in your laundry routine.
SnugPad Wool Dryer Balls XL Size 6 Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Wool Dryer Balls Last?
If used and maintained properly, one wool dryer ball can last for as many as 1000 uses. This makes them super cost-effective and means there is no need for frequent repurchasing.
When it is time to replace your wool dryer balls, you will probably see some telltale signs such as unraveling or loss of fibers. You might also notice that the dryer balls begin to leave some lint residue on your clothes or laundry items.
With that being said, if you feel that your dryer balls should have a little more life left in them yet, you can also try recharging or refreshing them before replacing them. To do this, hand wash the dryer balls using warm water and some gentle soap and then run them through your dryer until they are thoroughly dried. If your wool dryer ball has lint buildup on its surface, you can remove this gently with a shaving razor or lint roller.
If your Wool Dryer Ball is truly past its best and has reached the point where no amount of recharging is going to restore its effectiveness, you could still put it to good use in other areas of the home before simply toss it out for composting. For example, you could use your old wool dryer ball as a natural air freshener in your home or in drawers or closets by adding a few drops of essential oil to them.
Are Wool Dryer Balls Better Than Dryer Sheets?
Store-bought dryer sheets tend to use synthetic fragrances and chemicals that could be irritating to your skin and harmful to you, anyone else in your household, and the environment. You can make your own dryer sheets using natural essential oils, but they won’t work in the same way that Wool Dryer Balls do to reduce drying time and eliminate static.
Dryer sheets are also typically single-use, meaning they are much less eco-friendly and cost-effective than Wool Dryer Balls.
Are Wool Dryer Balls Better Than Plastic Dryer Balls?
Plastic Dryer Balls will work to decrease drying time, much like Wool Dryer Balls, but they won’t reduce static and can also be very noisy. Plastic dryer balls are also much less eco-friendly, given that they are made from plastic.
Plastic Dryer Balls won’t leave lint fibers or debris on your laundry but they also won’t leave it as fluffy and soft as Wool Dryer Balls. Overall, you will definitely get more benefits from using a Wool Dryer Ball over a plastic one.
Can I Add Fragrances to the Dryer Balls?
Yes! If you love that freshly washed scent that comes with many dryer sheets or fabric conditioners, there is a way you can achieve this with your Wool Dryer Balls, and without any synthetic or toxic fragrances.
Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oils directly onto the dryer ball, or alternatively, dilute your essential oils in some lukewarm water and then saturate the entire ball in the water. You will need to then allow the dryer ball to dry out thoroughly before using it again. This is to prevent any oil marks on your laundry and to ensure the scent is released slowly throughout the cycle, leaving your laundry smelling and feeling fresh and clean.
It is important to be aware that adding too much essential oil to your dryer balls could result in a dryer fire since some essential oils do pose a fire risk.
For this reason, we recommend having separate sets of scented and non-scented dryer balls. Use your non-scented balls in your regular dry cycle and then swap them out for the scented dryer balls once the laundry is thoroughly dry. Only use the essential-oil infused balls on the air dry or cool dry setting, so there is no heat and no risk of fire.
Could They Damage My Dryer?
Wool Dryer Balls will not cause any damage to your dryer. They are safe to use and actually improve the efficiency of the machine by reducing dry times and preventing static.
Dryer balls should be used in smaller laundry loads, which means you are less likely to overload your dryer when using them. Overloading your dryer is a common cause of motor failure and other dryer issues.
Wool Dryer Balls are also super soft so they won’t damage the drum of your dryer.
Related: The Best Septic Safe Laundry Detergents (Liquid, Powder, Pods, & More)
Final Thoughts on How to Use Wool Dryer Balls
Wool Dryer Balls are a great, eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to synthetic dryer sheets and other softeners. As well as a perfect companion to any chemical-free laundry detergent in your laundry routine.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice  | Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Excellent Value  | Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Planet 2x HE Ultra Laundry Liquid Detergent
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Wool Dryer Balls are completely natural and can be tailored to suit your own preferences when it comes to scent. They last an incredibly long time if used appropriately and could save you a considerable amount of money on your energy bill each month thanks to their ability to reduce drying times considerably. They contain no nasty toxic ingredients and are compostable or reusable in other areas of the home.
All in all, now that you know how to use Wool Dryer Balls, they should be a staple item within your laundry routine, leaving your laundry feeling, smelling, and looking fresh, clean, and fluffy after each cycle.