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The Best Dryer Balls for Saving Money on Fabric Softener

Last updated on August 3, 2024
Categories Cleaning, Home Tags

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Dryer Balls

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  The Best Overall

Handy Laundry Reusable Energy-Saving Wool Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

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Handy Laundry

Reusable Energy-Saving Wool Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

These three-inch dryer balls are made from New Zealand wool; tossing them into the dryer with your wet clothes has several benefits. It reduces drying time, saves energy and money, makes your clothes softer and prevents wrinkles.

Overall Take

Smoother Garments Every TimeUse these New Zealand wool dryer balls to get softer, less staticky clothes with every wash.

 Runner Up

SnugPad 100% Organic Premium New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

SnugPad

100% Organic Premium New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

Bring the benefits and beauty of nature to your laundry with these New Zealand wool dryer balls. These extra-large laundry helpers contain no added chemicals and are even safe to use with linens for babies.

Overall Take

Help the EarthGet the benefits of dryer balls without any additives with these natural and organic wool products.

  The Best Value

S&T INC. Reusable Laundry Fluff Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

S&T INC.

Reusable Laundry Fluff Dryer Balls, 6 Pack

As an alternative to wool, these plastic dryer balls are just as effective and may have a longer life. The balls in this set come engineered with dozens of tips that help dry items faster and leave them fluffier.

Overall Take

Downy Clothes with PlasticYou’re sure to love how downy and fluffy your clothes will feel with these plastic dryer balls.

 Strong Contender

Life Miracle Vegan & Sheep Safe Wrinkle Release Dryer Balls, 2 Pack

Life Miracle

Vegan & Sheep Safe Wrinkle Release Dryer Balls, 2 Pack

Dryer ball is a misnomer for this product since these items aren't perfectly round. Still, their unique shape and ridges help them dry and fluff your clothes. Since they're made of plastic, they have a long life and can be used instead of dryer sheets or fabric softener.

Overall Take

Better, Cleaner LinensMake your clean linens even better with these ridged plastic dryer balls.

Buying Guide

One crucial factor in choosing dryer balls is the quality of their material. Most are made from wool, but there are several different types. Some people object to wool since it comes from animals. If this is something you are concerned about, you can find plenty of synthetic products, on the market. These are mainly made of plastic.

Manufactured dryer balls may have special features or shapes that make them even more effective. Some have tips or ridges, like two of the products above. If you aim to save energy and dry time, that might be your best option.

When choosing materials, pay attention to whether there are any chemicals or additives. Most wool dryer balls are organic and all-natural, but always double check. Be especially cautious about plastic; ensure they don’t have BPAs or other things you don’t want in your linens.

One of the more minor benefits of dryer balls is that you can put essential oils on them to naturally scent your clothes. This is especially true of wool dryer balls, but many synthetic products have this capability as well. If you want to use essential oils, check the features before you buy.

Another thing to consider is the size of the dryer balls. Several of the products above are large or extra large. Some people prefer to use several smaller dryer balls. If you dry a lot of smaller items (such as children’s clothes), that makes more sense.

Some of the products may have warranties, while wool dryer balls have a finite lifespan. If you want something that lasts longer, consider synthetic.

What to Look For

  • Dryer balls are more expensive than most boxes of dryer sheets or bottles of fabric softener. Remember that dryer balls will last for much longer and will likely save money in the long-term.
  • Wool dryer balls may not last as long as plastic, but they are more eco-friendly since they’re made from natural materials. Keep in mind that wool dryer balls are not vegan.
  • When you try dryer balls, pay close attention to how they affect the feel, static, and dry time of your clothes. That can help you assess whether you’re using the right kind or number of dryer balls.

More to Explore

Like many eco-friendly products, there’s debate about the efficacy of dryer balls as an alternative to fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Naturally, the manufacturers of both have reasons to support their products.

But because of the purported environmental benefits, the question extends into other realms. You should try them and see for yourself. Don’t have a dryer ball on hand? You can substitute a (new) tennis ball. It won’t reduce static but will help your items dry quicker.

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