Do wool dryer balls reduce drying time?
Are you ready to upgrade your laundry game? Wool dryer balls reduce drying time and provide your laundry with many other benefits. They improve air circulation throughout your dryer, use less energy, and save you money. They also stamp out static cling and wrinkles.
Quick links:
How wool dryer balls reduce drying time
Why you should choose wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls vs other dryer-time-saving methods
Additional tips for faster drying
Care tips for wool dryer balls
Our all-natural wool dryer balls accelerate your laundry routine (and much more). Find out how they work, why they’re the best alternative to dryer sheets, and how to use them for maximum results..
“One of the most impressive benefits is the reduced drying time. My clothes are coming out of the dryer much faster than before, which not only saves energy but also keeps my utility bills in check. As someone who's always on the go, this is a huge time-saver, allowing me to get through my laundry piles more efficiently.”—JCastro, Verified purchaser on Amazon (five stars)
How do wool dryer balls reduce drying time?
Research shows that wool dryer balls decrease drying time by approximately 25% compared to drying without them.
Another study examined both wool and plastic dryer balls. Results indicate wool dryer balls reduce drying time by an average of 14% (from 47 minutes 37 seconds to 41 minutes 20 seconds).
Based on these studies (and many others), wool dryer balls shorten drying times by a whopping 14%–25%. For a typical American household with an electric dryer, this translates to annual energy cost savings of $18–$30.
While $18–$30 might seem modest, over three years (the expected lifespan of quality wool dryer balls) the savings exceed the initial cost of the balls multiple times over. This calculation doesn't include additional savings from reduced use of other laundry products.
The environmental impact is significant. Shorter drying cycles mean less energy consumption. When multiplied across millions of households, this small change substantially reduces power plant emissions.
“Love these balls. They are super good and work very well. I have been using them for a long time and they make my clothes dry faster. They are worth the money.”—Archishman Dakua, Verified purchaser on Amazon (five stars)
How wool dryer balls work
Wool dryer balls are made from compressed wool fibers that tumble with your clothes in the dryer. Their primary function is to create space between garments, increasing drying times and reducing energy consumption.
As the dryer spins, wool dryer balls bounce around, lifting and separating clothes. This action creates pockets between items, allowing hot air to circulate more freely throughout the load. Improved airflow contributes to quicker, more even drying.
Wool fibers absorb moisture from clothes and release it as the dryer heats up, distributing moisture more evenly and reducing drying time.
Wool dryer balls prevent clothes from sticking together during the drying process. This action minimizes static cling.
Why you should choose wool dryer balls
Decreased dry times are just one of the reasons you should pick up a set of wool dryer balls. Check out some of the other amazing benefits of wool dryer balls:
- They smooth out wrinkles as clothes tumble and decrease static cling.
- Wool's friction against fabrics during drying results in softer clothes.
- They replace chemical-laden fabric softeners and offer natural softening instead.
- As a reusable, eco-friendly option, wool dryer balls beat single-use dryer sheets or plastic balls. Wool biodegrades and is renewable.
- Wool balls are scent-free, but you can add fragrances with Smart Sheep essential oil spray.
- Wool attracts lint from clothes, reducing lint on garments and keeping dryer traps cleaner.
- They're low maintenance—just toss them in with wet laundry.
- Each dryer ball lasts for hundreds of loads, saving money and reducing waste more than disposable sheets.
Wool dryer balls vs other dryer-time-saving techniques
Wool dryer balls are the best option for quickly drying wet clothes, but they're not the only choice. Let's look at how wool dryer balls stack up against other common approaches.
Dryer sheets
Dryer sheets are widely used but don't significantly reduce drying time. They primarily combat static and add fragrance.
Unlike wool dryer balls, traditional dryer sheets are single-use products so they create more waste. They also contain harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin and leave a coating on clothes that may reduce their absorbance over time.
Plastic dryer balls
Plastic dryer balls work similarly to wool balls by separating clothes and improving airflow. However, they don't absorb moisture like wool does.
Plastic balls are durable but can make more noise in the dryer drum. They're also less environmentally friendly as they're made from non-renewable resources and aren't biodegradable.
Line drying
Line drying is the most energy-efficient method, using no electricity. It's gentle on natural fabrics and can reduce wear. But it's time-consuming, weather-dependent, and may leave clothes feeling stiff. It's not always practical for those with limited outdoor space or in humid climates.
High-efficiency dryers
Modern high-efficiency dryers use advanced technology to reduce drying time and energy consumption. While effective, they require a significant upfront investment to replace older models. Wool dryer balls can boost the performance of these dryers even further.
Aluminum foil balls
A DIY alternative, aluminum foil balls help reduce static and separate clothes. They're cheap and easy to make but don't absorb moisture like our wool dryer balls. They're also less durable and need frequent replacement, creating more waste.
Additional tips for faster drying
Get even more performance out of your wool dryer balls using these use tips.
Load your dryer right
- Do not overload your dyer. This common mistake leaves no room for clothes to tumble and blocks air circulation.
- Fill the dryer halfway for best results. Check your machine's recommended capacity.
- Group similar textiles in one laundry load. Mixing heavy cottons with light synthetics isn't efficient.
Clean the lint filter
- Clean the lint filter before every load, without exception. Lint buildup limits airflow.
- Remove lint from the mesh screen with fingers or a brush. Don't just wipe over it.
- For compacted or stuck-on lint, scrub the screen with soap and hot water.
- Inspect the duct pathway too. Lint accumulates in vents over time.
Use timed drying
- Set cycles based on expected drying duration for each load. Timed drying offers more control than auto-sensing.
- For mixed loads, use the time needed for the slowest-drying fabric. Consult labels for guidance.
- Record drying times for common loads. Avoid over-drying, which causes wrinkles and wear and wastes energy.
“They [Smart Sheep wool dryer balls] also promised to last for over 1,000 loads of laundry (more than two years’ worth!) and save me money by shortening the drying time…. That was six months ago, and ever since that first purchase I have enjoyed calm, non-irritated skin and clean, cling-free clothes that dry in half the time (as long as I don’t overload the dryer).”—Chloe Nannestad, on Reader’s Digest
Care tips for wool dryer balls
To maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of wool dryer balls, follow these simple care guidelines:
- Adhere to recommended wash and dryer settings. Avoid using water or dryer temperatures higher than specified for the product.
- Use cool or warm water for recharging. Hot water depletes wool's natural lanolin over time.
- Select medium or low heat for drying. High heat speeds up wear and breaks down wool's natural fibers.
- Air out balls occasionally. This refreshes the wool and helps maintain its natural properties.
- Spot clean when necessary. For visible dirt, use a damp cloth with mild soap.
Wool is naturally durable, but prolonged exposure to excessive force, friction, and heat can degrade the fibers. Proper care preserves the wool's structure for continued effectiveness, softer laundry, and reduced drying times.
Wool dryer balls FAQ
Do dryer balls damage your dryer?
Dryer balls do not damage your dryer. They can be beneficial as they help to separate laundry, eliminate static buildup, and improve airflow, resulting in faster drying times.
How many drops of essential oil do you put in dryer balls?
The number of drops of essential oil you put on wool dryer balls depends on personal preference and the strength of the essential oil. Start with 3–5 drops per ball and adjust from there. Some people prefer a stronger scent and may use more drops, while others prefer a lighter scent and use fewer drops.
Learn more about how to add essential oils to wool dryer balls.
Do dryer balls save money?
Dryer balls can provide real cost savings in a few ways. By reducing drying time, they lower energy usage, trimming your electricity bills over time. Their lifespan of 1,000+ loads also eliminates the need to constantly buy disposable dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners over the years. And their ability to soften clothes may allow you to turn down your water heater temperature for washing.
How many dryer balls should I use?
Here are some general rules that should help you judge how many wool dryer balls per load you should use.
- For small to medium loads, 3–4 balls should get the job done.
- For larger loads, you can use 5–8 balls.
- For extra-large and heavy loads, you may want to go as high as 9–12 balls.
Are wool dryer balls a sustainable alternative to dryer sheets?
Wool dryer balls are a highly sustainable alternative to disposable dryer sheets. Made from natural fibers, they last for hundreds of loads, reducing waste. Unlike chemical dryer sheets, they don't leave residue on your dry clothing or dryer through-vents.
What are the different types of dryer balls?
There are several types of dryer balls available, including wool, plastic, and rubber. Wool dryer balls are superior as they absorb moisture from clothes while drying. They're also quieter than plastic balls and are an excellent natural alternative to fabric softeners for those seeking a more natural laundry routine.
Can wool dryer balls make clothes soft and add a pleasant scent?
Wool dryer balls naturally soften clothes by agitating fibers during the drying cycle. For a pleasant scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil (or use Smart Sheep scenting spray) to the balls before use. Store your dryer balls in a glass jar between uses to maintain the laundry scent. This method is a smart choice for those who want to avoid artificial air fresheners.
Are wool dryer balls safe for delicate fabrics and those with allergies?
Wool dryer balls are generally safe for delicate fabrics when used on medium heat. Because of their hypoallergenic properties, they are good for most people with allergies. If you're concerned about wool on clothes, you can use them in a separate mesh bag. For items such as bed sheets, start with shorter loads so they don't get tangled around the balls.
Further reading
Are tennis balls good to use in the dryer?
Why should I put safety pins on my wool dryer balls?
Are there toxic chemicals in laundry detergents?
Detergent sheets vs liquid detergents: Who wins?
Can I put dryer balls in the washing machine?
Resources
Palermo, A. (2023, September 20). Do Dryer Balls Actually Work? Debate-Ending Test Results. Prudent Reviews. https://prudentreviews.com/dryer-balls/
LeBrun, J., & Suzuki, D. (2023). Wool dryer balls shrink drying time. David Suzuki Foundation. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/wool-dryer-balls-shrink-drying-time/
