how to use wool dryer balls

The 10 Best Wool Dryer Balls of 2021

An alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

If someone told you there was a way to make your machine-dried clothing even fluffier, have much less static, and dry quicker, you might roll your eyes. After all, machine-drying clothing is already a pretty convenient process. Could anything really improve it that much? The answer is yes. Leveling up laundry loads is exactly what wool dryer balls are designed to do. You'll want to swap your fabric softener or dryer sheets for a set stat.

Typically, wool dryer balls come in sets of three or more, and in different sizes to support both your delicate clothing and your heaviest towels. Some carry a fresh scent, while others don't but can be treated with your favorite essential oils. You ideally want dryer balls made of 100 percent wool, and that match your overall aesthetic. "Wool is very absorbent and wicks moisture out of the garments for a faster drying time," says Katie Brown, owner of Rytina Fine Cleaners in Sacramento, California. Plus, unlike dryer sheets, which boast similar benefits, they are reusable, compostable, and go a lot easier on your dryer.

"Dryer sheets have a waxy residue that gets left behind in the dryer," says Scott Thomas, Director of Systems at Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company. "The buildup leads to obstructed airflow, which is the last thing people need when they are relying on flowing air to dry their clothes." Wool dryer balls, Thomas adds, don't release the same kind of waxy residue. The lifespan of the dryer is likely lengthened as a result.

Interested? Below, the best wool dryer balls for your laundry routine.

Our Top Picks

You can't go wrong with this dryer ball starter set that's sustainably sourced and doesn't produce a lot of noise in your dryer.

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These sleek wool dryer balls come in a pack of three, promise to give your fabrics a lift, and cut down on drying time and lint.

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Affordable and built to last, this set of six wool dryer balls comes with a canvas bag so you can easily store them between uses.

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At an extremely low price, this pack of four dryer balls treats you to soft and wrinkle-free clothing, and a cotton carrying bag.

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Made entirely from New Zealand wool, these dryer balls come with a machine-washable bag for storing and transporting laundry.

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They come with a bottle of lavender, orange, or lemon-scented essential oil that you can add when the scent starts to fade.

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Designed on the larger side, these wool dryer balls are especially recommended for drying comforters and other bulky items.

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Good for up to 10,000 loads, these 3.5-inch diameter wool balls are made from New Zealand wool and come in a set of four.

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You can choose from a variety of colorful wool dryer balls or un-dyed ones, or opt to receive a random assortment of both.

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This all-in-one set comes with three wool balls as well as 32 laundry detergent sheets that can help you cut down on waste.

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Material: Wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: Blue | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Sustainably sourced

• Compostable

• Don't make a lot of noise

What We Don't Like

• No size and color options

• No carrying bag

Whether you're just starting out with dryer balls for the first time or looking for a brand new set to try, you should check out Blueland's dryer ball starter set. The wool dryer balls are sustainably sourced and made with New Zealand wool. Blueland notes they're made to replace 1,000 dryer sheets—aka they'll last for 1,000 loads. Notably, the balls are also compostable and don't make a ton of noise when they're tumbling in your dryer.

The lack of noise is thanks to the plastic-free design of Blueland's product. While the laundry gem doesn't come with a carrying bag, and only is available in one size and color, this amenity of sorts makes them a must-have. Not to mention, the shade of light blue is quite aesthetically pleasing, and the larger size makes the balls quite compatible with your favorite towels and tees.

Material: Wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: White | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Classic design

• Built to last

• Gives fabrics a lift

What We Don't Like

• Less effective with towels

• May collect lint and look less clean over time

If you're looking for a set of wool dryer balls, you additionally can't go wrong with The Laundress's dryer balls set. It comes with a total of three dryer balls, all of which are crafted entirely with wool. Since they come in a crisp white color, you can rest assured knowing they'll be a sleek addition to your laundry room's design—no matter what color scheme you've cultivated.

The dryer balls promise to cut down on lint, static, and dry time, and, according to The Laundress, they'll even fluff up some of your favorite fabrics. However, there may be a bit of lingering static in your load, or you may notice that they collect the lint and don't look as clean as a result. Otherwise, they are durable and will likely hold up cycle after cycle, so snag a set for your weekly laundry routine.

Expert Buying Tip

"From a practical perspective: [wool dryer balls] create pockets of air in the dryer, which reduces the amount of time it takes to dry a load. Between the energy and time savings, that's a major win!"—Elise Hay, founder of Organized Sanctuaries

Material: Wool |Quantity: 6 | Colors: White | Diameter: 3 inches

What We Like

• Large quantity

• Should last for 1,000 loads

• Comes with a canvas carry bag

What We Don't Like

• Not as effective as others

• Doesn't hold scent well

Want to stock up on a bunch of wool dryer balls, but not break the bank? Woolite offers a budget-friendly way to do it. Snag the brand's Wool Dryer Balls Set and you'll get six dryer balls for the price of two, when compared to other picks on the market, as well as a canvas carrying bag. While the wool balls may not be as effective as others, they'll last a really long time, which helps you save money in more ways than one.

The eco-friendly dryer balls are crafted entirely from wool. According to the brand, they should hold up through 1,000 loads of laundry. (If you do laundry once per week, you can then expect the dryer balls to last nearly two decades.) Now, in addition to being less powerful, these dryer balls are also not superior at holding a scent, even when paired with essential oils. You'll want to keep this in mind if you want the smell of freshly dried clothes roaming around your laundry room.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 4 | Colors: White | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Great value

• Cuts down drying times well

• Comes with a cotton carrying bag

What We Don't Like

• Can leave behind some lint

• No color or size options

You'll get a lot of bang for your buck with Public Goods' wool dryer ball set. The set includes four dryer balls made of 100 percent New Zealand wool, as well as a cotton carrying bag. All of the dryer balls are actually effective at cutting down drying times, and don't produce lots of noise in the process of making your clothes soft and wrinkle-free. While you may find a bit of lingering lint, you'll likely feel good about the cruelty-free and biodegradable nature of the product.

There are no color and size options for these wool dryer balls, unfortunately. However, they'll get the job done and not leave you hanging much. At an extremely low price, you can't really ask for more than that.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 6 | Colors: Assorted gray, multicolor | Diameter: 3.5 inches

What We Like

• Larger design

• Comes with a machine-washable laundry bag

• Available in two colorways

What We Don't Like

• May tumble loudly in the dryer

• Doesn't hold scent well

It can be tough to find a set of wool dryer balls that are worth the splurge. After all, how different can two sets of wool dryer balls be? However, Food52's Five Two Wool Dryer Balls set is amenity-filled and worth investing in. It's a set of six dryer balls plus a sizable laundry bag. (Do the math on what each of those would cost if sold individually, and you'll realize you're actually scoring a pretty great deal.) The dryer balls themselves are also crafted entirely from New Zealand wool, and are available in two assorted colorways. You can choose whether you want a collection of vibrant colors or an array of softer, mixed grays.

No matter which palette you choose, you'll also end up with a machine-washable laundry bag you can use to store and transport your laundry. The only "downsides" to this set are they don't hold scent well, and can make a lot of noise when tumbling in the dryer. This is partly due to their larger design, that is most suitable for towels.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: White | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Crafted from organic wool

• Comes with the essential oil of your choosing

• Great at reducing wrinkles

What We Don't Like

• Not effective against static cling

• May not reduce drying times

Many scented dryer balls lose their fragrance over time. This can be a bummer—after all, you invested in a set of scented dryer balls, not a set of unscented ones. Thankfully, Woolzies found a clever way around this common problem. The brand's Organic Wool Dryer Balls set ships with three wool dryer balls and an essential oil bottle, which you can use to perfume your dryer balls to your heart's content.

The durable dryer balls are crafted from organic wool, and promise to withstand 1,000 loads of laundry. Since personal preference can vary a lot when it comes to scent, Woolzies gives you the option of three different essential oil bottles: fresh lemon, soft lavender, or tangy orange. The best part of this amenity is that you are in charge of how fragrant your dryer balls are. You can add as much, or as little, scent as you want to. However, they're not the best option for static cling.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: Ivory | Diameter: 4 inches

What We Like

• Larger design

• Comes with a storage bag

• Good for drying comforters

What We Don't Like

• May smell bad when they first arrive

• Expensive

Searching for a set of organic dryer balls? The Company Store's Wool Dryer Balls set is a stellar choice. The set comes with three dryer balls, which are crafted entirely from organic New Zealand wool. While the balls are sure to make a great addition to any load of laundry, the brand recommends pairing them with down and down-alternative comforters (if they're machine-washable, of course) for some of the best results.

At 4 inches in diameter, the dryer balls are certainly larger than others. That means your dryer may be a little noisy. However, it also means you can probably get away with using fewer dryer balls per cycle and drying bulkier items, such as towels or sheets, with total ease. Now, you should know the dryer balls may smell bad when they first arrive. Air them out in a dry place upon arrival, and the smell shouldn't become a lingering issue.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 4 | Colors: Assorted gray | Diameter: 3.5 inches

What We Like

• Larger design

• Should last for 10,000 loads

• Comes in compostable packaging

What We Don't Like

• May not help with static cling

• May not pick up pet hair

If you're looking for a set of bigger-than-average wool dryer balls, rest assured knowing Dropps has you covered. The brand's XL Wool Dryer Balls set comes with four dryer balls, which are crafted entirely from New Zealand wool. The balls boast 3.5-inch diameters, so they're pretty darn big and you'll likely need to toss in only one or two with your load. Dropps mentions on the product listing that the color of the balls won't transfer onto your clothing, so feel free to mix and match them with dark and light loads alike.

According to Dropps, the dryer balls should also get you through 10,000 loads of laundry. (For context, most dryer balls only claim to get you through 1,000.) Do the math, and you'll quickly conclude that the dryer balls are designed to last a lifetime. Additionally, this set comes in compostable packaging and is backed by a 30-day, risk-free trial, but may not always help with static cling or pet hair.

Material: Wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: Cream, light gray, green, blue, aqua, purple, assorted multicolor | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Available in multiple quantities

• Available as a matching or randomly assorted set

• Good for small and medium loads

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't hold scent well

• Expensive

You can find wool dryer balls in an array of vibrant colors and versatile neutrals, but LooHoo gives you more color options than most. The brand's Wool Dryer Balls Deluxe Starter Pack is available in a whopping seven different colorways, giving you the choice between six matching sets and one randomly assorted one. No matter which colorway you choose, you'll end up with three wool dryer balls—unless you opt for the larger classic or optimum packs.

The balls should be suitable for small to medium loads of laundry, according to LooHoo. Although, they may not hold a scent well. You may need to treat them with essential oils after a while. In addition, the set is certainly on the expensive side, but worth it if you'd love to see you favorite color in your laundry room.

Material: New Zealand wool |Quantity: 3 | Colors: White | Diameter: Not listed

What We Like

• Come with laundry detergent sheets

• Lavendar scent

• Should last for 1,000 loads

What We Don't Like

• May not help with static cling

• Expensive

If you want to outfit your laundry room in one swoop, Grove will help you do it. The brand offers an all-in-one laundry set, which includes three wool dryer balls and 32 laundry detergent sheets. Like other dryer balls, Grove's dryer balls promise to cut down on wrinkles, static, and dry time. (Although, they might not actually help with static cling.) The brand's plastic-free laundry detergent sheets promise to do the work of a classic liquid detergent, too, while helping you cut down on waste.

Grove's dryer balls are crafted entirely from New Zealand wool, and the brand says a set should last for 1,000 loads of laundry. While you'll have to replace your laundry detergent sheets frequently, since each sheet is designed to get you through one load, this set ultimately covers all the laundry bases and has a lavender scent you'll enjoy.

Final Verdict

When it comes to wool dryer balls, our top pick is Blueland's Dryer Ball Starter Set (view at Blueland). They are sustainably sourced and compostable, and don't produce a lot of noise when they're in the dryer. You also can't go wrong with The Laundress's wool dryer balls (view at The Laundress), and it's not hard to see why. These dryer balls add lift to your favorite fabrics and have a durable design. You shouldn't have to replace them with much frequency.

Material

Most wool dryer balls are made entirely of wool. However, some are made of textile blends instead. Since wool is the material that makes dryer balls moisture-wicking and compostable, you may want to avoid dryer balls made from other materials. "Double-check to be sure the balls are constructed with 100 percent wool," Brown suggests. "The wool is doing the work. So if you buy a blend, that will likely negatively impact the quick absorbency rate."

Size

Wool dryer balls are available in many different sizes, but you'll often find them with diameters of 3 or 4 inches. According to Brown, it may be worth it to stock up on a few different sizes, so you can treat your items well. "If you can find a variety of sizes, that's a plus," she says. "Small ball sizes are great for delicates, while the larger sizes are great for blankets and bath towels."

Scent

Many people want their laundry to emerge from the dryer smelling fresh and fragrant. There are two ways to accomplish this with wool dryer balls. First, you can stock up on a scented set. Second, you can snag an unscented set and add fragrance by applying a few drops of your favorite essential oil, or oils. Elise Hay, founder of Organized Sanctuaries, recommends doing the latter. If you opt to pair unscented dryer balls with essential oils, you can always swap out your scents over time, after all.

Color

Wool dryer balls come in an array of different colors, ranging from crisp whites and ivories to vibrant blues and purples. There's no substantial evidence saying you must pair light-colored ones with the load of lighter clothing you have, or that darker-colored balls should be put with darker clothing. So, color really comes down to personal preference and your chosen aesthetic. Ask, "What colors would you be happiest to see in your laundry room?"

FAQ

• How long do wool dryer balls last?

  According to Brown, wool dryer balls can last for several years. "As they age, the balls will become hard and stiff." When this happens, it might be time to replace your go-to dryer balls. Thomas notes that your dryer balls may also unravel over time. If this happens, you should stop usage and replace them immediately.

  Also worth noting? Your dryer balls may pill over time, but it's not a cause for any concern. "This does not mean they are no longer effective," says Hay. In fact, you can pull the pills off, or Thomas suggests using a sweater shaver to get the job done.

• Do wool dryer balls remove pet hair?

  Yes, many wool dryer balls are designed to remove lint and pet hair from your dryer loads. Therefore, they can be a particularly good addition to a household with a pet or two. Just note: there may still be some straggling hairs, but there will likely be a lot less than if you didn't use a dryer ball.

• How do you care for wool dryer balls?

  If you want to keep your wool dryer balls in tip-top shape, be sure to keep them dry in between uses. Brown recommends storing them in an open container, such as a wicker basket, noting, "Air should circulate around them so that the moisture they collect can naturally dry."

• How many wool dryer balls should you use at a time?

  Wool dryer balls tend to come in sets of three, four, six, and sometimes more. When shopping, you'll want to pay attention to how many balls you're getting for a given price, to make sure you're getting your money's worth. You'll also want to ensure you get enough balls to support your laundry needs.

  Brown recommends using three balls for small loads, four balls for medium loads, and five to six balls for larger loads. "These balls separate the garments allowing for air to circulate," says Brown.

Lindsey Lanquist is a Nashville-based writer and editor covering home and lifestyle products for a range of publications. She's written for The Spruce since 2019. For this article, she prioritized wool dryer balls that were reasonably priced and genuinely well-reviewed by those who'd tried them. To help you find a set of wool dryer balls that meets your needs and preferences, she also vetted picks in a range of different colors and sizes. For more insight, Lindsey spoke with: Katie Brown, owner of Rytina Fine Cleaners; Scott Thomas, Director of Systems at Dryer Vent Wizard; and Elise Hay, founder of Organized Sanctuaries.

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how to use wool dryer balls

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/best-wool-dryer-balls-4781065

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