September 2023

You’ve probably seen them. Those fuzzy, round dryer balls that kind of look like tennis balls. If you’ve ever wondered what they are and if you should use them, we’re here to tell you all about them.

Wool dryer balls are small, spherical balls made from 100% natural wool fibers, typically from sheep. The balls go inside the drum of your dryer and are often used in place of commercial fabric softeners and dryer sheets. They’ll improve the efficiency of your dyer and provide several additional benefits.

Faster Drying Times.

As they bounce off the dryer drum and into your clothing, dryer balls help to separate and fluff your laundry. This increased airflow and separation can reduce drying times by up to 25% or more. That not only saves you time but also reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and environmental benefits.

Softening and Fluffing.

Wool dryer balls can naturally soften fabrics, making your clothes and linens feel softer and fluffier. This can be especially useful if you want to avoid using chemical-based fabric softeners or dryer sheets, which can be harsh on sensitive skin or have strong fragrances.

Reduced Wrinkles.

The gentle agitation of wool dryer balls can help reduce wrinkles and creases in your clothes, leaving them looking neater and requiring less ironing.

Eco-Friendly.

Wool dryer balls are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to single-use dryer sheets. They can be reused for hundreds of loads, reducing the waste generated by disposable dryer sheets. They also don’t contain any chemicals or synthetic additives, making them a suitable choice for people with skin sensitivities or allergies.

Cost-Effective.

While they may have an initial cost, they’re a more cost-effective solution in the long run because they’re durable and reusable.

To use them, just place three or four in your dryer with a load of laundry and run the drying cycle as usual. Be sure not to overload your dryer. The more clothes that you stuff in there, the harder it will be for the dryer balls to do their job. And if you like the fragrance that dryer sheets give your clothes, it’s safe to add a few drops of essential oils to your wool dryer balls. If properly cared for, they should last 1,000 or more loads. When you notice the outer layer of felt has started to come apart, it’s time to replace them.

Sometimes, living in an apartment means making trips to the laundromat or using coin operated machines in the basement. Because neither of those fit well with the lifestyle we want you to enjoy in the Neighborhood of Play, we include a washer and dryer in every VIDA residence! And to make sure you spend even less time doing laundry, give wood dryer balls a try. We think you’ll love them!