Wool dryer balls что это

Do Wool Dryer Balls Work & How To Use Them

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I remember seeing people use dryer balls when I was a kid. I remember thinking that friend’s parents were a little crazy because they were chucking her kids toy balls into the dryer with the laundry.

I never put too much thought into using dryer balls myself. They are just one of those things in life that I would see other people using, but never once considered there might be a place for them in my own life, as silly as that sounds.

A few months ago my wife and I went on a little trip to France, it was wonderful. While in France we had our minds blown when we used soap nuts as laundry detergent for the first time.

After finding such a crazy and wonderful solution for washing clothes I decided I should give dryer balls a chance and see if dryer balls really do work. If you are looking for fabric softener recipes in general check out my other post on diy natural fabric softener recipes.

Do dryer balls work?

100% yes! Wool dryer balls really do work great!

Benefits of using wool dryer balls

Do wool dryer balls reduce drying time?

Yes! Dryer balls reduce drying time by getting in between items in the dryers and helping to separate them as the tumble. This promotes better air circulation within the dryer helping to more quickly evaporate moisture in the towels and draw it away.

I did a little experiment to see what the time difference is when drying with and without dryer balls. I dried two equal loads of towels one with dryer balls, and one without.

The load with the dryer balls was done roughly 8 minutes sooner than the load without. That is more than enough of a time and energy savings to make me happy.

The longer load went for about 38 minutes, and the shorter one went for 30 minutes. That works out to be a little over 20% savings. Not quite as good as Woolzies own claim of 25% savings, but still great in my book!

Do wool dryer balls work for static?

Yes, wool dryer balls work amazingly well to get rid of static. I used to have a lot of static in my laundry especially when washing towels.

Since I started using wool dryer balls I have had no static in my clothes or towels whatsoever!

The other day I accidentally ran a load of laundry without dryer balls and the load wasn’t dryer the first time I checked it when it usually would have with dryer balls. And, worst of all when the load was finally dry it was a very staticky load.

Wool balls vs dryer sheets

I personally am not a fan of store bought dryer sheets as they are typically saturated with chemicals and perfumes. I would also much rather use something in the dryer to help speed up the drying time and reduce energy usage in the process.

Are wool dryer balls better than plastic dryer balls?

Yes, wool dryer balls are better than plastic ones in my opinion, all day long! Why use something plastic when you can use a naturally sources product like wool dryer balls!

Another nice perk to using wool dryer balls over plastic dryer balls is that they are much more quiet than plastic dryer balls. Plastic dryer balls can make a lot of clattering noise when they are being used in the dryer.

Buying wool dryer balls

You can pick up any wool dryer balls to give them a try! There are varying qualities out there so read reviews before you buy any.

I personally use the 100% wool Woolzie dryer balls and haven’t been disappointed. You don’t need to use Woolzies, there are a bunch of different dryer balls out there.

I bought the three pack of XL dryer balls. I really like these woolen laundry balls. They don’t have all the chemicals that their plastic brethren have, and they look a lot better too!

You can pick up some of Woolzies Dryer Balls from Amazon: Woolzies XL Dryer Balls or Woolzies 3 Dryer Balls.

There are also a bunch of other great dryer ball choices, check out the most popular dryer balls our reads love or the top rated wool dryer balls on Amazon check them out and pick what will work best for you!

I was a little worried that they would last very long and that they would come unraveled. So far after several loads they have held up really well. According to the box these wool dryer balls are reusable up to 1,000 loads.

For me, that means these dryer balls will last for several years.

Update: Personally, after using them now for a few years I think Woolzies are the best wool dryer balls. They are simple, have no gimmicks, and last for a very long time.

How to use dryer balls

As I said above, dryer balls work by separating laundry in the dryer so that hot air can circulate more evenly and efficiently.

What this means to you and I is that we can’t dry great big loads of laundry. Instead we need to make sure that loads a reasonable size so that there is room for dryer balls to get in there and do their work.

The dryer balls need room to work. Only dry loads that are small or medium sized. If you’re wondering how many dryer balls to use a common amount is 3 of the XL balls per load.

Grab your dryer balls and just throw them into the dryer along with your laundry.

That’s it, your clothes dryer and the dryer balls will do the rest! Keep an eye on your laundry for the first few loads. Your laundry will dry much faster, and over drying clothes isn’t very good for them.

Related Questions

How long do wool dryer balls last?

Wool dryer balls will typically last for more than 1,000 loads or somewhere between 2-5 years of use. However, you will also know it is time to replace wool dryer balls once they begin to look scraggly.

You don’t want chunks of wool fiber to rip off in the the dryer. The occasional tissue making it into the dryer to disintegrate is bad enough.

Do wool dryer balls leave lint on clothes?

High quality wool dryer balls will not leave fibers on your clothes at all after the first load or two. I’d recommend only buying for companies that are well reviewed online. That said, when dryer balls start to get old they will start to unravel and fall apart and they will start to leave fibers on clothes. That’s how you’ll know it is time to replace them and move on to a new set.

Refreshing Wool Dryer Balls

If your dryer balls begin to be less effecting or start to look a little tired you can quickly refreshing them by running them, through the washer and dryer. Read more on my post How to Recharge Wool Dryer Balls for a full guide.

Adding essential oils

Use during a non-heated tumble dry setting only. Heating essential oils to a high temperature in a clothes dryer has in some cases caused fires.

Another neat little trick you can do when you’re using wool dryer balls is to splash a few drops of essential oil onto them similar to what you would do if you where making homemade dryer sheets.

By splashing a few drops of essential oils onto the wool dryer balls you can make your laundry smell awesome without having to use super chemically dryer sheets to do it!

Let the essential oil soak on the dryer balls for a 10-20 minutes before you use them. The more the oils are absorbed into the dryer balls before use the more slowly they will be dispersed in the dryer, and slower is better!

To use essential oils on your dryer balls:

If you’re new to essential oils I recommend picking out a starter set of essential oils and the book Essential Oils for Beginners both will help you find the scents that you enjoy most and teach you how to use them! There are more options than lavender and peppermint(I honestly had no idea).

Should you try wool dryer balls?

At the end of the day, I’m really happy with my new wool laundry balls. I will definitely keep using them, and I recommend you give them a try for yourself!

You can read my full post of homemade fabric softener recipes for more laundry solutions. Thank you for reading, I hope you found this post helpful! If you did like it please share it with a friend!

How To Use Wool Dryer Balls

How to use wool dryer balls in the dryer for faster laundry drying times.

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The 10 Best Wool Dryer Balls of 2021

An alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

If someone told you there was a way to make your machine-dried clothing even fluffier, have much less static, and dry quicker, you might roll your eyes. After all, machine-drying clothing is already a pretty convenient process. Could anything really improve it that much? The answer is yes. Leveling up laundry loads is exactly what wool dryer balls are designed to do. You’ll want to swap your fabric softener or dryer sheets for a set stat.

Typically, wool dryer balls come in sets of three or more, and in different sizes to support both your delicate clothing and your heaviest towels. Some carry a fresh scent, while others don’t but can be treated with your favorite essential oils. You ideally want dryer balls made of 100 percent wool, and that match your overall aesthetic. «Wool is very absorbent and wicks moisture out of the garments for a faster drying time,» says Katie Brown, owner of Rytina Fine Cleaners in Sacramento, California. Plus, unlike dryer sheets, which boast similar benefits, they are reusable, compostable, and go a lot easier on your dryer.

“Dryer sheets have a waxy residue that gets left behind in the dryer,” says Scott Thomas, Director of Systems at Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company. “The buildup leads to obstructed airflow, which is the last thing people need when they are relying on flowing air to dry their clothes.” Wool dryer balls, Thomas adds, don’t release the same kind of waxy residue. The lifespan of the dryer is likely lengthened as a result.

Interested? Below, the best wool dryer balls for your laundry routine.

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DIY Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Laundry in Less Time

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Ask any mom… laundry is a never-ending job in a family! I am always looking for a way to save time on laundry and I certainly like helping the environment, so these wool dryer balls made it on my DIY project list.

These wool dryer balls are easy to make and serve a very practical purpose: they help decrease drying time by separating clothes in the dryer to allow more air flow. Less drying time means less energy used, which helps the environment (and saves money!)

What’s more, they eliminate static, make clothes soft, decrease wear and tear, and are the perfect way to scent laundry naturally with a few drops of essential oil.

Why Use Wool?

What makes wool special? Wool is a natural fiber that resists melting and is flame-resistant, making it perfect for use in the dryer. In addition, thanks to the protective properties of natural lanolin in wool, these balls will not retain water or mold.

So how to turn wool into a ball? Felting! Heat, moisture, agitation, and pressure turn wool into a smooth fabric. That’s great for projects like this but also the reason it is not recommended to wash wool clothing in a machine. (Learned that the hard way with my favorite sweater in college!)

What About Washable Wool?

Washable wool is not pure wool and does not behave the same way. Chemical compounds coat the strands of wool and make it impossible to felt. These chemicals are permanent and will never wear off. While this makes wool clothing easier to clean, it does not make dryer balls (and also increases exposure to chemicals).

How to Make Wool Dryer Balls

While you can buy dryer balls, felting is fun and making your own saves money. Here’s what you need for the DIY version:

Materials Needed

Make sure that the yarn used is 100% pure wool. Only pure wool will felt, or shrink, and form solid balls.

Instructions

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls

What Color Yarn Is Best?

Bold-colored yarn may look pretty all felted, but those colors won’t be as pretty on your clothes! Light or undyed wool is best. I have a friend who spins her own yarn, so I used a natural skein from her alpacas.

If you find you are short on time and are searching for a pre-made alternative, Branch Basics has wool dryer balls that are free of pesticides, dyes and fragrance and will last between 3-5 years!

Enjoy cleaner, more natural laundry in less time!

Have you tried wool dryer balls? What did you think?

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How To Make Wool Dryer Balls

I have, but at my house all she does is steal socks, spill my homemade laundry detergent and dump loose change everywhere. Since she doesn’t actually do laundry, I have to find ways to keep things interesting all by myself.

Set up message board for all the socks seeking sole mates? Check!

Wash the same load of laundry three times because I keep forgetting it in the dryer? Umm, that’s not actually interesting at all.

Fortunately, I’ve found a way to help my dryer keep up with my washer, thus reducing the time I’m waiting to move a load over: wool dryer balls. In this post I’m going to show you how to make them, but first you’re probably wondering whether they’re really worth the effort. (Spoiler alert: Absolutely!)

Benefits Of Wool Dryer Balls

Saves time and money

Each load is done faster, which reduces your energy costs. Plus unlike dryer sheets and fabric softener, they’re typically good for 1000+ loads of laundry.

Softens and fluffs without toxic chemicals

As I wrote about here, “when several top laundry products/ air fresheners were tested they were found to contain at least one chemical labeled as toxic or hazardous by federal law, including the active ingredient in paint thinner.” (source)

Interestingly, none of the chemicals were listed on the label, and five of the six products emitted chemicals which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level.”

Dryer balls soften clothes naturally as the felted wool gently rubs against garment fibers, and they fluff by separating clothes that would otherwise clump together.

Reduces static

If over time you notice that they’re not doing this as well, put them in a sock or pantyhose and run them through a wash cycle.

Doesn’t diminish towel absorbency + cloth diaper safe

Commercial fabric softeners coat fibers with a thin layer of chemicals, thus reducing the absorbency and performance of things like towels and cloth diapers. (source) Wool dryer balls soften without chemicals.

How Many Do I Need?

Wool dryer balls work by separating clothes so that warm air circulates better. The more you have the more pronounced the effects – faster drying time, softer clothes, less static cling, and lower energy usage. Some people use just two, while others use up to twelve for large loads. I use six, but how many you use is really up to you.

I’m Not Feeling Crafty. Can I Buy Them Instead?

Absolutely. I like these eco-friendly wool dryer balls because they’re well-made and affordable.

How To Make Wool Dryer Balls

Makes 2-4 medium-sized dryer balls

Equipment

Budget Tip: A local mama told me that she picked up a 100% wool sweater at a thrift store, cut and wadded it up, then wrapped it in wool yarn using the technique below. This approach can be a very affordable way to make a lot of wool dryer balls with just a little yarn.

Instructions

Step 1: Make a small “V” with your index and middle fingers, then wrap yarn around them 10- 15 times. Remove your fingers from the yarn.

Step 2: Pinch the middle of the coiled yarn and wrap the center 10-15 times.

Then change the direction you’re wrapping in and wrap some more. You should have something that more or less looks like a fuzzy lump of coal. (Unless you chose another color.)

Step 3: Continue wrapping until yarn forms a ball. Though it may seem more egg-shaped at first it will happen! Keep going until your dryer ball reaches the size you prefer. Mine a little bigger than tennis balls.

Step 4: When the ball is about the size you want, grab the loose end of yarn and weave it into the exterior of the ball using a paint key or felting needle. To do this, slide the key under a few threads, then take the tail and wrap it around the tip of the key a few times before pulling it through. Do that several times so that the tail is woven in well, then trim off any unused yarn. (See pictures below if that sounded confusing)

Step 5: Place dryer balls in pantyhose, making sure to tie a knot between each one so they have their own separate compartments, then toss them in the washing machine and run through a hot cycle two or three times, preferably with a load of towels or other laundry. Place them in dryer and then remove from pantyhose. Voila, your dryer balls are ready!

How To Use Wool Dryer Balls

Simply toss them into the dryer with your wet clothes – that’s it!

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Dryer Balls Are the Eco-Friendly Alternative to Single-Use Sheets

Round out your green cleaning routine.

While some green cleaning swaps require a little more effort and elbow grease, making the switch from dryer sheets to dryer balls couldn’t be easier. After all, why would you continually buy packs of fragranced sheets, when eco-friendly dryer balls can be used for countless washes?

Dryer sheets are usually made of polyester and are coated with a waxy softening and anti-static solution, along with fragrance. Though these inorganic ingredients are controversial, what’s clear across the board is that these polyester sheets are designed to be thrown out after each use, as they lose their efficacy after tumbling in the dryer. Wool dryer balls, conversely, can be used for years.

Admittedly, the jury is out on whether or not dryer balls significantly reduce static — certain materials, like microfiber, will cling to lace or fibrous materials, even when wool dryer balls are used. There are a few hacks out there to help boost dryer balls’ static-reducing power, such as moistening them or sticking them with a safety pin, but their efficacy may differ from load to load. It still may be a good idea to separate clingy materials or air-dry them when possible.

With so many varieties of dryer balls on the market — both wool and plastic — it can be tricky to discern which type is really the best for your household. We’re breaking down everything you have to know about buying eco-friendly dryer balls online, so you can enjoy chemical- and waste-free laundry loads.

As far as the best dryer balls for large households go, it really doesn’t get any better than this Smart Sheep wool dryer balls six-pack.

Constructed from 100% New Zealand wool, these softball-sized picks are touted by users for their effectiveness at reducing drying time and the amount of wrinkles in each load. You can use all six balls in the dryer at once for extra-large loads, or just opt for two or three for a smaller cycle.

This three-pack of handmade wool dryer balls are all you need if you’re doing laundry for just one or two people. It even comes with a bonus bottle of lavender essential oil!

Just add a few drops of the oil right onto the dryer balls to impart a subtly floral scent to your loads, without covering your clothes in the strong chemical fragrance from dryer sheets.

Make laundry day a little more cheerful with Food52’s colorful set of dryer balls! These 100% wool balls come in a set of three or six and help to amp up the fluffiness factor of your linens.

These are a unique offering for their eye-catching spectrum of shades — they’re available in multicolored sets of «warm tones,» «cool tones,» or a mix of the two!

Folks with wool allergies or those who don’t use animal-derived products can opt for these spiky laundry balls instead. Instead of wool, these adorable pufferfish balls from Kikkerland are made of hard plastic, and they work in the exact same way; they break up clumps of laundry to help your loads dry more evenly.

Just keep in mind that plastic laundry balls can have a couple of issues. Users are likely to hear them bouncing around while the dryer runs, and they tend to feel quite hot when immediately taken out.

On the plus side, these balls tend to be cheaper than 100% wool, but are just as durable.

For those who love a good cleaning hack or budget-friendly dupe, a fresh pack of tennis balls will set you back just a few dollars and will effectively help to soften dense laundry loads! You can even scent them with a drop of lemon or lavender essential oil to impart a fresh fragrance to each load.

Tennis balls are better used when drying loads of sturdier clothing items, not with your delicates.

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