How Long Do Wool Dryer Balls Last?

June 26, 2023

Wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 drying cycles, meaning each ball should serve you for nearly three years if you're running your dryer daily.

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How long do they last?

What are the benefits?

Carrying for them

How many per load?

How to recharge them?

How often should you wash them?

Wool dryer balls vs dryer sheets

Let’s discover the remarkable lifespan of these little wooly wonders and unlock the secrets to a greener, more effective laundry routine.

If you'd like to incorporate them into your laundry routine, buy wool dryer balls from us! Smart Sheep wool dryer balls are 100% hand felted and made of New Zealand organic wool.

Wool Dryer Balls Can Last For Years

Our wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 drying cycles. It means you could do 1 load per week for almost 20 years or 20 loads per week for about a year. That is a lot of laundry, and it sure is a lot more than you would get from any bottle or box of traditional fabric softeners.

Wool dryer balls are one of the most cost-effective methods of drying and softening your clothes. They are a perfect fabric softener substitute as they’re all-natural and do not leave residues that can build up and shorten the life of our clothing.

Benefits of Wool Dryer Balls

Our wool dryer balls are 100% natural, non-toxic, and soften your clothes. Here are some further benefits of wool dryer balls.

Accelerate Drying Time

Wool dryer balls make the drying process more efficient. They separate the clothes and improve airflow as they tumble with your laundry. This allows hot air to circulate more effectively, which results in faster drying times.

Wool dryer balls absorb some of the moisture from your clothes, speeding up the drying process even more.

Reduce Wrinkles

Wool dryer balls reduce wrinkles by gently agitating the surface of clothes while improving air flow across the fabric. The balls naturally fluff and separate the fabric as they bounce around in the dryer, preventing garments from bunching up and causing creases.

Quieter Operation

Wool dryer balls provide a more quiet drying experience. Wool's soft and natural fibers absorb some of the noise generated during drying, resulting in a quieter dryer. This is especially useful for people who are sensitive to loud or disruptive noises.

No Harmful Chemicals

Wool dryer balls have the added benefit of not containing any fragrances or chemicals. Unlike scented dryer sheets, which can leave a strong and artificial scent on your clothes, wool dryer balls are scent-free.

This is especially beneficial for people who have sensitive skin or who are allergic to wool and synthetic fragrances. You can use them for baby laundry too, as they won’t harm the baby's sensitive skin.

For those who prefer having their clothes smell wonderful, our Essential Oil Anti-Static Scenting Spray will infuse your laundry with the aromas of lavender, orange, or lemon.

Environmentally Friendly

Our wool dryer balls are a more environmentally friendly option than disposable dryer sheets or plastic dryer balls. They are made entirely of natural, renewable, biodegradable, and compostable New Zealand wool.

You can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable laundry routine by using wool dryer balls. Wool dryer balls also eliminate the need for single-use products, lowering your environmental impact.

Save Money

Wool dryer balls save money in a variety of ways. They reduce drying time, resulting in less energy consumption and lower utility bills. You can extend the life of your clothes by reducing drying time because they are exposed to less heat and tumble.

Wool dryer balls also eliminate the need for single-use dryer sheets or fabric softeners, which can quickly add up in price.

Pure Cuteness

As an added benefit, our wool dryer balls are so adorable. Choose between puppies, sheep, and penguins.

How Do I Care For My Wool Dryer Balls?

Store your wool dryer balls properly to prolong their life. They should be kept in a cool, dry place when not in use. Ensure that they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or mildew. By taking the appropriate precautions, your Smart Sheep dryer balls will be happy and healthy for many years.

How Many Dryer Balls Per Load?

For larger loads, use more wool dryer balls; for smaller loads, use fewer. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how many wool dryer balls to use.

For small to medium-sized loads, 3-4 balls should get the job done.
For larger loads, you can use 5-8 balls.
For extra-large loads, you may want to go as high as 9-12 balls.

You can never have too many wool dryer balls in your dryer, so if in doubt, add more. Alternatively, experiment to find your sweet spot, where the laundry is fluffy and fragrant with the fewest number of balls.

Recharging Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls may lose their ability to absorb moisture in the dryer after extended use. Here are three simple steps to refresh wool dryer balls:

Wash your wool dryer balls in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with hot water. This removes lint and fiber accumulation, and more importantly, it rehydrates them. They can be washed alone or with laundry, with or without laundry detergent.
Run your wool dryer balls through a high-heat cycle in your clothes dryer. They can be dried alone or with a full load. Freshly washed and wet dryer balls won't speed up the drying process. They might even slightly prolong it due to their waterlogged state.
The wool dryer balls are now refreshed and primed for action. Add them to your next laundry load and enjoy efficient, eco friendly drying once again!

How Often Should You Wash Your Dryer Balls?

You should wash your dryer balls every 3-4 months, or whenever they start to appear soiled or lose their effectiveness. This helps to remove any built-up lint, debris, or residue that may accumulate over time.

Wool Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are single-use, creating unnecessary waste with each load of laundry. What’s more, they usually contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can irritate people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Wool dryer balls, such as those from Smart Sheep, are a non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative to toxic dryer sheets. These balls, made of 100% natural wool, are reusable for up to a thousand loads, significantly reducing waste. They naturally soften fabric, reduce static electricity, and reduce drying times, thereby saving energy.

When combined with our anti-static spray, wool dryer balls can provide a customizable, natural, and fresh scent to your laundry without the use of synthetic fragrances or chemicals. They not only provide a more environmentally friendly option, but they also transform your laundry routine into a sensorial, eco-conscious experience.

Read our in-depth comparison of dryer sheets and wool dryer balls for a more in-depth look.

Can You Use Dryer Balls and Dryer Sheets Together?

While it is possible to use dryer balls and dryer sheets together, wool dryer balls eliminate the need for dryer sheets. Our wool dryer balls provide effective softening, reduce static cling and drying time without the need for chemical-laden dryer sheets.

Wool Dryer Balls FAQ

How do I know when to replace my wool dryer balls?

You will need to replace your wool dryer balls when they start to loosen up. Dryer balls will become larger and softer, and at some point they will eventually unravel.

Do wool dryer balls lose their effectiveness?

Unlike disposable fabric softener sheets or liquid fabric softeners, which must be replaced on a regular basis, wool dryer balls can be reused repeatedly without losing their effectiveness.

How many wool dryer balls do you put in the dryer at a time?

You should put 3-4 balls for small and medium-sized loads of laundry, 5-8 for larger loads, and 8-12 for extra-large loads.

Do wool dryer balls need to be washed?

You should wash your wool dryer balls every 3 to 4 months. Lint or fiber build-up on your dryer balls can make them less effective than usual. The best way to deal with this is to put your dryer balls in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with hot water.

Do dryer balls damage dryers?

Wool is not as dense as synthetic materials, so wool dryer balls won't damage your machine as they bounce around during a drying cycle.

Are wool dryer balls better than fabric softener?

Wool dryer balls are way better than fabric softeners. Here's why you should switch to wool dryer balls:

Wool dryer balls are made from 100% natural wool without any synthetic additives or chemicals. They are a safe and non-toxic alternative to fabric softeners.
Unlike fabric softeners, which are often single-use and contribute to waste, wool dryer balls are reusable and sustainable. They help reduce waste and promote a greener laundry routine.
Wool dryer balls naturally soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles through gentle agitation. They help maintain the softness and texture of your clothes without relying on chemical-laden softeners.
The unique design of wool dryer balls improves air circulation in the dryer, allowing for more efficient drying. This can help reduce drying time and energy.
Wool dryer balls prevent static cling by separating clothes during the drying process. This means no more clinging clothes or unwanted static electricity.
If you want your clothes to smell nice, you can easily add a few drops of essential oils to the wool dryer balls to infuse a pleasant fragrance into your clothes.

Does the color of wool dryer balls matter?

The color of wool dryer balls does not affect their performance or functionality. The color variations in wool dryer balls are purely aesthetic and do not impact their ability to soften clothes or reduce drying time.

Why are my clothes still static with wool dryer balls?

Here are some reasons why your clothes still feel static, even though you’re using wool dryer balls:

You are using too many dryer balls per load.
You are overdrying your clothes.
The humidity level in your environment is high.
You need to replace your wool balls because they are losing their effectiveness.

How can you reuse your dryer balls?

When it comes time to replace your wool dryer balls, there are a variety of uses for them. Here are some fun ideas:

Add your favorite essential oils to them and place them in a corner to freshen the air.
To freshen your linens, add essential oils to them and store them in a closet.
Practice juggling.
Play throw and catch with your dog.
Use them as pin cushions.
Use them as therapy balls.

How do I use wool dryer balls?

Wool dryer balls are super easy to use.

Toss your clean wool dryer balls in with your wet laundry. Dryer balls need space to bounce around and circulate air, so don’t overfill the dryer.
Close the door and start the dryer.
Keep an eye on your laundry; dryer balls will shorten drying time.
Take your clothes out of the dryer and store the balls somewhere dry to avoid dampness and odors.

Are dryer balls bad for your dryer?

Dryer balls are not bad for your dryer. They can actually benefit your dryer and clothes. Dryer balls help to separate and fluff your laundry, which promotes better airflow and reduces drying time. This can potentially save time and energy and prolong the lifespan of your dryer.

Are your laundry detergent sheets eco-friendly?

Our laundry detergent sheets are eco-friendly products. We are committed to offering sustainable and environmentally conscious products. Our detergent sheets are made with biodegradable ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals, phosphates, and dyes. They are also packaged in recyclable materials, resulting in zero waste.

Do wool dryer balls remove pet hair?

Wool dryer balls are effective at removing pet hair from your laundry. The natural wool fibers create friction and agitation as they tumble in the dryer, helping to loosen and dislodge pet hair from fabrics. As the balls bounce around, they help to lift the hair and prevent it from clinging to the clothes. The static-reducing properties of wool dryer balls also contribute to minimizing pet hair attachment.