We’ve all heard the expression ‘never say never.’ But in the case of my decision to permanently ditch dryer sheets, I’ll have to agree to disagree. That’s because I’ve now got a real soft spot for using wool dryer balls instead (pardon the pun!). They’ve been a great alternative to using toxic dryer sheets (yes, unfortunately, health experts agree that dryer sheets are actually bad for us). While there are other alternatives, today I wanted to share with y’all my own personal experience using wool dryer balls, why I recommend them and, of course, how to use them. So, here we go! My Wool Dryer Balls Review: How & Why To Use Them For A Healthier Home.
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Wool Dryer Balls Review – Do They Work?
You guys all know my love for using natural and organic products/DIY’s around the house:
- How To Reuse An Air Freshener Using Essential Oils
- How To Make An All Natural Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner
- How To Make Foaming Hand Soap Using Essential Oils
- Facebook Live Video: “What’s In My Green Cleaning Caddy?”
With my own health challenges, including food and environmental allergies (argh), I’ve often sought out small, but significant ways to reduce the toxic load in our home.
One of those has been with my choice of drying aids for our laundry. I’ve definitely had my fair share of experiments in this area! I’ve used everything from unscented dryer sheets (okay, but not my favourite) to using jersey fabric dryer sheets (again, not a bad idea, but it feels like a ‘seek-and-rescue’ mission trying to find them in the laundry) and, finally, to rubber dryer balls (my LEAST favourite because of how noisy they are!).
While each one has its merits, once I stumbled upon wool dryer balls, there was no turning back.
Wool dryer balls – in my humble opinion – are by far THE BEST alternative to toxic dryer sheets.
HERE’S WHY:
1. Wool Dryer Balls Are Safe To Use
Okay, so this one’s already been said by many an expert. But, it bears repeating.
Wool dryer balls are Natural, Non-Toxic, and Safe. And for those with sensitive skin (like me), this is a real bonus.
2. Wool Dryer Balls Dry Clothes More Quickly
A side benefit to their safety, is that wool dryer balls also reduce drying time significantly. Although some claim it can be up to 50% (not in my experience), I do find that my clothes dry faster overall.
Either way, you’re looking at saving on energy and money, which is a big win (especially where my budget-conscious husband is concerned 😉 ).
3. Wool Dryer Balls Soften Fabrics In The Dryer
Wool dryer balls do a great job softening clothing and any other fabrics used in the dryer. I’ve always found that my clothing comes out super soft and fluffy – no joke. They are fantastic at keeping fabrics nice and soft.
4. Wool Dryer Balls Reduce Static In Clothing
Some may worry that by using anything other than traditional dryer sheets that you’ll never get rid of static cling on your clothing.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
BUT, there is a trick – as I’ve discovered – and it all lies in using your dryer balls properly, including knowing just how many to use per load.
A good rule of thumb? 6 per load. I’ve found that 6 is a ‘magic’ number that works even for the largest loads.
Which Ones Should You Buy?
Now that green and eco-friendly products have become mainstream, there are lots of brands and, in some cases, locally-sourced wool dryer balls to choose from.
My best advice is,
1. Buy Organic: I know, I know, you’ll be saying ‘but that’s expensive, Jelica!’ Well, yes and no. The initial cost may be a bit pricier than you’re used to spending on dryer sheets, but not much more. Depending on the brand, it could be anywhere between $10 to $25 for a pack of 3 or 6.
But also, consider this: you will SAVE IN THE LONG RUN. Unlike dryer sheets which are made for one-time use, wool dryer balls are generally known to last from 2-5 years.
2. Buy A Set of 6: If you buy 1 or 2 at a time in order to experiment, you will be disappointed. I know that I certainly was when I tried them the first time. Believe me, 1 or 2 wool dryer balls will NOT get you the results you’ll want. You’ll need to purchase a set of about 6 which, in my experience, is the optimum number for a full load of laundry in order to get the full benefits of your dryer balls.
While there are many brands out there, if you’re wondering which one I’ve been using and recommend personally, it’s a company called Brio Living. You can find their company website online and you can also purchase their wool dryer balls directly from Amazon (US), Amazon (Canada), and Amazon (UK).
Each package comes with this drawstring bag.
And inside are 6 wool dryer balls.
Each wool dryer ball is 3 inches in diameter.
The package also comes with this cute, handmade change purse.
Each purse is made by resourceful, yet underprivileged women from a remote town in the Himalayas. Every purchase of these wool dryer balls help support these entrepreneurial women.
This is the brand I use and I love knowing that my purchase has made a difference in the lives of these women.
But, there are so many different varieties of wool dryer balls out there in the Amazon universe to choose from (you’d be surprised at just how many!).
Okay, so now that I’ve shared a bit about the wool dryer balls I use and why I think they are a great alternative to dryer sheets, this begs the question:
How DO you use wool dryer balls?
How To Use Wool Dryer Balls
This part is easy!
How many to use per load?: For any size load, but especially for full loads, you should use 6 wool dryer balls for optimum effect (i.e., no static + soft and fluffy laundry).
Add Essential Oils: If you miss the scent of traditional dryer sheets, then just add up to 10 drops of your favourite essential oils to each wool dryer ball. I love using organic lemon or organic lavender, but any scent works.
Wait 5 minutes: Allow the essential oil to get fully absorbed into each wool dryer ball.
Add to your laundry: Once the essential oils are fully absorbed, add all 6 dryer balls to your load and turn on the dryer. Once you do, you’ll hear the gentle sound of dryer balls bouncing off the walls of your dryer. I actually find the sound so soothing 🙂
Wool Dryer Ball Review – Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how much I LOVE using wool dryer balls, especially as an alternative to traditional dryer sheets. They are reusable, cost- and energy-effective, and, best of all, a healthy, non-toxic method of drying household laundry. And while I’m no fan of doing laundry 😉 I am definitely an advocate of using healthy products in our home.
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