What Is a Dry Ball and How Do They Work?
Discover how a dry ball, usually called a dryer ball, is a sustainable alternative to single-use dryer sheets, preventing clumping and wrinkling and reducing drying time.
Here is how they work and their benefits in your laundry routine.
Are you looking for Eco-friendly alternatives to single-use products? Dryer balls are a great option to consider for your laundry needs.
Made from materials like wool, rubber, or even plastic, these spherical objects help prevent clumping, wrinkling and reduce drying time.
Let’s explore how dryer balls work and their numerous benefits.
Make your laundry routine more sustainable and efficient with dryer balls!
What Is a Dry Ball?
Dryer balls are round objects commonly made from wool but also available in rubber and plastic.
Unlike single-use dryer sheets, dryer balls can be used multiple times, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Their primary function is to prevent clumping and wrinkling of clothes during drying.
How Do Dryer Balls Work?
Whether made from wool, rubber, or plastic, dryer balls offer an excellent alternative to disposable dryer sheets, reducing waste and saving money.
Wool dryer balls mainly absorb heat from the dryer and moisture from your laundry.
This absorption helps garments separate better, facilitating a better flow of warm air and preventing clumping.
The improved air circulation reduces drying time, making your laundry routine faster and more efficient.
Toss one or more dryer balls into the dryer along with your clothes, just like you would with a dryer sheet.
The Benefits of Using Dryer Balls
Using dryer balls comes with a host of advantages for both your laundry and the environment.
Let’s explore the key benefits:
1.
Reduce Waste: Unlike dryer sheets that need to be discarded after a single use, dryer balls can be used hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
This longevity makes them an eco-friendly choice, and when it’s time to replace them, they are biodegradable and can be composted.
2.
Prevent Clumping and Wrinkling: By absorbing heat and helping items separate, dryer balls prevent clothes from clumping together during drying.
This separation reduces wrinkling, making ironing easier and saving you time.
3.
Save Money: Invest in a set of dryer balls once, and you can reuse them indefinitely, eliminating the need to purchase dryer sheets constantly.
Additionally, dryer balls help extend the lifespan of your clothing by avoiding the use of harsh chemicals that can damage fabric over time.
4.
Reduce Drying Time: One of the primary benefits of dryer balls is their ability to reduce drying time, sometimes by half.
As they move inside the dryer, they facilitate better air circulation around each item, drying them faster and more efficiently.
5.
Soften Clothing: Replace fabric softeners with dryer balls for a gentler and more natural way to soften your clothes.
Dryer balls fluff and soften each garment without artificial softeners or heavy scents.
You can add a couple of drops of essential oils to the dryer balls for a touch of fragrance.
How to Know When to Replace Dryer Balls?
Most dryer balls can be used for an extended period, often well over a year.
However, when they start shedding excessively, disintegrating, or becoming too loose, it’s time to replace them.
Gently hand wash them in warm soapy water if they need cleaning, but avoid putting them in the washing machine as it may damage wool dryer balls.
Use a lint roller or fabric shaver to remove any lint, dirt, or pet hair that may have accumulated.
Bottom Line:
Dryer balls offer an alternative to dryer sheets and provide a sustainable way to keep your clothes from wrinkling in the dryer.