"Wool dryer balls have been around for at least a decade, and that's not counting all the years people have used tennis balls instead—which historically were covered in wool felt. But I'm always interested to see someone discover wool dryer balls for the first time and write about the experience. This author tested some wool dryer balls made in Nepal from New Zealand wool and came away a big fan. She noted:
These dryer balls have eradicated chemicals from my life painlessly. No sacrifice, no discomfort and a huge financial savings — because at $15 for six, these balls do cost more than a large box of my (now former) favorite dryer sheets. But where that box gets me through 244 loads, my wool dryer balls promise more than 1,000 loads each — that’s more than five years’ worth of laundry! And because they cut drying time by two-thirds, I’m saving a bundle on my energy bill. And they don’t add garbage to the planet — because if and when they lose their magic powers, my cat will make great use of them forever and ever."
That started me wondering if wool dryer balls might work for me. I don't use fabric softener, often hang clothes on the line indoors by the furnace, and when it's nice outside I almost always hang things to dry outdoors, so obviously, they wouldn't help in any of these situations. But I do use my dryer a couple of times each week in the winter, mostly for towels and bedding. The dryer balls might be useful if they helped to keep my sheets from just getting tangled up in one big mass in the dryer, and I'm all for saving electricity. I've seen claims that they can cut drying time from 25 - 66%, and while I'm inclined to believe that it's somewhere near the lower number, that is still a savings in drying time and electricity.
So, wool people, do any of you use wool dryer balls? Do they work to keep clothing from getting tangled in a mass in the dryer? Do you think they cut drying time at all? I would appreciate any pros or cons you can offer. Otherwise, I might have to get a cat to play with them if I order them and they don't work. :-) Thanks in advance!
We have them and I use them for towels although I'm not sure they help with reducing drying time. Dale does the other laundry around here but I don't think he uses the wool dryer balls.
ReplyDeleteYes, I use them in every load! I've made my own with yarn scraps and old pantyhose. I honestly haven't done a close study to see if they cut down on drying time, but they certainly don't hurt. And I will say that it keeps me from making unnecessary trips down to the basement to see if the dryer is done yet because I can just listen to see if I can still hear them getting tossed around in the dryer.
ReplyDeleteI have tried them, but for some reason, my dryer doesn't like them. It stops - mysteriously - mid-load for me whenever I use tennis balls OR wool balls. It's very weird . . . and I remain mystified.
ReplyDeleteI use plastic dryer balls - I've had the same one for years and years and years. They don't prevent sheets from getting tangled, but my towels come out very soft. I've never liked dryer sheets - even the unscented ones. For delicate wash (lingerie) I use lavender sachets from Trader Joe's. They can be used multiple times before they finally start to shred and get messy!!
ReplyDeleteI am in the never used dryer balls (or tennis balls either) in my dryer camp. I don't use "dryer sheets" either. I do use fabric softener in some loads of laundry (sheets and things that tend to be static-y) I also hang so many things. And, after 61 years on this planet, I think I have finally discovered how to avoid the fitted sheet tangle... I dry them by themselves... as in solo. One fitted sheet on its own tumble. It works. They dry faster. And there is no giant twisted, tangled mess!
ReplyDeleteI've been using dryer balls for years and I love them! I very rarely use fabric softener anymore, opting for a bit of white vinegar in its place, and I find that the wool (not plastic) dryer balls do cut down on static (as advertised, and was one of the reasons I'd use softener). Having the "opportunity" to use two different dryers on a regular basis, I think that balled-up sheets has more to do with the dryer than anything else. I love MY dryer -- sheets behave wonderfully! Annie's dryer? ALWAYS a balled-up mess, no matter what; I usually stop & rearrange the load a time or two during the cycle. Her dryer has a window, so I can see that often the balls are just hanging out by the window (trying to escape?).
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried dryer balls for the dryer, but Giroux has a wool ball and he pronounces in EXCELLENT.
ReplyDeleteI do not use them but find them intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI use them and I like them! I haven't actually timed the difference, but I think they shorten dry time because I never find damp spots in the load like I did when I didn't use them. I think it helps keep everything moving better. I also do not use fabric softener. What do you have to lose?
ReplyDeleteI have them and have had several versions of them over the years and I do not find they work for me! Despite continuing to try them every now and then! I am always disappointed with the result compared to a dryer sheet.
ReplyDeletePretty soon I'll be hanging my laundry outdoors, so I don't know if I need to buy something that may not work well!
DeleteI have tried dryer balls before.. but not the wool kind. But once I lost the balls I never thought to go out and by new ones so maybe they didn't affect my drying that much.. idk?
ReplyDeleteI use dryer balls though I haven't found they lessoned the dryer time especially with towels.
ReplyDeleteI did roll my eyes at some manufacturers' estimates of lessening drying time by 65%!
DeleteI have never tried them so I am not much help. Do keep us posted though. Using electricity is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI've used them for about a year. I love them but they mostly shorten drying time on lighter fabrics. Re: the comment about sheets getting tangled. I fold them in quarters before putting them in, it helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn! I may try this next time I dry sheets.
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