Do wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles?
Wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles and static cling and provide your laundry with many other benefits. They are soft enough to protect your dryer's drum, great for saving money, and your laundry comes out soft, fresh, and static-free.
Quick links:
How wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles
Wool dryer balls vs. other wrinkle-reducing methods” concept
What are the pros and cons of using wool dryer balls?
Care tips for wool dryer balls
“While clothes did dry faster, the wrinkle reduction factor made these [Smart Sheep] dryer balls stand out among those we tested. During lab tests, towel moisture was reduced by 19.34 percent after 30 minutes, and the towels came out evenly dried, too.”—Alida Nugent, The 6 Best Dryer Balls of 2024 Cut Down On Drying Time and Eliminate Static
How do wool dryer balls work?
Wool dryer balls are simple, effective laundry tools that enhance the drying process. These dense, round balls made from compressed wool fibers tumble with your clothes in the dryer. Their primary function is to create space between garments, increasing drying times and reducing energy consumption.
As the dryer spins, wool dryer balls bounce around, lifting and separating clothes. This action creates pockets between items, allowing hot air to circulate more freely throughout the load. Improved air flow contributes to quicker, more even drying.
Wool fibers absorb moisture from clothes and release it as the dryer heats up, distributing moisture more evenly and reducing drying time.
Wool dryer balls prevent clothes from sticking together during the drying process. This action minimizes static cling.
With so many benefits, it’s no surprise these wooly wonders have become a sustainable alternative to traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
How wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles
Wool dryer balls are the best natural approach to reducing wrinkles in your laundry, serving as an alternative to plastic dryer balls or single-use dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles in a few ways:
- Agitation: as the dryer spins, wool balls bounce around, gently fluffing and separating clothes and preventing deep wrinkles from setting in.
- Faster drying: dryer balls improve air circulation within the load, which speeds up drying time. Less drying time reduces wrinkles because clothes spend less time tumbling and creasing against each other in the hot environment of the dryer.
- Even heat distribution: dryer balls distribute heat evenly throughout the load of laundry, reducing the chance of over-drying and causing wrinkles.
- Reduced clumping: by keeping clothes separated, dryer balls minimize the clumping that leads wet laundry to wrinkle.
Here are some factors that influence how wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles:
- Fabric type: different materials respond differently to drying methods.
- Load size: proper load size is important for optimal performance.
- Aftercare: removing clothes promptly after the cycle ends helps maintain wrinkle-free results.
- Initial wetness: very wet clothes require additional drying time.
For best results, use wool dryer balls in combination with other good laundry practices, such as removing clothes from the dryer and hanging or folding them immediately.
Wool dryer balls vs. other wrinkle-reducing methods
People use different methods to fight wrinkles in their laundry. Wool dryer balls are the best option, but they're not the only choice. Let's look at how wool dryer balls stack up against other common wrinkle-reducing techniques.
Single-use dryer sheets
These thin sheets are added to the dryer with wet clothes. They coat fabrics with chemicals that reduce static and soften clothes. Although many people like their convenience and fresh scent, the harmful chemicals dryer sheets release are concerning.
Disposable dryer sheets create unnecessary waste with each use and contain artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin. They're not as effective for larger loads and can leave a waxy buildup on clothes over time.
Liquid fabric softener
Added during the rinse cycle during washing, liquid softeners work by coating fibers with lubricating chemicals. As a result, your clothes are softer and less wrinkly.
Potential skin irritation, reduced absorbency in towels, and the need to remember to add it at the right time in the wash cycle are just some of the cons of using traditional fabric softeners. They also come in plastic bottles, which are bad for the environment.
Plastic dryer balls
Reusable plastic balls are similar to wool dryer balls. They bounce around in the dryer, separating clothes for better airflow. While they don't create waste (like dryer sheets), they're less effective at reducing static and don't absorb moisture like wool does. They also make more noise in the dryer and may wear out faster than wool balls.
Check out our in-depth comparison of wool vs. plastic dryer balls.
Tennis balls
Some people use tennis balls as a budget-friendly alternative to dryer balls. They separate clothes and reduce drying time somewhat, but they're not made for this purpose and leave a rubbery smell on clothes. Tennis balls are also not as gentle on fabrics as wool dryer balls.
What are the pros and cons of using wool dryer balls?
With so many benefits and a few drawbacks, all-natural wool dryer balls are your best choice for reducing wrinkles, saving energy, and simplifying your laundry routine.
Pros of wool dryer balls
- Softer fabrics. Wool dryer balls fluff clothes as they tumble, naturally softening fabrics.
- Reduced static. Wool fibers dissipate static electricity in the dryer.
- Shorter drying times. Dryer balls create space between clothes, improving hot air circulation.
- No chemicals. Wool dryer balls contain no artificial fragrances or harsh substances.
- Quieter operation. Wool dryer balls do not make noise like other options such as tennis balls.
- Reusable. A set of wool dryer balls lasts for hundreds of laundry loads.
- Eco-friendly. Wool dryer balls reduce waste from single-use dryer sheets and plastic bottles.
- Versatile. Wool dryer balls work effectively with all types of fabric and laundry.
- Cost efficient. While pricier upfront, they save more money over time than disposable options.
- Fragrance-free. But you can add fragrance with our scenting spray made from natural essential oils.
Cons of wool dryer balls
- Higher upfront cost: The initial investment is more than buying a box of dryer sheets. But the investment is worth the money.
“While the initial investment might be slightly higher than a box of dryer sheets, the long-term benefits of wool dryer balls are well worth it. They're eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and contribute to softer, fresher laundry. I can't recommend them enough to anyone looking to enhance their laundry routine in a sustainable and effective way. Goodbye, dryer sheets—hello, wool dryer balls!” —JCastro, Amazon verified purchaser
Care tips for wool dryer balls
To help your wool dryer balls maintain their shape and fight wrinkles for as long as possible, follow these simple care tips:
- Follow instructions on wash and dryer settings. Never use hotter water or dryer temperatures than recommended for that particular product.
- Wash in cool or warm water. Hot water can deplete the natural lanolin in wool over time.
- Dry on a medium or low heat setting. Heat accelerates wear and causes the wool fibers to break down faster.
- Don't overload the dryer. Overcrowding reduces airflow and forces balls to endure more heat friction against other items.
While wool is naturally strong, excessive force, friction, and heat over many years can degrade the fibers. Proper care helps wool maintain its structure to continue effectively softening laundry.
“Love these balls. They are super good and work very well. I have been using them for a long time and they make my clothes dry faster. They are worth the money.” —Archishman Dakua, Amazon purchaser
Wool dryer balls FAQ
What are some other natural ways to reduce laundry wrinkles?
If you want to avoid wrinkles in your laundry without using chemicals, wool dryer balls are the best long-term wrinkle reducers. Here are some other natural options that might work:
- White vinegar softens clothes and reduces static. Pour a cup into the rinse cycle of your washing machine. The vinegar smell goes away when the clothes dry.
- Baking soda makes clothes soft and fresh. Add half a cup to your wash along with regular detergent. It works well for people who have sensitive skin.
- Hanging wet clothes on a line or drying rack prevents dryer-caused wrinkles. The weight of the water pulls clothes straight as they dry. This method saves electricity but takes longer than using a dryer.
- Make balls from aluminum foil and put them in the dryer with wet clothes. The balls bounce around, keeping clothes separate and reducing wrinkles. They also cut down on static.
- Hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom during a hot shower. The steam loosens wrinkles in the fabric. This works best for minor wrinkles and is a quick fix when you don't have time to iron.
Are dryer balls bad for your dryer?
Dryer balls are safe for your dryer. They're soft and won't damage the drum or other components. They also might extend your dryer's life by improving air circulation and reducing drying time.
Which dryer setting is the best for wrinkles?
A medium heat setting works best for wrinkle reduction. High heat sets wrinkles, while low heat might not remove them effectively. Some dryers have a specific "wrinkle-free" or "permanent press" cycle.
How often should I recharge my wool dryer balls?
Recharge your wool dryer balls every month or two. To do this, wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat. This restores their ability to absorb moisture and fluff up your laundry items.
What can I do with my old wool dryer balls?
Old wool dryer balls have many uses. Use them as dog toys, chair leg covers, or pin cushions. You can also compost them or use them as natural air fresheners with a couple of drops of essential oil or with a few spritzes of Smart Sheep scenting spray.
How many wool dryer balls per load do I need?
Here are some general rules that should help you judge how many wool dryer balls to use per laundry load.
- For small to medium loads, 3–4 balls should get the job done.
- For larger loads, use 5–8 balls.
- For extra-large loads, go as high as 9–12 balls.
Do wool dryer balls collect pet hair?
Wool dryer balls attract pet hair from laundry during the drying cycle. They are useful for static reduction and removing pet hair from clothes. Clean the balls regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Can I use wool dryer balls with delicate fabrics?
Wool dryer balls don’t damage delicate fabrics. For extra care, use fewer balls and run your dryer on a gentle cycle. They're softer on clothes than synthetic materials in dryer sheets.
How do I add scent to my laundry with wool dryer balls?
For a pleasant fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil to each ball before drying. This natural method avoids synthetic fragrances found in single-use products such as dryer sheets. You can also use our scenting spray in orange, lemon, and lavender to add a pleasant scent to your wool dryer balls.
Are DIY wool dryer balls better than store-bought options?
DIY wool dryer balls can be cost-effective, but store-bought options have consistent quality and size. Homemade balls might not be as durable or efficient. Unless you're experienced with felting wool, store-bought balls typically perform better and last longer.
Further reading
What are the best wool dryer balls?
Essential oil recipes for wool dryer balls
What are the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin?
