Wool Dryer Balls- How To + Benefits

Wool Dryer Balls

I started using wool dryer balls a few years ago after I read that they can speed up drying time and reduce wrinkles. With a large family, I figured that the less my dryer runs, the better! :) I also didn’t like what I read about the what is inside dryer sheets (some contain acetaldehyde and butane) and some of the adverse effects one can have from using them.

How do wool dryer balls work

Our wet clothes dry faster when there is enough warm air inside the dryer to circulate between the wet items. When you add wool dryer balls to the mix, they work their way in between the layers of the fabrics, separating them so that warm air can circulate efficiently. I usually add 6 wool dryer balls to each load and the results have been amazing. They have reduced my drying time 20-25%, which saves time and energy.  Also, my clothes and linens come out feeling softer and with less wrinkles.

How to use wool dryer balls

Because they need room to bounce and play with wet clothes and linens, dryer balls do their best and fastest work when the dryer is not crammed full. You’ll find that two medium-size loads will dry faster and more efficiently than one gigantic load.  I usually add all 6 to each load and then replace them when they start to look worn. (usually at the 12-18 month mark).

Adding fragrance to your dryer load

By splashing a few drops of essential oils onto the wool dryer balls, you can make your laundry smell amazing without having to use super chemically dryer sheets to do it! Give the essential oils time to absorb deep into the wool fibers—a few hours is advisable. The more the oils are absorbed into the dryer balls before use, the more slowly the fragrance will be dispersed in the dryer. You’ll begin to notice a subtle, non-toxic fragrance in your clean, soft laundry.

Static cling

Much of the reason static occurs is due to over-drying clothes. You are definitely going to notice static if the dryer is allowed to run too long, with or without wool dryer balls. Over-drying wastes gas or electricity and wears out your clothes prematurely as evidenced by all the lint in the lint drawer, especially on low-humidity, dry winter days.

Another cause of static is synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylic. Try to separate synthetics to keep the rest of your laundry static-free. Then either dry the synthetics by hanging them on a line or in the dryer, making sure you end the drying cycle before they are totally dry.

I found a handy solution that eliminates static cling- I spray my wool dryer balls with water until they are wet.

Now the laundry dries faster than the wool dryer balls because they are so dense, elevating the humidity level in the dryer. Works like a charm and does not harm the dryer balls in any way—and does not increase the drying time.

Wool dryer balls last, on average, 1,000 loads- so they are a great investment with many positive benefits.