9 Dryer Ball Alternatives in 2023 (That Actually Work)

Laundry is one of the most tedious chores, and it can be difficult to find out what additions to the dryer will work the best. Fragrant dryer sheets? Specialty dryer balls? Household chemicals? Everything’s on the table as we explore some of the best dryer ball alternatives available today.

The 9 Dryer Ball Alternatives

1. Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls are one of the best ways to make sure your laundry comes out crisp, dry, and without static. Tightly packed wool balls thrown in the dryer will bounce around, absorbing moisture and dispersing static electricity. They also cut down on drying times, potentially saving you money on electricity.

2. Plastic Dryer Balls

Plastic dryer balls are another alternative to wool dryer balls, bouncing around and breaking up wet, clumpy clothes with their large spikes. They do little to cut down on drying time or disperse static electricity, however.

3. Vinegar

Many people don’t know this, but vinegar makes a great fabric softener. Simply splash a ¼ cup of white or apple cider vinegar into a load of laundry or soak a rag in the vinegar and throw it in with your clothes. If you’re worried about the smell, don’t be—the vinegar odor disappears, and your clothes smell fresh.

4. Reusable Dryer Sheets

Instead of buying disposable dryer sheets, make your own! Simply cut some old flannel pajamas or shirts into squares, then soak them in vinegar. Once dry, you can spritz essential oils onto them to help make your clothes smell fresh.

5. Aluminum Foil Dryer Balls

Perhaps the cheapest way to eliminate static electricity in the dryer is to ball up a piece of aluminum foil and throw it in with your wet clothes. It won’t do anything to make them softer, but it will eliminate static discharge and help your clothes dry a little faster. For a quick fix with something you likely have in your kitchen, it’s relatively effective.

6. Dryer Sachets

With some basic sewing knowledge and crushed herbs, you can make a great-smelling alternative to dryer balls and dryer sheets. Craft a few linen bags, fill them with crushed herbs or flowers, and sew them shut. Throw them in the dryer with your clothes to help them dry faster and smell amazing.

7. Safety Pins

If you have some safety pins lying in a drawer, pin them on your clothes after you wash them. The pins will help disperse static electricity in the clothes and help them dry faster. It’s more effective if you pin them to, say, a tennis ball, but simply pinning the clothes works too.

8. Line Dry Your Clothes

To remove static in your clothes and save electricity, consider skipping the dryer and drying your clothes on a line. It’s a cost-effective way to dry your clothes and give them a distinctive smell from drying in the sun and the breeze.

9. Tennis Dryer Balls

If you have tennis balls languishing in a closet somewhere, dig them out and spray them with essential oils for an instant dryer ball solution. Some people think they’re a bit too large, but they can be surprisingly effective in a pinch.

Conclusion

Fixing static in dryers isn’t an exciting task, but thankfully there are several ways to soften your clothes, disperse static, and make your clothes smell fresh and clean when they’re done drying. Try some of these methods at home today!

See also:  5 Dryer Sheets Alternatives (That Actually Work)

Featured Image Credit: FotoHelin, Shutterstock