Do Wool Dryer Balls Really Work? How to Use Them Correctly in Your Laundry

Wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles, speed up drying times, and soften clothes. Here's how to use them.

Do Wool Dryer Balls Really Work? Here's How to Use Them Correctly in Your Laundry

0:33

Wool dryer balls are an eco-friendly way to soften clothes, reduce wrinkles, and speed up drying times.
Using four wool dryer balls per load improves air circulation, which helps prevent damp spots and reduces drying time.
Wool dryer balls agitate fabrics, making clothes softer and less prone to wrinkles and static cling.

If your laundry often emerges from the dryer still damp or looks wrinkled, you may be searching for a quick fix. Consider wool dryer balls. The soft spheres are an easy way to soften clothes, speed up drying times, and reduce static cling. Unlike dryer sheets, wool dryer balls are reusable, making them a more sustainable alternative to some other fabric softeners. If you're interested in using them in your next load, read on to learn what experts have to say about how to use wool dryer balls.

Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home
Sean Busch, CEO and co-founder of Puracy

What Are Wool Dryer Balls?

Simply put, wool dryer balls are tightly woven balls of felted wool. They are generally biodegradable and can be made at home with a few basic supplies. The balls go inside the drum of your dryer and are often used in place of commercial fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

What Wool Dryer Balls Do

When using the recommended four dryer balls per load, the balls bounce off the dryer drum and into the clothing, says Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home. This action helps the air in the dyer circulate easier, which subsequently prevents pockets of moisture and reduces drying times.

Benefits of Wool Dryer Balls

When used correctly, wool dryer balls have many benefits. The increased airflow reduces drying times, softens clothes, and limits wrinkles and static cling.

Reduces Drying Times

Wool is an incredibly absorbent fabric, so it effectively soaks up moisture from the clothes and reduces drying times. But keep in mind this may vary. "It's important to consider the type of fabrics you're drying," says Sean Busch, the CEO and co-founder of Puracy. "Some fabrics are naturally more prone to longer dry times."

Softens Clothes

When the wool dryer balls circulate in the dryer, they agitate the clothes, which loosens the fibers and makes your garments emerge feeling softer.

Reduces Wrinkles

If you promptly remove your clothes when the drying time is finished, you will find them to be nearly wrinkle-free, says Poepping. Increased air circulation from the dryer balls means there's less friction between clothes, which results in less wrinkles and static.

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls

If you made the dryer balls from wool roving, you must make sure the balls are felted before using them. You can do so by drying the balls a few times before tossing them in with your clothes. Once they're firm to the touch, place four wool dryer balls into the dryer with your wet laundry, says Poepping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do wool dryer balls last?

Wool dryer balls are expected to last 1,000 or more loads if properly cared for, says Poepping.
How do you know when your wool dryer balls are done?

Wool dryer balls should be replaced when you notice the outer layer of felt has started to come apart.
Can you add fragrance to wool dryer balls?

It is safe to add a few drops of essential oils to your wool dryer balls. Never add perfume or fragrance that has an alcohol base, which is a potential fire hazard, says Poepping.