Wool vs. plastic dryer balls: which are better?

July 26, 2024

Wool dryer balls are superior to plastic dryer balls in every way. If you’ve been using plastic balls, get ready to make the switch and see better laundry results.

Quick links:

Why are wool dryer balls better?

How do wool dryer balls work?

Benefits of wool dryer balls

How do plastic balls work?

When you learn how much better wool dryer balls are, you’ll want to buy Smart Sheep wool dryer balls immediately to enjoy their benefits.

Set of 6 Handfelted "Smiling Sheep" 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls

Compare wool and plastic dryer balls

If you’re looking for fabric softener substitutes, wool dryer balls win hands-down.

	Wool dryer balls	Plastic dryer balls
Effectiveness	More effective: heavier, absorbent, accelerates drying, softens clothes, reduces wrinkles and static	Less effective: don’t absorb moisture, don’t soften clothes, don’t decrease static
Longevity	Last 2-5 years (or 1000 uses) before losing shape	May crack or wear out sooner, leaving microplastics
Environment	Made from biodegradable, natural materials	Made from non-renewable resources, contribute to pollution
Noise	Quieter	Noisier
Fragrance	Unscented, can add essential oils or scenting spray for fragrance	Can't absorb essential oils

How do wool dryer balls work?

Wool dryer balls work through simple physics. These dense, felted spheres of natural wool tumble with your laundry and enhance drying efficiency and fabric softness.

Here’s what they do:

Absorb moisture from wet clothes
Create air pockets for better circulation
Reduce static by separating fabrics
Soften clothes through gentle agitation
Shorten drying time by spreading out laundry

The natural wool fibers retain heat to distribute warmth evenly throughout the load. This process speeds up drying and leads to energy savings over time.

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

Benefits of wool dryer balls

Our wool dryer balls are 100% natural, non-toxic, and soften your clothes. They also have a plethora of other advantages.

Here is why you will love them:

Wool balls separate clothes and improve airflow, cutting drying time by up to 25%
Dryer balls prevent bunching, reducing the need for ironing
Wool fibers absorb noise for a more peaceful laundry experience
They are free of artificial fragrances or synthetic additives
100% natural, biodegradable New Zealand wool reduces waste
Wool dryer balls use less energy and eliminate the need for dryer sheets
Mechanical action from dryer balls softens fabrics without harsh chemicals
They separate clothes and reduce static buildup while drying
Each set lasts for hundreds of loads before needing replacement
Users can add natural oils to the balls for custom fragrance (with our Smart Sheep spray for example)
Gentle on delicates yet effective on heavy fabrics like towels
Reduced heat exposure and mechanical wear protect garments

Set of 6 Handfelted "Playful Pups" 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls

How do plastic dryer balls work?

Plastic dryer balls lift and divide fabrics as they tumble in the dryer drum, which improves air circulation throughout the load of laundry. Increased airflow speeds up moisture evaporation from clothes.

Risks of plastic balls in the dryer

Plastic dryer balls might soften your clothes, but they have some serious drawbacks:

Plastic dryer balls melt at high temperatures so they can damage the dryer drum and your clothes.
As plastic dryer balls break down, they release microplastics through the dryer vent.
Some plastic dryer balls contain harmful chemicals that can leach onto clothes during drying.
Plastic dryer balls create a loud noise level as they tumble in the dryer drum.
The hard surface of plastic dryer balls may cause excessive wear on delicate fabrics over time.
Plastic dryer balls don't align with efforts to reduce plastic use in daily life.

Wool vs. plastic dryer balls FAQ

How many dryer balls should I use?

Your laundry size will determine how many dryer balls you need. Here are the basics:

For small and medium loads of laundry, 3 balls should be enough.
For larger loads, you can use 5–7 balls per load.
For extra-large laundry loads, you may want to go as high as 8–12 balls (the same goes for heavy loads).

Experiment with adding different numbers of dryer balls to find what works best for you.

Can I use tennis balls as dryer balls?

You can use tennis balls as a substitute for dryer balls. But, if you compare wool dryer balls with tennis balls, wool balls are much more effective.

How can I recharge my wool dryer balls?

To recharge wool dryer balls, toss them in a hot water wash with your next load of laundry. The hot water helps restore their shape and effectiveness. After the wash, run them through a dry cycle with your wet laundry.

What is the best alternative to dryer sheets?

Wool dryer balls are the best alternative to traditional dryer sheets. They offer natural static reduction without synthetic fragrances or chemicals. These dryer balls work effectively across different drying cycles, from gentle to normal. As a chemical-free alternative, they soften clothes, reduce drying time, and are good for all laundry items, including delicate items.

Are wool dryer balls better than rubber dryer balls?

Wool dryer balls outperform rubber dryer balls in several ways.

As a natural fiber, wool absorbs moisture from wet laundry, leading to more efficient drying.
Wool options are quieter and soften clothes naturally.
Unlike rubber, wool doesn't melt at high temperatures.
For eco-conscious consumers, wool offers a natural alternative to synthetic materials.

Do wool dryer balls damage the dryer?

Wool dryer balls do not damage the dryer. Their soft, natural fiber composition is gentle on the dryer drum during all types of dryer cycles. They don't interfere with the lint trap or any dryer components. While they improve air circulation and reduce drying time, wool dryer balls may extend your dryer's lifespan through more efficient operation.