Want to know more about how to use dryer balls? Then this article is for you!
We are going to try and answer all of the main questions people have about dryer balls and give you step-by-step instructions on how to use them.
Dryer balls, as the name suggests, are small balls that you can place in your dryer with your load of laundry. They help to keep your laundry separated, which helps to speed up the drying process. The most popular type of dryer balls is woolen ones, so in this article, we are going to base most of our advice and information on wool dryer balls.
Okay. Let’s start by answering some dryer ball-related questions.
Do dryer balls work?
First and foremost, people want to know whether going through the trouble of buying and then using dryer balls is worth it. The answer is yes! Dryer balls work great when used correctly.
Do dryer balls dry my laundry faster?
This is the main reason people use dryer balls. It dries your laundry faster, which helps to reduce your energy bill. Some people have reported as much as a 20% reduction in the time each load of laundry takes to dry, which over a year can add up to a lot of money. The main reason dryer balls speed up drying is that they help to keep your laundry items separated during the cycle, which allows the hot air to circulate better.
Do dryer balls reduce static?
Static is caused by different materials rubbing against each other in the dryer. When you put on your favorite jumper and get a slight shock, it can be very uncomfortable. Dryer balls (especially woolen ones) help to reduce static so your laundry doesn’t come out of the dryer with a static charge.
Will dryer balls leave lint on my laundry?
When you use good quality dryer balls, they will not leave any lint or fibers on your clothes and other laundry items. The key point here is to buy high-quality wool dryer balls, which last longer and don’t start to break apart leaving little pieces of debris in your dryer.
Where can I buy dryer balls?
Dryer balls can be found at all major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Your local grocery store or homeware store probably has them as well. A packet of wool dryer balls doesn’t cost a lot of money, so it’s easy to try them out next time you do a load of laundry.
How long do dryer balls last?
High-quality dryer balls should last you for over 1000 drying cycles! For most families, that will be five or more years. You generally know when they need to be replaced because they start to look thinned out or little pieces of wool start to break off them. Regardless of how old they are, as soon as they start to look worn out, you should replace them.
Can I add essential oils to dryer balls?
Another common question people ask about dryer balls is if they can add essential oils to them to help make your laundry come out smelling nice. The answer is yes. If you add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil onto your wool dryer balls and leave it to soak in for 20-minutes or more you can then use them next time you do a load of laundry. It’s a good idea to put them in the dryer the first time once your laundry has dried for a few minutes (with your laundry) to help the oils dry into the woolen fibers.
The best way to use dryer balls
Now that we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dryer balls, let’s discuss the best way to use them when doing a load of laundry.
- Start by making sure you don’t overload your dryer when putting your wet laundry into it. Not only will an overloaded dryer stop your dryer from working efficiently it will also mean the dryer balls don’t have enough space to freely move around inside the drum.
- Make sure the dryer balls you are using are small or medium-sized and not large ones. This is because the large ones are generally too big and aren’t able to freely move around inside the drum.
- Next, put the dryer balls into your dryer drum with your laundry.
- Finally, turn your dryer on to a cycle. Make sure you keep an eye on your dryer the first few times you use dryer balls as they will make your laundry dry quicker, so you’ll need to make sure you readjust your timer settings.
The bottom line: Why should I use dryer balls?
We hope you have gotten answers to your dryer ball questions. To recap, there are some major benefits to using natural dryer balls when doing your laundry. These include:
- They are cheaper than dryer sheets.
- They help reduce your energy costs.
- Wool dryer balls are made from natural materials so are eco-friendly.
- High-quality dryer balls can be used up to 1000 times before you need to purchase new ones.
- They reduce the time it takes to dry your laundry.
- They stop static building up in your dryer.
- You can add a drop or two of essential oil to make your laundry smell amazing.