How to Add Dryer Balls to Your Laundry Routine
Are you adding dryer balls to your laundry routine? Here’s everything you need to know about getting fresher laundry with dryer balls. Plus, if you read all the way to the end, we also give our helpful tips for refreshing your laundry with Fresh Wave.
What are Dryer Balls?
So what exactly are they? Well dryer balls are just that—balls made of different materials like wool, rubber, or plastic that you add to your dryer to get better drying results. When the dryer spins, the dryer balls move throughout the load, separating clothing, which helps clothes dry faster and with less wrinkles.
Each kind of dryer ball has different benefits, which is why we put together this in-depth guide to using dryer balls and Fresh Wave for fresher laundry. Read on to learn more about what these laundry accessories do and why you should consider using them.
The Main Types of Dryer Balls
You can find dryer balls made of three main materials:
- Wool
- Plastic
- Rubber
Typically, wool dryer balls have a smooth, soft surface, while plastic and rubber dryer balls usually have small nubs or spikes along their surfaces. In addition to differences in materials, dryer balls come in an assortment of sizes. Some manufacturers offer their products in more than one size, giving you the ability to select the one that’s right for you. Generally, larger dryer balls are the best option for full loads of laundry.
Benefits of Using Dryer Balls
Regardless of their type, dryer balls offer five key benefits:
- Improved air circulation: By separating clothing in the dryer, the balls help air move more freely. This can allow clothing to dry faster and more evenly.
- Reduction in wrinkles: Dryer balls help to smooth and shake fabrics in the dryer, making wrinkles less likely to form.
- Less static formation: When clothes tumble in the dryer, electrons in the fabric atoms become positively and negatively charged, leading to static cling. Dryer balls break bonds between garments and accessories, lowering the likelihood of static build-up.
- Softening: Dryer balls help to soften fabrics without leaving behind chemical residues the way dryer sheets and fabric softeners can.
- Sustainability: Compared to dryer sheets, dryer balls are an eco-friendlier way to soften clothes and fight static. They can be used many more times than dryer sheets, reducing waste.
What do Wool Dryer Balls Do?
Wool dryer balls absorb moisture, so they may help clothing dry more quickly than other varieties. As a result, you may be able to cut down on dry time and reduce the amount of energy that you use when doing your laundry. Due to their softness, wool dryer balls are relatively quiet as they move through the dryer. Many people also prefer them because wool is a naturally sustainable material. Plus, you can add a few drops of essential oils to them to enhance the smell of your clothes.
What Do Plastic and Rubber Dryer Balls Do?
The unique texture of rubber and plastic dryer balls allows these laundry accessories to keep clothing flowing freely throughout the drying time. In some cases, this can lead to enhanced wrinkle-fighting benefits. Due to their materials, these dryer balls may last for longer than wool alternatives. In addition, they don’t shed or pill the way that wool dryer balls sometimes do.
How to Use Dryer Balls
When you first receive dryer balls, remove them from the packaging. If you opted for plastic or rubber, wipe them with a damp rag and allow them to air dry. Wool dryer balls are usually ready to use right out of the package, but double-check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
To load dryer balls properly, stagger them in the machine. Put a few pieces of wet clothing in the dryer and add one ball. Load some more clothing and add another ball until you have all the balls and laundry inside. Then, shut the dryer door and start the appliance the way you normally do. Because clothing will dry more quickly, stop the dryer and check the load occasionally. When it comes time to unload, set the dryer balls aside in a cool, dry spot.
With plastic and rubber dryer balls, there isn’t much maintenance to do. Just wipe the dryer balls down occasionally and replace them if the nubs or spikes begin showing signs of wear and tear.
More Tips on Using Wool Dryer Balls
With wool dryer balls, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. If you want to add some natural fragrance to your wash, apply three to four drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls before loading the machine. After each use, check their shape. If they begin to look fuzzy or worn, put them in a pillowcase, launder them in the gentle hot wash cycle and then dry them on high heat in the dryer. If the dryer balls don’t bounce back after these rejuvenating steps, replace them with a fresh set.
How Many Dryer Balls Should I Use?
How many wool dryer balls or other balls to use in the dryer depends on the size of the load and the size of the balls. Generally, three balls are enough for a small to medium load. Use six for a large load and nine to 12 for an extra-large load. The best way to know how many balls you need is to experiment. Most come in sets of three or six, so buy one or two and test them in your dryer. You can always purchase additional balls for increased effectiveness.
Upgrade Your Laundry Routine with Dryer Balls
Now that you understand the benefits of rubber, plastic and wool dryer balls and how to use them properly, you’re ready to give them a try. Pick up a set and add them to your next load to discover for yourself the difference they can make for your laundry.
To upgrade your laundry even more, you can use additional products like Fresh Wave Laundry Booster. Using a blend of plant-powered ingredients, our laundry booster removes difficult odors from all types of clothing. It’s easy to add to the wash or rinse cycle and completely free of harmful ingredients. Plus, it’s water-based to protect the planet. Learn more about Fresh Wave Laundry Booster and order a bottle today.
