Does anyone else find the experience of pulling warm, fluffy laundry out of their dryer oddly luxurious? Sometimes I’m tempted to skip folding altogether and carry it over to my recliner chair, use my warm laundry as a blanket, and grab a nice midday nap! ;-)
Unfortunately, not every load comes out of the dryer warm and fluffy. Some loads become hopelessly tangled together during the process, which results in damp pockets that require additional drying time.
I used to struggle with this regularly and was frustrated that I couldn’t figure out how to prevent those troublesome laundry clumps. It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I finally corrected my mistake by discovering the wonders of dryer balls.
In this post, I’ll share why relying on dryer sheets alone was my biggest dryer mistake, and how dryer balls were the fix I never knew I needed. If you’ve been having dryer woes of your own, you’ll soon know exactly how dryer balls can help solve them!
5 Of The Best Reasons To Use Dryer Balls In Your Dryer
1. They’re More Cost Effective Than Dryer Sheets
Dryer balls are a “one and done” purchase, as opposed to dryer sheets that you have to buy repeatedly over time. But after you buy a set of dryer balls, you can reuse them for years, making them a much more cost-effective option in the long run!
2. They Don’t Contribute To Residue Buildup
Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners work by coating fabrics in a thin layer of chemical softeners. These chemicals tend to repel water, making it difficult for your washer to get your laundry completely clean.
Over time, fabric softener residue can have a waterproofing effect on certain fabrics, or even lead to issues with mildew or mold. Residue buildup is especially problematic for towels and athletic clothing, which is why their care tags often specifically warn against the use of fabric softeners.
But residue isn’t just an issue for fabrics—it can also be a factor in dryer fires. The residue from fabric softener sheets can create buildup on your dryer’s lint screen, impeding airflow and potentially posing a fire hazard.
Dryer balls represent a simple solution to the problems posed by residue buildup because they don’t leave behind any residues. (And for more tips on maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your dryer, check out this post.)
3. They’re Reusable
I’m always looking for ways to cut back on the amount of single-use items I use at home. And even if you’re making the most of your dryer sheets by using them twice or cutting them in half, you still have to throw them out eventually!
But you can use dryer balls an almost infinite number of times, and it’s an easy way to cut back on waste (with no cutting required!)
4. They Save Energy
Using dryer balls can help your laundry dry faster than it would otherwise because they help separate the layers of fabric and improve airflow as they tumble around your dryer. It may not be something you notice at first, but those faster drying times will reduce your energy costs over time!
Reduced drying times also mean you’ll put less wear and tear on your dryer, potentially extending its lifespan and helping you get the most out of your investment.
5. They’re Free Of Chemicals And Irritants
A set of 100% wool dryer balls doesn’t contain complicated ingredients or anything that could irritate sensitive skin. But if you miss the fragrance element of traditional dryer sheets of fabric softeners, you don’t have to give it up completely!
I like to add a few drops of Simple Clean to each dryer ball before I put them in with my damp laundry. I much prefer the light and natural fragrance from this method to the overwhelming scent that many fabric softeners leave behind!
Tips for Using Essential Oils on Dryer Balls
- Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to each dryer ball for a subtle scent. Increase to 5-6 drops for a stronger aroma, but avoid using more to prevent oil stains on your clothes.
- For a more pronounced scent, add essential oil-infused dryer balls in the last 10-15 minutes of the drying cycle or during a cold air cycle for 5-10 minutes.
- Allow the dryer balls to absorb the essential oils for 1-2 minutes before use to ensure even scent distribution.
- Keep scented dryer balls in a sealed container or bag to maintain their fragrance between laundry cycles.
Bonus Tip: Soak Your Dryer Balls To Reduce Static
The chemical softeners in dryer sheets that coat fabrics don’t just make them feel softer—they also help prevent static from forming. Because of this, some people may notice an increase in static buildup in their dryer after making the switch from dryer sheets.
Personally, I have not noticed more static since I started using dryer balls in my own dryer. But with that said, I do have a suggestion that will help those of you who are experiencing more static!
Before putting your dryer balls into your dryer with a load of damp laundry, soak a few of the balls under running water while squeezing them lightly to ensure they’re fully saturated (but not dripping wet.)
Once you get them in the dryer, the water will start to evaporate, keeping your dryer more humid and helping to prevent static buildup.
Saturating the wool thoroughly will help ensure that the effect lasts throughout the entire drying cycle.
Try Them For Yourself
So many of you have jumped on the dryer ball train with me! And I LOVE reading your laundry success stories:
Love these dryer balls. I never have to use liquid fabric softener again! My clothes dry faster and are less tangled. I highly recommend using them.
Pamela
Love the wool dryer balls! So much better than the tennis balls I had been using. My laundry no longer has static and comes out evenly dry.
Barbara G.
I keep asking myself: why did I keep using the grocery store dryer balls when I had access to the best ever from the Jillee Shop? They are the greatest.
Donna L.
These wool dryer balls work just like they say they should. I do not use dryer sheets or bottled softener, and my items are always fluffy with no static.
Kathy
The dryer balls has been a life saver! They cut my drying time in half and are also great for fluffing the clothes!
Angela M.
If you haven’t tried dryer balls yet, what are you waiting for?
What’s the best change you’ve made to your laundry routine?
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Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)
Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!
About Jillee
Jill Nystul
Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.
About Jillee
Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)
Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!
About Jillee
Jill Nystul
Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.
About Jillee
