Just last week we mentioned picking up Wool Dryer Balls on Amazon – they had a great deal to score 6 for just $16 (which is a GREAT price).

If you don’t currently use dryer balls or haven’t heard of them, they are a great way to shorten your dryer time to save you money.   We aren’t too big on using softener sheets, I can’t really remember the last time I used them or even bought them. 

Back up North we used to hang our clothes outside … I remember my mom would do a load, give us the basket and we’d drag it out to the clothesline. That was super… we did have a lot of issues with the dogs running from the neighbors and chewing my Dad’s pant legs (we lived in the country so almost everyone had huge dogs, we didn’t have any though).

When you hang them on the line they get really crisp and hard – my Dad didn’t like putting on his pants like that, but my mom refused to use the dryer in the summer.

Here in Arizona most people don’t dry clothes outside – I’m sure more people would be willing to .. but I”m sure a combination of the weather (dust in the summer, sporadic rain, chilly winter, etc.) not to mention limited backyards or Homeowners Associations, even allergies – for most it’s just easier to use a dryer. Plus – your clothes get so soft in the dryer it’s hard to resist just tossing them in there.

I actually have 6 dryer balls and my mother in law has 6 – the picture above shows 4 because my boys ran off with the other 2. You can keep them on top of your dryer in a basket, or just keep them in the dryer at all times.  I use Essential Oil on mine so I usually keep a few of my favorite scents in the basket with them – Peace & Calming so far is our favorite.

How do they Work?

Wool Dryer Balls shorten your drying time – they do that by circulating air into the load of laundry and soaking up excess water.  The more you use, the faster the clothes dry. Although they don’t eliminate the static they reduce it quite a bit.  They are a GREAT alternative to softener sheets – which will affect the absorbency of your towels after multiple uses.

Unlike Softener Sheets, Dryer Balls have no chemicals and can be reused over and over again.

The Dryer Balls I mentioned HERE last for 1,000 uses (if not more…) .. should they get dirty you can hand wash them and throw them back in the dryer.  

Can I Use Scent

They CAN be scented – If you wish to scent yours you can use 100% Natural Essential Oil (3-4 drops on a few of them is perfect). I scented mine 2 days ago and I haven’t had to re-apply any oil since because they are still holding the scent. It’s a great way to give a light scent to your clothes.  But .. if you usually try to stay away from scented items then you can also leave them as they are and throw in the dryer.

Can I Use them with ANY Load?

They can be used on Cloth Diapers (which is recommended since you can’t use softeners on those), you can use them on anything else in your dryer as well. If you have a sensitivity to Wool, the dryer balls will still work great because they never touch your skin.

Can I Make them Myself?

You can – and there are many tutorials online .. look for 100% Wool and try to steer away from anything machine washable or superwash. I’d also make sure you use a coupon – JoAnn Fabrics, Michael’s & Hobby Lobby always have new offers each week.

I opted to buy them – just because I’m not as crafty as others. I got mine on Amazon a few years ago and am still using the original balls.  But… I just recently ordered my mother in law a set… she is probably the heaviest user of fabric softener sheets. 

Do the Colors Bleed?

If you use Yarn that is colored, you have an advantage of spotting them quickly when the laundry is done – right now, mine are hard to see because they blend in – not to mention my kids love to run off with them. I have kids that think they are baseballs, so they run around throwing them in the house – not what you want!

If you are worried about the yarn colors bleeding (which they shouldn’t but if you have doubts) stick with lighter colors.  

 Check out these deals on Amazon on Dryer Balls if you wish to order yourself.

• Amazon: Woolzies, Wool Dryer Balls – Set of 6 just $17.99
• Amazon: 100% Wool Dryer Balls – Set of 6, just $16.77