We all have heard about dryer balls being extremely helpful in laundry, in one way or another. Sitting down, and giving it a thought can raise a lot of questions about them. One of the top questions can be “Do these dryer balls work?”, and we know that’s a very valid question. The answer to the question is yes, dryer balls work. They soften your clothes, make them fluffier, help dry them out quickly, and they eliminate static and creases which help reduce ironing time. Dryer balls are all-in-one!
Everyone spends time doing laundry around the house. But there are lots of ways to care for your clothes. One of these ways is by using dryer balls, which help to keep the laundry fluffy and soft. Maybe you haven’t quite got what their use is about, or you’re wondering if they work. Well this is a blog that will help you understand dryer balls and whether they turn out to be a valid payback for laundry life. And of course, it will also look at another solution, fabric conditioner balls, and see if they are a fit for your laundry.
How Do Dryer Balls Work?
Before jumping into how they work, let’s get to know these dryer balls. These awesome little laundry friends help laundry dry quickly and make your clothes feel softer and fluffier. When you put them into a laundry cycle, they bounce around the dryer, separate your clothes from one another and let the hot air circulate better between them. This decreases the drying time and prevents clothes from getting wrinkles, creases and static clinginess.
Dryer Ball Types
1. Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are made with natural wool. They are 100% natural and environment friendly. Wool dryer balls are a good option for people who have sensitive skin or allergies to strong scents or detergents. They don’t have any chemicals, scents or other materials that will harm your or your clothes. These are the best for drying clothes quicker as they absorb the moisture from your clothes.
Even though these wool dryer balls are chosen to be the best, there are certain pros and cons:
Pros:
- Made entirely of natural fibres, they are environmentally friendly.
- They help in making the clothing softer and fluffier without the need for additional fragrances or chemicals.
- Saves energy by absorbing the moisture from the clothing, cutting down on drying time.
Cons:
- These wool dryer balls can be a bit expensive at first.
- Wool dryer balls can wear out after being used for hundreds of cycles.
2. Plastic Dryer Balls
Plastic dryer balls are another kind of dryer balls that are good to use. These dryer balls are much more long-lasting, they can last for several years. One of their features is that they have small nodules that help them remove static from your clothes. However, these are not as good for the environment as wool dryer balls.
Plastic dryer balls, just like wool ones have their pros and cons:
Pros:
- They are durable and long-lasting.
- They are highly cost-effective and give you the results you want.
- They will make your clothes softer, help them dry quicker and reduce static and wrinkles.
Cons:
- These plastic dryer balls are not eco-friendly as they are made from plastic.
- Plastic dryer balls can be noisy in the dryer.
Instructions to Use Dryer Balls
Whether you are using wool dryer balls or plastic ones, all dryers make it really easy to use. To help clarify any misunderstanding that might be getting this step incorrect, here are simple and stepwise instructions to get these dryer balls performing magic on your clothes.
- Load the Dryer: As you normally would, place wet clothes in the dryer, but remember not to overload.
- Add the Dryer Balls: Put your dryer balls into the dryer according to how heavy your load is going to be. For a load that is small to medium, about 3-4 dryer balls should be added. A load that is medium to large needs about 5 dryer balls, while extra-large loads will need around 5 to 6 dryer balls.
- Let It Dry: Let the dryer and the balls cast their magic by completing the cycle.
- Removing from the Dryer: When the cycle completes, you can remove your clothes from the dryer. Store the dryer balls in a place that will keep them cool. You can see the difference in how soft and dryer they become with the use of these dryer balls.
The Question of Cost
Along with knowing about the dryer ball’s various benefits, it is also important to talk about the numbers. Dryer balls are known to be more expensive than other laundry products. However, this higher cost is repaid as they are known to last for hundreds of cycles. This is a quick breakdown for you so that you can make a well-informed choice for your laundry.
- Initial Cost: You will always get wool dryer balls in a pack of 3 or more. One set would typically cost you between $10-$20. This cost can be different depending on the brand. Plastic dryer balls usually range from $5-$10. You will also find them in a set of 3, and the costs can change depending on the brand you choose.
- Lifespan: All dryer balls, be they wool or plastic ones, are long-lasting. They will last for hundreds of cycles and loads. Comparing these dryer balls to dryer sheets or fabric softeners, these last longer. Consider purchasing a dryer ball as a long-term investment for your clothes.
- Energy Saving: Dryer balls help reduce the drying time of your clothes. They leave them softer, and fluffier, reducing wrinkles, creases and static cling. Drying faster means a lower energy bill for you. By saving this energy, you can eventually add these savings up for yourself or other things.
Read Also: How to properly use your kitchen trash compactor
Special Mention: Fabric Conditioner Balls
Because we are on this treasure hunt for discovering new laundry best friends for you. Let’s also talk about another friend whom you might consider the best for you – fabric conditioner balls. These little balls have a liquid fabric conditioner that drops on clothes during the correct drying time in the cycle. They can serve as a good alternative to dryer balls.
They, too, have some advantages and disadvantages that you should know before making your choice:
Pros:
- It drops the fabric softener evenly as it is spinning in the cycle.
- Fabric conditioner balls are easy to use and store.
- Fabric conditioner balls can work with all types of fabrics, so you can run your cycle without any worry.
Cons:
- Since you can’t put them in with wet clothes, this adds an extra step to your laundry process. You would have to wait for the right time to drop them into the dryer.
- These fabric conditioner balls are disposable. This means that they are not as eco-friendly as dryer balls.
Conclusion
If you thought that everyone was buying dryer balls because it was trending, then that is not the case. Dryer balls provide real benefits to your clothes. It is one essential step that just can’t be missed! These dryer balls give you softer clothes with reduced wrinkles and are eco-friendly saving you money. All pros and cons aside, it will always be worth it to buy dryer balls in your favour for clothes. Care of your clothes is essential, but so is care for the dryer. Maintain your dryer well, and whenever you happen to find any problem, Tech Angels will be right there with our dryer repair services and laundry centre repairs.
People Also Ask
No, dryer balls pick up lint from your clothing, bedsheets and other fabrics.
Of course! You can use dryer balls with all types of fabrics and it will help make them softer, scent-free, and reduce wrinkles and static.
Absolutely! Both of the dryer balls, wool and plastic help reduce the static cling that you experience after washing. In terms of static, it is better to use plastic ones as they are more effective than wool dryer balls.
