Balls matter. And save money.
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If you’ve ever wondered what those are, and why all of a sudden (or not!) you’re not alone. These seemingly simple tools are revolutionizing the way we do laundry.
What Do They Actually Do?
Dryer balls work by tumbling through your laundry, creating space between fabrics. This action allows hot air to circulate more efficiently, reducing drying time. They also help to soften clothes naturally and reduce wrinkles by preventing fabrics from clumping together. Additionally, they can help eliminate static cling and prevent lint buildup.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
Made from materials like wool, rubber, or plastic, dryer balls are reusable and can last for hundreds of loads. By reducing drying time, they also help save energy and lower utility bills. Plus, they eliminate the need for single-use dryer sheets, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
How to Use Them
Simply toss 3–6 dryer balls into your dryer along with your wet laundry. For larger loads, you might need more balls to achieve optimal results. If you’re dealing with particularly wrinkled clothes, consider adding a damp washcloth to the load to help reduce wrinkles.
There are Different Types
- Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls: Known for their affordability and effectiveness, these wool dryer balls are a popular choice among users.
- Friendsheep Eco Dryer Balls: Made from organic New Zealand wool, these dryer balls are a sustainable option for eco-conscious consumers.
- LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls: These dryer balls are designed to last longer and are made from 100% wool, ensuring durability and performance.
- Dryer Balls by The Good Home Co.: Infused with a pleasant scent, these dryer balls not only soften clothes but also leave them smelling fresh.
- Ecoigy Wool Dryer Balls: These dryer balls are made from recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
The Perfect Gift
Looking for a practical and thoughtful gift? Dryer balls make an excellent choice. They’re affordable, eco-friendly, and suitable for anyone who does laundry. Plus, they come in various materials and designs to suit different preferences.
The quick comparison:
How They Work
- Space creation: By bouncing around, they separate clothes so hot air can circulate better.
- Softening: They naturally fluff fabrics without chemicals.
- Static & lint control: Fewer sparks and lint-covered shirts.
- Energy saving: Faster drying = lower electricity bills.
How to Care for Dryer Balls
- Cleaning: Toss wool dryer balls in warm water with mild soap every few months. Plastic ones can usually just be wiped down.
- Fluffing: Occasionally “refresh” wool balls by tossing them in a warm dryer for 10 minutes to keep them soft and bouncy.
- Avoid fabric softeners: These can coat wool balls and reduce their effectiveness.
How Long Do They Last?
- Wool balls: About 1,000 loads (roughly 3–5 years if you do laundry a few times a week).
- Plastic balls: Usually a bit longer, sometimes 5–10 years depending on quality.
- Tip: Once they start losing shape or getting crunchy, it’s time to replace them.
Can They Be Used on Any Fabric?
- Yes! Wool or plastic dryer balls are safe on most fabrics: cotton, polyester, flannel, towels, bedding, and even delicates (just use a low heat setting).
- Avoid extremely delicate fabrics like silk or lace unless your balls are extra soft.
Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets
| Feature | Dryer Balls | Dryer Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical-free | ✅ | ❌ |
| Reusable | ✅ | ❌ |
| Eco-friendly | ✅ | ❌ |
| Softening | ✅ | ✅ |
| Static reduction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Longevity | 1,000+ loads | 1 load per sheet |
TL;DR: Dryer balls are reusable, chemical-free, and eco-friendly. Dryer sheets smell nice but are single-use and full of chemicals.
Why People Love Them
- Eco-conscious laundry warriors: Save money, energy, and reduce waste.
- No more “crunchy” towels: Naturally fluffier laundry.
- Time-savers: Less drying time means less waiting around staring at the dryer.
- Fun factor: They’re oddly satisfying to watch bounce around in the dryer.
🎁 The Perfect Gift
Dryer balls are cheap, useful, and just weird enough to make people go “wow, why didn’t I think of that?” Perfect for friends, family, college students, or literally anyone who owns a dryer.
Top Dryer Balls to Consider
Here are some highly-rated dryer balls on Amazon:
Friendship woold dryer balls, organic, reusable
Promising review: “Oh my god. I swear I have bought these 6 packs of dryer balls at least 5 times. I first bought a pack for myself at least 3 years ago and they are still going strong and in use to this day despite being used at least 3 or 4 times a week. Not to mention how gorgeous they are and how they continue to be gorgeous all this time later.” – Lacey A.
Owl & Friends XL reusable wool dryer balls, 6 pack
Made from 100% organic New Zealand wool (basically the cashmere of laundry), they soften clothes, kick static to the curb, and cut drying time like a boss. No chemicals, no plastic, no fake “spring meadow” scent that smells like a headache.
Promising review: “I absolutely hate static cling, so I used to use the dryer sheets. One day my wife bought some dryer wool balls “just to try them out”. They work great! No more static cling, and they soften. I don’t want my family or friends to use the sheets anymore, so I’ve bought these for them. They are a little more expensive, but the dog lovers think they are very cute, and they will last a very long time, if not forever.” – Bryan M
Smart sheep wool dryer balls XL, 6 packs
Promising review: “I was pleasantly surprised by these! I placed two in the dryer and used the “high” setting to dry four large, thick cotton towels. They dried more quickly than usual and were incredibly soft and fluffy! I also used them with my t-shirts. There was a noticeable difference in the amount of pet and human hair on the shirts. They, too, came out soft and fluffy. No residue on my clothing or towels.” –
CLaDuc
Reusable plastic anti static dryer balls, 6 pack
If wool isn’t your vibe, these spiky plastic bad boys mean business. They tumble around like tiny massage balls for your laundry, breaking up clumps, speeding up drying time, and fluffing everything without shedding a single fiber. They look like pet toys (they’ll love these) but will make your towels softer than ever—and last basically forever. (And sometimes they dub as foot massage tools).
Promising review: “I’ve used dryer balls for years and these continue to work well for my laundry. A plus, these are colorful and easy to find among the dried clothes. There is no scent, no residue left on my laundry and no static. Saves on dryer time, too.” –
Teekae
Lamby dryer balls, 4 pack
These little wool powerhouses are made from 100 % pure New Zealand sheep’s wool and are basically the eco-hero version of dryer sheets. Toss the set into your dryer with your load, and they’ll fluff, soften, reduce static and wrinkling.
Promising review: “Nellie’s brand lasts for years. They keep a load of clothing moving loosely in the dryer. All of this reduces time in the dryer and or reduces wrinkles. I highly recommend Nellie’s Lamby dryer balls.” – JP
Capri Blue volcano dryer ball kit, wool dryer balls + laundry fragrance oil
These dryer balls come infused with signature Capri Blue fragrances, so your socks, sheets, and sweats don’t just dry—they get a spa day. They’re the perfect gift for anyone who prefers their laundry with a side of luxury.
Promising review: “Oh man! I love the Volcano scent soooo much! The laundry oil is my favorite. It just takes a couple drops and the wool balls are so fragrant! I love an alternative to dryer sheets.” – Carrie
