Do wool dryer balls save money?

September 22, 2023

Wool dryer balls can save you money. The cost of fabric softener and dryer sheets adds up. over time. When you buy our wool dryer balls, you can use them for more than 1000 loads, and say goodbye to dryer sheets and fabric softener.

Wool dryer balls not only save you money but also provide other benefits, from better health to less environmental pollution.

“Replacing dryer sheets with these wool balls is a move I wish I had made sooner. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also prove to be more effective. My clothes come out feeling softer and free of any static cling. in addition, these balls are GREAT in catching the small lint that are not normally removed by the dryer. The drying time seems to have reduced as well, which is an added bonus for energy savings.” —Ahmad Babaa, verified purchaser (five stars)

Quick links:

What do wool dryer balls do?

How much do wool dryer balls cost?

How much money can they save?

Do wool dryer balls save energy?

Will they be better for clothes?

Are they eco-friendly?

Useful tips

Let’s break down the cost difference and outline the money-saving benefits of switching to wool dryer balls. The savings might surprise you.

What do wool dryer balls do?

Wool dryer balls aren’t just fuzzy versions of tennis balls—they are far superior to tennis balls as a part of your laundry routine. Our wool dryer balls are made from 100% New Zealand wool that’s been felted into a dense sphere. When tossed in the dryer, they speed up drying time in a few ways:

They lift and separate clothing items as they bounce around, allowing more air to circulate. This decreases wrinkles and stops clothes from bunching up.
The wool fibers absorb and evaporate moisture quickly. Less remaining moisture means less time tumbling.
The balls smooth out fabric as they tumble, reducing static cling and wrinkles.

Our natural wool dryer balls are free of added dyes, chemicals, and fragrance. Just pure, hypoallergenic wool working its magic.

When drying is done, clothes come out soft, fluffy, and fresh. The fibers even help remove lint and pet hair from fabrics.

So while dryer balls may look simple, their effects are anything but. These felted wool wonders will have you wondering why you didn't make the switch sooner.

How do wool dryer balls save money?

Wool dryer balls can save you money by lowering your energy bill and also by eliminating single-use dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener from your laundry routine.

Let’s take a detailed look at the cost breakdown.

Laundry products cost savings

While a package of dryer sheets or a bottle of fabric softener may seem cheap, the cost of these items adds up over the course of a year. Wool dryer balls are the smart choice.

To break it down further, let's focus on the cost per load.

Product	Upfront cost	Loads served	Cost per load
Dryer sheets	$20	120 loads	$0.16
Fabric softener	$5	40 loads	$0.12
Wool dryer balls	$20	1,000 loads	$0.02

On average, a package of dryer sheets contains around 120 sheets, while a bottle of fabric softener services from 32 to 64 laundry loads, depending on the brand and amount used per load. In contrast, a set of wool dryer balls typically last for a thousand loads or more.

When you look at cost per load, wool dryer balls are far cheaper than dryer sheets and fabric softener.

Energy savings

“My clothes are coming out of the dryer much faster than before, which not only saves energy but also keeps my utility bills in check.” —JCastro, verified purchaser (five stars)

The average American household spends around $120 per year on dryer electricity costs. With an electric dryer, each load costs approximately 40 cents to dry.

Studies show wool dryer balls can reduce drying time by 20% per load since they help circulate air and remove moisture quickly.

Based on a 20% faster drying time, that 40 cent load now costs 32 cents—saving 8 cents per load.

For a household that does 300 loads of laundry annually (an average for US households), wool dryer balls could save around $24 per year on electricity costs.

That’s more than the cost of a six-pack of our plain dryer balls. And that’s just for one year of use. Our dryer balls typically last for more than three years, meaning you’re recovering more than triple the cost of the dryer balls in energy savings alone.

Helping clothes last longer

Traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners often leave behind residue that can degrade fabrics. Wool dryer balls naturally soften fabrics and reduce static cling to extend the lifespan of your clothes.

Benefits beyond cost savings

The benefits of wool dryer balls go way beyond cost savings. They are miraculously awesome for softness, fragrance, environmental responsibility, and much more.

Softening, fluffing, and static reduction

Wool dryer balls are a gentle and natural alternative to dryer sheets. Not only do they help reduce wrinkles and prevent laundry items from clumping together, but they also reduce static electricity, leaving your loads of laundry feeling soft and static-free.

Product testing has shown that wool dryer balls perform exceptionally well in these areas. So, not only can you save money by switching to wool dryer balls, but you can also enjoy superior performance in softening and fluffing your laundry.

“...what truly surprised me was the change in the texture of my clothes. They come out noticeably softer and fluffier, almost like they've been treated with a fabric softener. And the best part? No more static cling!” —JCastro, verified purchaser (five stars)

Hypoallergenic and chemical-free properties

For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, wool dryer balls offer a hypoallergenic and chemical-free option. They are made from 100% natural wool without any added chemicals. This makes them a gentle and safer choice for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer a more natural laundry routine.

Natural odor neutralizing properties

Have you ever noticed a lingering odor on your clean clothes, even after they've been washed and dried? Wool dryer balls come to the rescue with their natural odor-neutralizing properties.

The wool fibers absorb and neutralize unwanted odors, leaving your loads of laundry clean and with a fresh scent. And guess what? Although Smart Sheep wool dryer balls come unscented, you have the option to add essential oils to your laundry with them.

You can also buy our anti-static scenting spray and give your clothes a boost of fragrance with lemon, orange, and lavender aromas.

Handmade and ethical manufacturing

Beyond their practical benefits, wool dryer balls also have a positive impact on communities in Nepal, where many are handmade.

These dryer balls are sourced from Nepalese artisans who use traditional techniques to craft each ball with care.

By supporting handmade and ethical manufacturing, you not only contribute to sustainable livelihoods for these artisans but also help preserve their cultural heritage. It's a small but impactful way to make a difference while enjoying the benefits of wool dryer balls.

Environmental savings

By making the switch from disposable dryer sheets and fabric softeners to reusable wool dryer balls, you can eliminate large amounts of waste. Traditional dryer sheets and fabric softener bottles often come packaged in non-recyclable plastic, contributing to the growing plastic pollution problem.

Conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain a range of chemicals that can leave residues on clothes, which are then released into the air and water systems during laundering. These are bad for your family’s health and bad for the planet.

By using wool dryer balls, you eliminate these harmful chemicals.

Wool dryer balls vs other laundry products: the verdict

“I was thrilled to find out that these wool balls are award-winning, and rightly so! Their quality and durability are evident, making them an excellent value for money. No more disposable sheets that end up in the trash; these balls are here to stay.”—Ahmad Babaa, verified purchaser (five stars)

Wool dryer balls come out on top in every regard. They are a superior alternative to dryer sheets and fabric softener because they save money, protect your health, and protect the environment.

	Wool dryer balls	Fabric softener	Dryer sheets
Cost per load (approx.)	$.02	$.12	$.16
Energy savings	Yes	No	No
Preserves clothes	Yes	No	No
Ethically made	Yes	No	No
Toxicity	Neutral	Bad	Bad
Environmental waste	Neutral	Bad	Bad

How can I get the most from my wool dryer balls?

“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, verified purchaser (five stars)

If you're looking to maximize the value of your wool dryer balls, here are some tips to help you get the most out of them.

Handwash balls in cold water every few months to remove built-up lint and odors. Let them air dry completely. Avoid putting them in the washing machine in hot water, because it can damage the felted wool.
Use a lint brush to remove surface lint between washes. Prolonged lint buildup can impact drying performance.
Allow space for balls to bounce freely. Don't overload the dryer.
Use 3-4 dryer balls per load. For larger loads, use up to twelve balls. Adjust number based on load size.
Store balls in a breathable container like cotton, mesh or linen to maximize lifespan.
Give the balls a gentle squeeze or massage periodically to help maintain their shape and fluffiness.
Add 3-5 drops of essential oils onto balls to get your favorite scent. It will spread as they tumble.
If the balls start to lose their effectiveness, you can recharge them by placing them in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight helps rejuvenate the wool fibers.
Avoid using high heat settings, as excessive heat can cause the wool fibers to deteriorate. Opt for medium or low heat settings instead.
Recharge your wool dryer balls every one or two months to revive their fluffiness and help them stay effective.

Wool dryer balls FAQ

Do dryer balls save electricity?

Dryer balls can help save electricity by reducing drying time. The balls work by separating wet clothes and allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently in the dryer drum, which can speed up the drying process. This means that the dryer doesn't need to run for as long to dry the same load of laundry, resulting in potential energy savings.

Do dryer balls reduce drying time?

Yes, dryer balls can reduce drying time. Dryer balls separate clothes, allowing air to circulate more efficiently. This increased airflow helps to remove moisture from the clothes more quickly, reducing the overall drying time.

How much energy do wool dryer balls save?

High-quality wool dryer balls can save a significant amount of energy in the drying process. They work by speeding up the drying cycle, allowing clothes to dry faster and more efficiently. It is estimated that using wool dryer balls can save around 25-30% of energy compared to using regular dryer sheets or fabric softeners.

What are the pros and cons of dryer balls?

Here are some pros and cons of using quality dryer balls:

Pros:

Soften fabrics and reduce static
Shorten drying time
Hypoallergenic and chemical-free
Reusable and long-lasting
Eco-friendly
Versatile uses
Budget friendly long-term

Cons: higher upfront cost

Are dryer balls worth it?

Yes, for most households, wool dryer balls are definitely worth it. They provide effective, eco-friendly fabric softening and static reduction that saves energy and money over the long haul.

Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets?

Dryer balls are better than dryer sheets in many ways:

They are reusable compared to single-use products that create waste.
Wool dryer balls use no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Balls soften fabrics through mechanical action, not chemical coatings that reduce absorbency.
Dryer balls can reduce drying time, saving energy and money.