Caring for Dryer Balls

No product is more simple than wool dryer balls. It couldn't be any easier to use them — you simply toss them in the dryer with your laundry and hit 'start'. They work by separating your laundry while everything is tumbling around (like the old tennis ball trick), creating more surface area for air flow, leading to more efficient drying of about 25% less time. Pretty cool just for the energy savings factor alone. And they last forever. Well, maybe not forever, but for approximately 1,000 uses or more. If you do 2-3 loads of laundry per week, that equates to about 7+ years.

As simple as they are, we get a lot of questions about them! Below are a few tips and tricks to get the most from your dryer balls, and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

How many should I use?
Anywhere between 1 - 3 dryer balls (at once) will do the trick. Some people like 6! It's up to you. Generally, the more balls, the more separation will occur between fabric and the greater the air flow.

Can I add essential oil, and how much should I add?
These wools balls are naturally unscented. So, if you want a subtle natural fragrance for your laundry, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to each ball — 3-4 drops on each will do the trick. In the summer, a few drops of essential citronella oil helps ward off the bugs without making you smell like bug spray.

What if I'm experiencing static cling?
Most people don't experience static cling, but, if it's an issue for you, here are a few tricks to try:
• Pin a safety pin to a couple of the dryer balls — metal helps reduce static cling
• Or, add 2 aluminum foil balls to your drying load (with the dryer balls, too)
• Add more dryer balls — try 6 at a time — to create more separation among fabrics
• Try using white distilled vinegar (it also adds softness to your clothes). 
There are two ways of using distilled white vinegar for this purpose:

1.) Add a 1/2 cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle in the washer. This will also have the advantage of leaving your clothes extra soft. Don't worry, the smell goes away completely as your clothes dry!

2.) Add vinegar directly in your dryer by sprinkling some distilled white vinegar on your wool dryer balls — a Tbsp. of vinegar on one ball is enough. Or, sprinkle some distilled white vinegar on a piece of fabric and throw it in with the rest of your laundry.

• Some people also like to add a 1/2 cup of baking soda together with the vinegar in the washing machine. This will boost cleanliness and maximize softness.

Can I wash wool dryer balls?
Absolutely. Wash on gentle cycle with the rest of your laundry. Dry on high heat. 

Do I need to "recharge" my dryer balls?
Recharging your dryer balls helps remove any lint and fiber build-up and helps rehydrate over-dried wool fibers. It's recommended to recharge them after every 100 loads by washing them. (Same as above: gentle wash, dry on high heat.)

What if my pet gets ahold of them?
We're warning you now, your dog or cat is probably going to try to steal these when you're not looking. Certainly, if you WANT to let your pet play with them, they do make a fun and safe pet toy (under supervision, of course). But, to avoid any thievery, we recommend storing the dryer balls right in your dryer with the door closed at all times, keeping them secure from pets. If someone happens to get ahold of one and the balls get dirty, no problem. Just clean by washing in a gentle cycle with your other laundry, then dry on high heat.