How to Use Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls are a simple, effective, and natural alternative to dryer sheets.

These long lasting, cost effective laundry tools have so many benefits and are easy to use.

I have been using them for a few years now and I would say it is definitely worth giving them a try.

This is how to use them.

What are Wool Dryer Balls and Do They Work?

Wool dryer balls are felted 100% wool balls that are slightly larger than tennis balls.

They have a solid feel to them and they don’t bounce ;-).

You use them as a natural alternative to dryer sheets to soften your laundry in the dryer.

I found this video on how Friendsheep Wool Eco Dryer Balls are made – and it was very interesting.

If you are wondering whether wool dryer balls work – my answer is yes. I use them regularly in my laundry and find that they work to fluff and separate the load nicely.

What is the Benefit of Wool Dryer Balls?

Using wool dryer balls has many benefits including

• saves you money over time,
• reduce wrinkles,
• fluff clothing,
• reduce static cling, and
• reduce drying time.

How to Use Them

Using wool dryer balls is easy.

You simply toss about 3 or 4 of them in the dryer with your wet clothes.

They tumble around with your clothing.

That action of bumping your clothing as the dryer runs keeps your clothes fluffy and soft.

If you have a heavier or larger load you can toss a few more in – but the number that you use is not that important.

For best results, though, you probably should use more than one.

Should You Add Essential Oils?

Wool dryer balls are generally unscented.

Some people like to add a few drops of essential oils to the dryer balls to make their laundry smell nice.

I, honestly, am not a fan of this and do not ever add essential oils to the ones that I use.

I have read that the oils can possibly stain clothing and can even be a fire hazard when subjected to the heat in your dryer. This is another article about how essential oils can combust.

However, lots of people do add essential oils with good results.

Companies like Grove Collaborative and Smart Sheep Dryer Balls – who sell really nice wool dryer balls, even recommend adding essential oils in their product descriptions and FAQ’s.

The bottom line is that the jury is out on whether you should or shouldn’t.

You really have to do your own research and go with the approach that you are most comfortable with.

Personally, I avoid the essential oils on my wool dryer balls and use scented laundry detergent in the wash, instead.

Wool Dryer Balls vs Plastic Dryer Balls

When it comes to dryer balls, there are a few options including plastic-like ones.

I have tried these and there really is no comparison.

In my experience, the plastic balls easily picked up things like hair and lint and felt a little grimy after multiple uses.

I also didn’t feel that they did as good of a job.

How Long Do Wool Dryer Balls Last?

I have had my set of wool dryer balls for many years now and they are still going strong.

With six teens and adults under this roof, our washer and dryer see a LOT of use.

But I can tell you that many manufacturers state that their product will last for at least 1000 loads.

I haven’t been counting.

How Do You Recharge Wool Dryer Balls?

If you find that your wool dryer balls are not as effective as they once were you could try to “recharge” them.

To do this you just follow these instructions from the Friendsheep website:

Sometimes after lots of runs in the dryer the heat over dries your wool dryer balls, they become extremely dry and incapable of absorbing humidity like before. An easy way of restoring them is to “recharge” your dryer balls by washing them in hot water on a gentle cycle and then dry on high heat. This will regenerate the wool and give the dryer balls a fresh recharge.

I suppose, eventually, when they start to fall apart, you should replace them.

Wool Dryer Balls and Static Cling

Since I started using wool dryer balls, I really haven’t had any issues with static cling.

I’m not sure why this is, but I’ll take it!

Best Wool Dryer Balls

The Downside of Wool Dryer Balls

I don’t really think there is a downside of using wool dryer balls.

But if I had to say something, it’s that they sometimes hijack a ride inside your fitted sheets or other fabrics.

So, when you fold your clothes, you will need to be intentional about returning them back to the laundry room – or you will end up with dryer balls all over your house.

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

You can even make your own – this DIY and this one too will show you what goes into each one.

But honestly, I think it is much more TIME and COST effective to just go buy a ready made set.

A ball of wool yarn will set you back 5 to 10 dollars and then wool roving on top of that – not to mention the effort that you need to put in.

Give Them a Try

Using wool dryer balls is as simple as tossing them into the dryer with each load.

They are cost effective, low maintenance, and serve to fluff your laundry, reduce wrinkles, static cling, and drying time.

Why not give them a try?