New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls - 1 Ball

If your laundry often emerges from the dryer still damp or looks wrinkled, you may be searching for a quick fix. Enter: wool dryer balls. The soft spheres are an easy way to soften clothes, speed up drying times, and reduce static cling. Unlike dryer sheets, wool dryer balls are reusable, making them a more sustainable alternative to some other fabric softeners. If you're interested in using them in your next load, read on to learn what wool dryer balls are, how they work in your laundry, and their many benefits.

What Are Wool Dryer Balls?

Simply put, wool dryer balls are tightly woven balls of felted wool. They are generally biodegradable and can be made at home with a few basic supplies. The balls go inside the drum of your dryer and are often used in place of commercial fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

What Wool Dryer Balls Do

When using the recommended four dryer balls per load, the balls bounce off the dryer drum and into the clothing, says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home. This action helps the air in the dyer circulate easier, which subsequently prevents pockets of moisture and reduces drying times.

Benefits of Wool Dryer Balls

When used correctly, wool dryer balls have many benefits. The increased airflow reduces drying times, softens clothes, and limits wrinkles and static cling.

Reduces Drying Times

Wool is an incredibly absorbent fabric, so it effectively soaks up moisture from the clothes and reduces drying times. But keep in mind this may vary. "It's important to consider the type of fabrics you're drying," says Sean Busch, the CEO and co-founder of Puracy. "Some fabrics are naturally more prone to longer dry times."

Softens Clothes

When the wool dryer balls circulate in the dryer, they agitate the clothes, which loosens the fibers and makes your garments emerge feeling softer.

Reduces Wrinkles 

If you promptly remove your clothes when the drying time is finished, you will find them to be nearly wrinkle-free, says Poepping. Increased air circulation from the dryer balls means there's less friction between clothes, which results in less wrinkles and static.

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls

If you made the dryer balls from wool roving yourself, you must make sure the balls are felted before using them. You can do so by drying the balls a few times before tossing them in with your clothes. Once they're firm to the touch, place four wool dryer balls into the dryer with your wet laundry. You can also add some essential oil or fragrance oil to your dryer ball to scent your clothes.