Best Dryer Balls: An Eco-Friendly Way to Dry Your Laundry
If you you wear clothing, and have to then wash that clothing, you should consider using dryer balls. Of course you do not have to use a dryer ball, but without one you are using significantly more energy and will still have damp clothing. The best way to avoid using excess energy to dry your clothing is by using a reusable dryer ball. Additionally, dryer balls are a great substitute for chemical heavy dryer sheets.
But the fun does not stop there, there are countless different types and styles of dryer balls to choose from. You will need to do some research to make sure you have a dryer ball that fits your unique style. Luckily, we have done the work for you. The reason that you need to do research is because there are quite a few brands of dryer balls that do not actually help dry your clothes. And after all, the whole point of a dryer and a dryer ball is to dry your clothes. So here we go, our top ten favorite dryer balls.
Here are the best dryer balls for your laundry.
In the chart below, you will find our top 10 rated Best Dryer Balls. For a more in-depth review of each model, please click on "Read Review."
Product Image | Product Name | Rating | Review |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Wool Dryer Balls by Smart Sheep | 4.5 out of 5 | |
AKEfit Laundry Dryer Balls | 4.4 out of 5 | ||
![]() | Friendsheep Organic Eco Wool Dryer Balls | 4.8 out of 5 | |
![]() | Kikkerland LB09 Puffer Fish Dryer Buddies | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Nellie's All-Natural Blue Dryerballs | 4.1 out of 5 | ||
![]() | Kitchow Organic Dark Wool Dryer Balls | 4.6 out of 5 | |
PureAction Wool Dryer Balls Organic | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Little Likes Dryer Balls | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Wool Dryer Balls by Pure Homemaker | 4.6 out of 5 | ||
![]() | Woolzies, the Original Highest Quality Wool Dryer Balls | 4.2 out of 5 |
Top 10 Best Dryer Balls in 2018
- Wool Dryer Balls by Smart Sheep
- AKEfit Laundry Dryer Balls
- Friendsheep Organic Eco Wool Dryer Balls
- Kikkerland LB09 Puffer Fish Dryer Buddies
- Nellie's All-Natural Blue Dryerballs
- Kitchow Organic Dark Wool Dryer Balls
- PureAction Wool Dryer Balls Organic
- Little Likes Dryer Balls
- Wool Dryer Balls by Pure Homemaker
- Woolzies, the Original Highest Quality Wool Dryer Balls
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What Are Dryer Balls?
Dryer balls come in two different flavors, wool or spiked plastic. Each style claims unique and individual properties that assist in drying clothing and keeping clothing soft. Dryer balls have been used around the world for a number years. And over time they have grown or diminished in popularity. Currently, dryer balls are on the rise here in the United States.
Dryer balls are small balls, or other shapes, that are thrown into your dryer with your wet clothing. They assist in separating your wet clothing and allows for the hot air from the dryer to dry your clothes more efficiently. Additionally, they are a great substitute for chemically saturated dryer sheets.
Now you are probably wondering why you should even bother with dryer balls. Well, by using a dryer ball you are ensuring that your clothing thoroughly dryers, is static free, and is soft to wear. Without using a dryer ball your socks will be soggy and your shirts will be damp. The main benefit to using a dryer ball is that they help dry your clothing faster with less energy. All the while avoiding the harmful chemicals found in dryer sheets. You are fundamentally saving money and the environment at the same time!
How Many Do You Use?
First things first, lets recap on what dryer balls do and how they work. By adding a dryer ball to your load of wet laundry, you are creating more space between clothes to allow for more efficient drying. So what does this mean? It means that we want to avoid over stuffing you dryer with wet clothing. If the loads are stuffed full, there wont be enough room to allow the dryer balls to do their job. Costing you both time and energy.
We recommend using 2-3 XL dryer balls per small to medium sized load. The ratio seems to provide the best drying with the least amount of energy consumption. Besides that, dryer balls are relatively easy to use. Throw your wet clothing into the dryer, add a couple dryer balls, and hit start. And remember that dryer balls last roughly 1,000 loads! However, you will know it is time to replace your wool dryer balls once they begin to look scraggly.
Things to Consider When Looking for Dryer Balls
Now, there are a lot of dryer balls out there, but they are not all equal. You need to find the best dryer ball for you specifically. Everyones laundry is unique and their own. The type of material and shape used in the dryer ball will significantly alter the way that your clothes are dried.
Plastic or Wool
Plastic or wool? If you have read some of our other articles, you have learned that no plastic is 100% safe to use. Although, some plastics are safer to use than others. If you want to buy a dryer ball that will last longer, go for a plastic dryer ball. But if you want to completely replace that chemical dryer sheet and any harmful plastic byproducts, go for wool.
Smell
Granted, a plastic dryer ball is going to smell like plastic. But, a wool dryer ball can be infused with essential oils to produce any smell you want. Simply pick an oil that you enjoy smelling and poor some onto your wool dryer ball. This little trick will allow you to truly replace that old dryer sheet and unsure that your clothes smell great!
Know What You're Drying
Certain clothes require different drying and washing techniques. If you are washing a lot of clothing or towels that are rarely used or are not worn at all, consider a plastic dryer ball. Plastic dryer balls last longer and will still assist in decreasing drying time and energy consumption. If you are washing gentle clothing that you wear on a regular basis, consider using wool.
Pros and Cons of the Types of Dryer Balls
Now, lets compare the pros and cons of plastic dryer balls, wool dryer balls, and dryer sheets. Each of these have their own unique properties, benefits and drawbacks to be aware of. Now even though this article focuses on the best dryer ball, it is important to know a bit about the other options available, so you can make the best decision.
Plastic Dryer Ball
Plastic dryer balls are used for decreasing drying time and saving energy. They will last longer than wool dryer balls and are great for unessential loads of laundry. However, plastic dryer balls are made of plastic and still contain harmful chemicals.
Pros
Cons
Wool Dryer Ball
Wool dryer balls are 100% organic and chemical free. They are great for using with clothing that you wear on a regular basis and want to keep looking great. In addition, you can add essential oils to the wool dryer ball to ensure that your dried clothing smells great! However, wool dryer balls do not last as long as plastic dryer balls.
Pros
Cons
Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets are the commonly used through the United States to assist with removing static electricity and improve the smell of dried clothing. Unfortunately, they are also saturated with harmful chemicals. Despite there chemical composition, they are readily available and will help your clothes smell fresh.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Dryer balls are a necessity for anyone who really cares about their health and the environment. Choosing the best dryer ball is an important step in ensuring perfectly dried and fresh smelling clothing. Be sure to check out our individual reviews of our top 10 best dryer balls in the next few days, as they go up. For more information, check out the rest of what Green and Growing has to offer.