March 29, 2018
Everyday Tip : Use Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets
Sometimes a quick and simple tip that can make the mundane a little easier or make your life a little better makes a BIG difference. This is a new series here on the blog where I’ll be sharing simple tips, finds, and suggestions to make life a little easier. I’ll be sharing these tips regularly on the blog and on Instagram– make sure you’re following along!
Use wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener – no toxic chemicals, they last for thousands of loads, reduce static, make your clothes dry faster, and they can be scented with a couple drops of essential oils. I keep this deodorizing oil right in a bowl on the dryer and add a couple drops of the deodorizing oil when the scent dissipates. Place the dryer balls in each load in the dryer – so simple and economical!
A COUPLE OTHER POSTS AND PRODUCTS THAT YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
- Wool dryer balls 101 – this post tells you everything you need to know about wool dryer balls.
- Not sure about wool dryer balls? Here are 4 ways to naturally soften and freshen your laundry.
- Wool dryer balls are in my shop here.
- The Deodorizing blend of essential oil that I use is in my shop here.
Saundra J Simpson Says
Debbie, Hello
I tried the wool dryer balls in my front loader dryer, hoping to remove the static but found that I am highly allergic to wool and the clothes dried with the balls were causing me to break out in a rash. Does anyone using your site know of an alternative to wool that would reduce the static without using dryer sheets?
b r Says
Post authorTry using fabric lightly soaked in white vinegar as a wet softener sheet or look for a plastic dryer ball 🙂
Nancy Says
Please be careful using essential oils for fragrance unless you know that no one in your family has allergies to them. I know they’re kind of marketed as being natural, but they can cause allergic reactions just like any other chemical, especially in people with immune system issues. That said I’ll definitely try the wool balls but minus the added fragrance.
Heather Says
I started using wool balls a few months ago. I loved how quickly the items in the dryer began drying BUT The static in my sheets and clothes has been horrible ever since. I try to make sure the balls are strategically placed inside now (rather than just having them in the dryer under the clothes as I did in the beginning). Even using fabric softener or vinegar in the wash with all 3 of the wool balls and I have static. There is nothing worse than your yoga pants zapping you as you get dressed. Last week I started using a static sheet with the balls and all the static disappeared. Maybe my house has a lot of static? I live in the Pacific NW and it’s still the rainy season for a few more months. I really, really wanted to stop using the sheets because they end up on the floors when I’m folding and they are so slippery on hardwood floors. Any suggestions on why the static is so horrible? I love the scent of my detergent so didn’t want to add scent to the balls but maybe I need this?
b r Says
Post authorTry putting a safety pin in the dryer ball to cut the charge and don’t overdry.
Jaime Says
Read this on the Mona Williams site but haven’t tried it yet. “For the love of laundry – Richardson pleads that you don’t use dryer sheets.
“I am the laundry evangelist. So I am allowed to say fabric softener is from hell. Dryer sheets melt on your clothes to make a clothing that is artificially soft,” he said.
Instead, try taking a yard-long piece of aluminum foil, roll it into a tight ball and throw it in the dryer. The metal is a conductor that will steal the static from the load.” Patric Richardson is the owner of the Mona Williams store at the Mall of American and periodically runs “laundry camp”.
b r Says
Post authorAluminum foil does work 🙂
amber Says
Don’t forget that dryer balls save on drying time. The wool gains static electricity the longer they are in the dryer.
Tracy Says
When will you have more dryer balls in stock?
b r Says
Post authorThey’re at the warehouse and set to process tomorrow – you should see them in the shop tomorrow morning!
Karen Thill Says
I took your advice and am switching to wool dryers balls. I’m also getting into essential oils. I was very excited to get started drying my laundry with the dryer balls by using several drops of an essential oil, and get aeay from using dryer sheets. But, I’ve read that this could start a dryer fire so now I’m scared to do this. I’d like to know how common this kind of fire is and if you or any of your readers have experienced this. Please advise soon. I have laundry to do. 😁
b r Says
Post authorThe issue is if you put essential oils directly into your dryer. Put a couple drops on the wool dryer balls, let it dry and then use them – no worries!
Becky S Says
I just read an article about essential oils on dryer balls being a fire hazard. Have you ever run across this?
b r Says
Post authorLet the 2-3 drops dry before using 🙂 The fire hazard is if you pour essential oils in your dryer.
Paul Heany Says
Okay, so the dryer balls and essential oils came in the mail less than a week ago. And before they had arrived, I was totally pumped about these things, but my wife was kinda iffy. Turns out, this time, I was right! We both love these new steps in the laundry cycle.
However, there is this little problem: when the dryer ball has had the essential oil applied to it, and it has gone through the drying process…how do you make it so you can use a different scent of the essential oils? Thank you for your help!
b r Says
Post authorI love it! The scent will fade after about 5-7 washings. Once the scent is gone you can apply a new one 🙂
Paul Says
Okay. But…is that it? I mean…is there no way to completely take the scent out, other than using it a few times? I’m sorry; I must sound rude right now. And REALLY, I’m not trying to be… 😐
Paul Says
Sorry if that last post seemed rude in any way. I know that you are nothing but helpful to us all. Thank you for that! 😊
b r Says
Post authorThe scent goes away after a few uses – I find that that removes the scent completely. Alternatively you could use 2 sets and have different scents for each one.