Where can I buy wool dryer balls?

High-quality wool dryer balls are 100% organic, chemical-free, and eco-friendly. The best ones last through 1,000 laundry loads, generate support for small businesses or underprivileged communities, and come in adorable designs. 

Wondering where to buy them? Let’s find out!

Quick links:

Top places to buy wool dryer balls

What are the best wool dryer balls?

What to look for when buying wool dryer balls

“Purchase these [Smart Sheep wool dryer balls] and use them with essential oils to help my clothes dry faster and smell great. I was sick and tired of using toxic dryer sheets and these are perfect natural alternative. I highly recommend great value.” —Amazon Customer, verified Amazon purchaser (five stars)

Set of 6 Handfelted "Marching Penguins" 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls

 

Top places to buy wool dryer balls

Wool dryer balls are a popular, eco-friendly alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. These natural laundry helpers reduce dry time, fight static cling, and soften clothes without chemicals. 

Here's where you can find high-quality wool dryer balls:

  1. Smart Sheep website
  2. Online marketplaces
  3. Specialty stores
  4. Local craft fairs
  5. Home good retailers

Smart Sheep website

We wouldn't recommend you buy Smart Sheep wool dryer balls unless they were seriously good.They combine high quality with low prices. Here’s what makes them great:

  • Eco-friendly and organic
  • Plastic-free, chemical-free, unscented, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic
  • Made from high-grade, humanely sourced, unbleached New Zealand wool
  • Handcrafted in Nepal with love and attention
  • Support marginalized communities in Kathmandu with well-paying jobs
  • Support busy moms with flexible work at our U.S. packaging facility
  • Last up to 1,000 loads
  • Only $3.33 per wool ball in a package of 6
Set of 3 Handfelted "Smiling Sheep" 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls

 

Online marketplaces

Amazon, Etsy, and eBay are the top online marketplaces to buy Smart Sheep (and other) wool dryer balls:

  • Amazon has the biggest selection. You can find products from big companies and small sellers there. Many items come with fast Prime shipping.
  • Etsy sells handmade wool dryer balls from small businesses and individual crafters. You can often find unique designs on Etsy that you won't see elsewhere.
  • eBay is a big online marketplace where you can find wool dryer balls. Sometimes you can get good deals through their auctions. eBay is also a good place to look for old, hard-to-find products. You might find wool dryer balls from other countries on eBay too.

These websites feature customer reviews, so can read what other people think before you buy.

Here is what one Amazon purchaser has to say about our wool dryer balls:

“Love these! Great value in that you’re getting so many, and they’re amazing at gathering up extra bits of lint while not *absorbing* that lint. They also fluff up everything and keep it aerated so I’ve found it reduced drying time quite a bit! Way better than having to use dryer sheets that hide in your clothes and fill up your trash.” — Ansley Grigsby, verified Amazon purchaser (five stars)

Specialty stores

Many eco-focused retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, stock wool dryer balls. These shops often prioritize sustainable and natural products, which makes them a good source of high-quality options. Some notable online eco-stores include EarthHero and Grove Collaborative.

Local stores that specialize in green living or zero-waste products frequently carry wool dryer balls. Purchases at these retailers reduce shipping-related carbon emissions.

Local craft fairs

Artisans at local craft fairs, farmers' markets, and holiday bazaars frequently sell handmade wool dryer balls. Here are the benefits of keeping it local:

  • Direct interaction with the maker
  • Opportunity to learn about the production process
  • Support for local artisans and the community
  • Reduced packaging and transportation compared to online purchases

Take advantage of this face-to-face environment to ask the artisan about their wool source, production methods, and recommended care instructions.

Home good retailers

Major retail chains now stock wool dryer balls in their laundry sections. Options include:

  • Bed Bath & Beyond offers multiple brands, including its own Bee & Willow line
  • The Container Store stocks premium options such as the Woolzies brand
  • Target features its in-house Everspring brand alongside other options
  • Walmart provides budget-friendly choices, including its Great Value brand

Many retailers provide hassle-free return policies if the dryer balls don't meet expectations. Frequent sales and coupons make it easy to get wool dryer balls at a great price.

What are the best wool dryer balls?

Smart Sheep wool dryer balls are high-quality, effective, and a simple yet effective addition to your laundry routine. Here are some things that place them at the top of the wool dryer ball mountain:

  • Hand-felted by Nepali artisans from 100% New Zealand wool.
  • Support local economies in developing nations.
  • Support female-owned businesses.
  • Highest-quality construction.
  • Our wool dryer balls offer a natural alternative to dryer sheets and fabric softeners. 
  • They reduce static cling, minimize wrinkles, and leave your laundry smelling great.
  • These handy laundry dryer balls improve airflow and separate laundry in the dryer. This leads to shorter drying time and energy savings.
  • Made from natural materials, our wool dryer balls are biodegradable and produce less waste than disposable dryer sheets.
  • Wool dryer balls are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. They do not leave residue or chemical fragrances on clothing.
  • Wool balls work with all types of fabrics, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and delicate items.
  • Use at least three to six dryer balls for optimal performance, depending on your load size. More dryer balls can further enhance their effectiveness.
  • Simply toss them into the dryer with your laundry. To maintain their effectiveness, remove lint or hair periodically, and refresh them with mild laundry detergent and air drying.
  • Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls to infuse your laundry with a chemical-free, fresh scent. Or you can use our scenting spray in orange, lemon, and lavender.
  • Our wool dryer balls work with both electric and gas dryers, as well as with front-loading and top-loading machines.
  • On average, wool dryer balls last for approximately 1,000 loads, or 2–5 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

We think we make the best wool dryer balls on the planet, and our customers agree. Want to try them for yourself? Buy our wool dryer balls today and experience the magic.

Set of 3 Handfelted "Playful Pups" 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls

 

What to look for when buying wool dryer balls

Wool dryer balls offer a natural way to improve your laundry. When you buy them, keep in mind these things:

  1. Material
  2. Size and weight
  3. Scent
  4. Cost

These factors affect how well the dryer balls work and their value. Let's look at each one to help you pick the best wool dryer balls for your needs.

Material

Avoid dryer balls made from a blend of wool and other textiles. Get 100% wool. Wool is moisture-wicking and biodegradable, while other materials weaken these properties.

Look for wool sourced from reputable and sustainable farms. We use only the purest quality material, high-grade, humanely sourced, unbleached New Zealand wool, in our wool dryer balls. This ensures maximum performance and durability.

Size and weight

The size and weight of dryer balls affect their effectiveness. Oversized dryer balls are better at separating clothes. They allow hot air to circulate freely and penetrate the fabric, resulting in faster and more efficient drying.

Heavier dryer balls provide better tumbling action to fluff and soften clothes. They also improve wrinkle and static reduction by ensuring optimal contact with the fabric.

Scent

High-quality wool dryer balls are unscented. If you prefer to add a pleasant aroma to your clothes, you can use our Essential Oil Anti Static Scenting Spray. This specially formulated spray infuses your laundry with the delightful scents of lavender, orange, or lemon.

With our unscented wool dryer balls and scented spray, you can enjoy the perfect balance of fragrance and freshness in your laundry routine.

Set of 6 Original 100% Wool Dryer Balls + Essential Oil Scenting Spray (save 10%!)

 

Cost

While the initial investment may be slightly higher than other alternatives, wool dryer balls offer significant cost savings in the long run. Unlike disposable options, our affordable dryer balls are reusable and last for thousands of loads. This means you won't need to constantly repurchase traditional dryer sheets or replace worn-out plastic balls. 

“I’ll never use dryer sheets again.” — Kim, verified Amazon purchaser (five stars)

Wool dryer balls FAQ

Are wool dryer balls worth it?

Wool dryer balls are worth the investment. They reduce drying time, save energy, and cut down on static cling. Unlike dryer sheets, they're reusable for hundreds of loads, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Do dryer balls soften towels?

Dryer balls can soften towels. As they bounce around in the dryer, they help separate and fluff the fabric fibers. This mechanical action softens towels without leaving behind a waxy residue like fabric softeners, which can reduce the towels' absorbency over time.

Does it matter what color wool dryer balls are?

It doesn’t matter what color your wool balls are. Colors are personal preferences and do not affect the performance in any way—they won't bleed onto clothes!

Are wool dryer balls better than tennis balls?

Wool dryer balls are far better than tennis balls for laundry. They're quieter, don't leave a rubbery smell, and are more effective at absorbing moisture. Wool dryer balls also naturally reduce static, while tennis balls sometimes increase it. Plus, wool is more eco-friendly than the synthetic materials in tennis balls.

Which works better: wool or plastic dryer balls?

Wool dryer balls are more effective than plastic dryer balls. Wool dryer balls help to separate clothes, reduce drying time, and naturally soften fabrics. They are also eco-friendly and free of synthetic materials.

Plastic dryer balls not provide the same level of performance and may not have the same eco-friendly qualities as wool dryer balls.

Do wool balls really work in the clothes dryer?

Dryer balls shorten drying times, fluff your laundry, and are a great way to add essential oil to your laundry. Here are just a few of the ways that these wooly wonders work in the dryer:

  • Improved air circulation. As the dryer balls tumble, they separate and lift the clothing, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently. 
  • Moisture absorption. The wool fibers of the dryer balls absorb excess moisture from the clothes.
  • Softening and fluffing. The gentle agitation of the dryer balls helps to naturally soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles. 
  • Reduction of static cling. By preventing clothes from sticking together during the drying process, wool dryer balls help to minimize static electricity buildup.

What are some eco-friendly products for washing machines?

Our detergent strips are the perfect eco-friendly product for your washing machine. These strips are made from plant-based ingredients and packaged in recyclable materials, minimizing waste.

How many dryer balls do I need per load?

You need more dryer balls for bigger loads and fewer for smaller loads. Here are some general rules to help you judge how many wool dryer balls to put in the dryer drum:

  • For small to medium-sized loads of laundry, 3–4 balls gets the job done.
  • For larger loads, you can use 5–8 balls.
  • For extra-large and heavy loads, you may want to with 9–12 balls.

How do wool dryer balls help with wet clothes?

Wool dryer balls help dry wet clothes more efficiently. As they tumble with your wet laundry, they create space between items and allow hot air to circulate. Improved airflow during the dry cycle helps clothes dry faster, which can save time and energy load after load.

Further reading

The best essential oil blends

How do I use wool dryer balls for down jackets?

What are the benefits of natural clothing stain removers?

Do dryer sheets contain toxic chemicals?

How do I recharge my wool dryer balls?

How can I make my own wool dryer balls?

Why put tennis balls in the dryer?