How to Use Dryer Balls

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Dryer balls are the new big thing when it comes to easy, eco-friendly laundry, but how do they actually work? Dryer balls are super simple to use and can dry your laundry faster, take away static cling, and soften your clothes. We’ve put together a handy guide to how dryer balls work, how to use them, and what the benefits are. Read on before you toss in your next load to enjoy soft, fresh clothing in record time!

Get Product Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to use or repair your home appliance? I’ve read the manuals so you don’t have to. Select your product, brand, and model, then ask away!
*
*
Section 1 of 4:

How do dryer balls work?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-1.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This allows hot air to circulate more freely between garments in your dryer, reducing the time it takes to dry your load. The balls also collect lint and naturally soften fabrics as they tumble around, reducing static cling and stiff clothes without chemicals or perfumes. [1]
    • Wool dryer balls are the most popular—they’re hypoallergenic, absorbent, and quieter in your dryer than plastic or rubber balls.
    • 100% wool dryer balls contain no chemicals, dyes, or fillers. Plastic and rubber balls may contain PVCs and other substances.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How many dryer balls do I use per load?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-2.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For larger loads, add 5 or 6 balls. Most sets of dryer balls come with 2 or 3 balls, so you may need multiple sets depending on your laundry needs. [2]
Section 3 of 4:

How To Use Dryer Balls

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-3.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dryer balls work most effectively with medium-sized loads. If you have a lot of laundry, plan to run 2 smaller dryer cycles rather than one massive one if possible. [3]
    • Some people store their dryer balls in the dryer and add wet clothes on top of them. Either can go in first since they will tumble around anyway.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-4.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Scented wool dryer balls are a great, chemical-free alternative to scented dryer sheets. Add 3 or 4 drops of your favorite scent to each dryer ball—bright, fresh scents like lavender , orange , or lemon work great. [4]
    • Let the balls absorb the oil drops for at least 20 minutes. An hour or more is best for maximum absorption. [5]
    • Only use oil-infused dryer balls in warm or no-heat cycles. Oil is flammable, and a high-heat cycle with overly-saturated dryer balls could be a fire hazard.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-5.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since your clothes will dry faster, there’s a chance they’ll tumble around in a hot, dry dryer and build up static before the cycle is done. Simply spray or dunk your dryer balls with water beforehand—they’ll release moisture evenly during the cycle to fight wrinkles and static cling. [6]
    • Wool balls absorb moisture from clothing in the dryer, maintaining a more humid environment, and helping you get rid of static cling and friction.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-6.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the ideal number of dryer balls for a medium-sized load. For larger loads, use 5 or 6 dryer balls for the best results if you have them. Toss them in anywhere—all of your clothes and dryer balls will jumble up once the dryer starts. [7]
    • When wool dryer balls are new, they might leave some lint on your clothes. Use light-colored balls for light clothes and dark-colored balls for darks to fix the problem.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-7.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your load will dry more quickly than normal, so check for dryness a few minutes before the cycle is up to avoid over drying. If they’re fully dry, you’re all done! If they’re still damp, keep running the dryer (the exact time it takes to dry depends on the load size and your individual dryer). [8]
    • An auto-sense dryer will automatically stop once it senses that the load is dry.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-8.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It takes a long time for wool dryer balls to break down—they can last up to 4 years or more, or about 1,000 loads. [9] If they begin to unravel, leave bits of wool on your clothes, or start to look fuzzy and misshapen, it’s time to replace them. [10]
    • Plastic dryer balls last even longer and may not ever have to be replaced unless they break.
    7. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of Dryer Balls

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-9.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With proper use, they can reduce drying cycle times by up to 25%, leading to a smaller energy bill. They also last for years, so you won’t have to keep spending money on new bottles of fabric softener and boxes of dryer sheets. [11]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-10.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They're gaining popularity as an alternative to fabric softener and dryer sheets. Whether wool or plastic, they prevent plastic fabric softener bottles and synthetic dryer sheets from ending up in landfills since they last so long. Wool dryer balls are also all-natural and chemical-free. [12]
    • Wool dryer balls are also compostable. Just toss them into an organics bin when they’re used up! [13]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-11.jpg\/aid13190453-v4-728px-Use-Dryer-Balls-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The chemicals and fragrances in other products can irritate sensitive skin and coat fabrics. Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener can leave a buildup of residue on your clothing over time, leading to problems like eczema or irritated skin when you wear your clothes. When they coat towels, they gradually make them less absorbent, too. [14]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      2. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      3. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      4. ↑ https://afewshortcuts.com/wool-dryer-balls/
      5. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      6. ↑ https://www.thecentsableshoppin.com/how-to-use-wool-dryer-balls/
      7. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      8. ↑ https://afewshortcuts.com/wool-dryer-balls/
      9. ↑ https://umaine.edu/pagefarm/event/going-green-with-dryer-balls/
      1. ↑ https://afewshortcuts.com/wool-dryer-balls/
      2. ↑ https://umaine.edu/pagefarm/event/going-green-with-dryer-balls/
      3. ↑ https://umaine.edu/pagefarm/event/going-green-with-dryer-balls/
      4. ↑ https://www.environment911.org/Will-Wool-Dryer-Balls-Help-My-Clothes-Dry-Faster
      5. ↑ https://umaine.edu/pagefarm/event/going-green-with-dryer-balls/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 24,494 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lawrence F.

        May 9, 2023

        "Being a guy, I never knew what those dryer balls were for, or if they worked. yYour wikiHow gave me the information ..." more
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement