Tossing a set of wool dryer balls in your laundry helps soften fabrics, decrease static and cut down drying time by 20%-45%. They also prevent your laundry from clumping, as the dryer balls tumble between layers of fabric and separate clothing.
Made from compressed natural wool, wool dryer balls are inexpensive and eco-friendly. They’re quiet when bouncing around the dryer as compared to plastic dryer balls. Plus, they’re longer-lasting. For hypoallergenic fabric softening, try organic wool dryer balls like a set of six by Friendsheep.
What to know before you buy wool dryer balls
Size
Wool dryer balls come in different sizes, including golf-ball sized, tennis ball-sized and large baseball-sized orbs. They range from 5-10 inches in circumference. Extra-large wool dryer balls, approximately the size of baseballs, are the most popular size and are readily available. Using larger dryer balls means you’ll need to put fewer of them into the dryer. They’re also appropriate for bigger loads.
Color
White is the most common color of wool dryer balls since the wool is derived from sheep’s wool of the same color. However, because wool dryer balls have a tendency to transfer their fibers to your clothing, you might not want to toss white dryer balls in with a dark load. You can find wool dryer balls in grey and black for darker laundry. Select manufacturers also make wool dryer balls in fun, bright colors.
Quantity
Wool dryer balls come in multipacks ranging from two to eight. Consider the size of both the balls and your typical load of laundry when choosing a multipack quantity. If you do laundry frequently, you may opt for a larger quantity because wool dryer balls wear down with use. If you notice signs of fraying and unraveling, it’s time to replace them.
Wool dryer balls features
Essential oils
All wool dryer balls come unscented. However, if you’re looking to replace scented dryer sheets with these eco-friendly products, you can find some wool dryer ball sets that come with essential oil, like lavender. Before placing the balls in the dryer, add a few drops of the essential oil. The absorbed oil will pleasantly transfer scent to your laundry as the balls toss in the dryer.
Prints and designs
Wool dryer balls are safe for kids’ and babies’ laundry as they’re free from chemicals and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Some manufacturers make kid-friendly prints on their balls, such as animal faces or hearts. You don’t just have to be a child, however, to enjoy these fun designs.
Fair trade
Because wool dryer balls are made from sheep’s wool, they aren’t vegan-friendly. However, some brands go the extra mile to ensure their materials are cruelty-free and fair trade. Because most quality wool dryer balls are handmade, ones that are labeled fair trade were made under ethical work conditions and for fair wages.
Bag
If you’re toting your laundry to and from the laundromat, look for wool dryer balls that come in a bag or carrying case. This also keeps them together when not in use and from rolling off in oblivion. Usually, these reusable bags are simple cotton with a drawstring or string closure.
Wool dryer balls cost
You can buy a set of six to eight wool dryer balls for $10-$20. Higher-quality wool dryer balls in the same quantity cost $20-$30.
Wool dryer balls FAQ
Can’t I just use tennis balls instead of wool dryer balls?
A. You can. However, tennis balls can contain synthetic chemicals like PVC and can smell like burning rubber on high heat, which they aren’t designed to withstand.
How are wool dryer balls good for the environment?
A. Unlike dryer sheets which need to be disposed of after a single use, wool dryer balls can be reused many times over until they start to fall apart (around 1,000 loads of laundry). Plus, they’re naturally organic and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
How many wool dryer balls should I use?
A. You can use two to four dryer balls for small and medium loads and four to eight balls for larger loads. Wool dryer balls are safe for both gas and electric dryers. Don’t use them in the washing machine.
Which wool dryer balls should I get?
Best of the best wool dryer balls
Friendsheep Organic Eco Wool Dryer Balls: available at Amazon
Our take: A premium six-pack of wool dryer balls that are both eco- and people-friendly.
What we like: These dryer balls are fair trade and handmade by women in underprivileged communities. The organic New Zealand wool is very good quality. These large balls cut down dryer time significantly. They feature cute sheep graphics.
What we dislike: They initially have a sheep smell when used.
Best bang for your buck wool dryer balls
Budieggs Organic XL Wool Dryer Balls: available at Amazon
Our take: A budget choice for extra-large organic wool dryer balls.
What we like: The six-pack is a third of the price of our top choice and made from dense New Zealand wool. An affordable and eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets, these can be used with essential oils to refresh and soften your laundry.
What we dislike: The balls have a tendency to pill with repeated use. For some consumers, they increase static, not decrease it.
Honorable mention wool dryer balls
Kitchow Organic Dark Wool Dryer Balls: available at Amazon
Our take: This eight-pack of grey wool dryer balls is perfect for dark loads.
What we like: These wool dryer balls won’t leave white lint on your dark or black clothing. The natural New Zealand wool is organic and unscented. The generous pack of eight balls lasts a long time. They absorb and transfer essential oil well.
What we dislike: The dryer balls are on the smaller side compared with other choices.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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