Do dryer balls actually work? Yes, if you treat them like reusable dryer sheets
We tested side-by-side loads of laundry with and without dryer balls, and while not every claim panned out, they’re still worth buying for softer, nicer-smelling clothes
TL;DR
- Dryer balls are an evolution of the tennis ball technique used in early dryers to help distribute items and prevent wet spots.
- They are thought to reduce cycle times by increasing air flow between items.
- Testing showed negligible differences in drying times and energy savings with or without dryer balls.
- Dryer balls can help prevent the 'laundry sausage' phenomenon, where large items twist around smaller ones, reducing wrinkles and potentially improving drying.
- Dryer balls can soften fabrics by loosening fibers.
- They reduce static by preventing clothes from rubbing against each other.
- Wool dryer balls can be sprayed with essential oils for added scent.
- Dryer balls are a reusable alternative to dryer sheets and are safe for absorbent fabrics like towels, unlike dryer sheets which can leave an oily residue.
- Upgrading to a modern washer and dryer, using eco-dry cycles, favoring quick-drying fabrics, and partially air-drying clothes are more effective ways to save energy when drying laundry.