How Long Do Wool Dryer Balls Last? Tips, Facts, & FAQ
- Melissa Gunter
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Have you ever been swamped with laundry, trying your best to get it caught up for the week? This is a situation we’ve all found ourselves in. But, in the middle of all this laundry, have you been tossing your clothes into the dryer just to realize there are no dryer sheets to add for helping fight the static clean?
Finding yourself in this situation can be just as bad as running out of detergent. No one wants to finish their laundry without a little extra help to make your linens soft to the touch and free of shock. Instead of stopping what you’re doing and rushing off to the local department store to grab more dryer sheets or fabric softener, perhaps there’s a better way, a more eco-friendly option for when your clothes are in the dryer. This other option is known as wool dryer balls.
Wool dryer balls are an amazing option for doing clothes and saving money. One of the most common questions related to these balls, however, is how long they last. Most wool dryer balls are designed to handle upward of 1,000 loads of laundry throughout their lifespan. In terms of years, this is estimated to roughly 2 to 5 years of use if they are well-cared for and used as they should be. Let’s learn more about wool dryer balls and whether you should incorporate them into your laundry routine.
What Are Wool Dryer Balls?
Wool dryer balls are biodegradable and renewable, which is one of the reasons so many people turn to them as a replacement for dryer sheets. They are usually made from premium wool from New Zealand and are the size of a tennis ball or larger. You can choose which size is best suited for your laundry situation. Those with big families or a reason to do multiple loads at a time may need the bigger size for convenience.
Wool dryer balls are better for the environment than dryer sheets. Instead of having to use multiple dryer sheets, buying them weekly or monthly, you can rely on one item to help dry your clothes. You can even recharge your wool dryer balls to help remove the static that they remove from your linens and clothing. They also provide a chance to do this without the use of chemicals which are often added to dryer sheets for aroma and static cling removal.
How Long Do Wool Dryer Balls Last?
It’s difficult to imagine a box of dryer sheets that will do 1,000 loads of laundry. In most situations, it takes a couple of sheets to get the job done with each load. It would be a hefty box sitting in your laundry room, wouldn’t it? That’s not the case with wool dryer balls. All you need is 2 or 3 balls, and up to 1,000 loads of laundry can be dried with ease. As we’ve already mentioned, this number of loads leaves your balls needing to be replaced every 2 to 5 years, which helps you save money in the long run. You’ll be purchasing less fabric softener and dryer sheets while your clothes feel just as soft and comfortable.
How Do They Work?
The key when using wool dryer balls is load size. Most people prefer to use 2 to 3 balls in a medium load. The way they work is by retaining the heat from your dryer and bouncing around inside the load. While doing their bouncing act, they are helping to keep clothes separated. This allows the clothing to not only receive more heat from the dryer itself but to receive it from the balls too. The natural wool also absorbs the unwanted static as the balls make their rounds through the linen inside your dryer.
Are Wool Dryer Balls Rechargeable?
When shopping for wool dryer balls, you may see mention of recharging your balls when needed. Yes, this is a thing. Turns out, if you notice your dryer balls are getting a bit too dry and may not be doing their job like they once were, you can toss them in the washing machine to help them out. Use a gentle cycle to clean your wool dryer balls, then dry them in the dryer, recharge the balls, and get them ready for use again.
Wool Dryer Balls Tips
If you’re leaning toward purchasing wool dryer balls to use with your linens, here are a few tips to help you choose the right ones for your home and adapt them into the fabric-softening, static cling-fighting warriors you want them to be.
Only Choose 100% Natural Wool
Most people feel that 100% natural New Zealand wool is the best way to go when purchasing wool dryer balls of your own. It is said that this type of wool absorbs better than others and is hypoallergenic making it great for anyone in the home, even baby’s clothing. You’ll find several companies out there that offer dryer balls made from this wool. Simply choose a company you feel you can trust when the time comes to add these dryer balls to your laundry arsenal.
Storing Your Dryer Balls
Often, when you purchase wool dryer balls, they come with a linen bag that is safe to use for their storage. If you aren’t using your balls, simply place them inside and out of the way. Don’t worry, however, if you simply leave them inside your dryer to wait until the next load is popped in. It won’t do any damage. As long as they are kept in a dry place, your dryer balls should be good to go.
Add a Little Scent
If you switch to these dryer balls and find that you’re missing out on the scents offered by dryer sheets, you’re in luck. A few drops of your favorite essential oils added to your wool dryer balls, then allowed to dry, can help your laundry smell amazing. Even better, you can do several loads with 3 to 4 drops before you need to reapply. Keep in mind, however, doing this will change the color of your wool dryer balls but won’t affect how they work or damage your clothing.
Final Thoughts on Wool Dryer Balls
As you can see, wool dryer balls are a great way of reducing the static in your clothes, softening them, and saving a bit of money when it comes to your laundry. With a lifespan of 1,000 loads, you’ll find yourself able to do laundry for years on one set of balls. If you feel you’re ready to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money, wool dryer balls are a great way to get started on the right track.
Featured Image Credit: KaryB, Shutterstock
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