anyone use dryer balls?

Sally Brownlee

11 years ago

Do you use or have you made felted wool dryer balls?

I am almost our dryer sheets - I think it has taken me about 5 years to go through the box from Costco.

Really thinking about making these this weekend.

Do you like yours?

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Comments (12)

carol_in_california
11 years ago
I have those blue pokey outey ones I got about five years ago and I love them!
I also make my own laundry soap and my clothes have never been so soft.
emma
11 years ago
Not sure what kind of balls you mean. I use 3 tennis balls and they seem to lessen the wrinkle problem, but I hate the noise they make.
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Sally Brownlee
Original Author
11 years ago
emma, the ones I am thinking about are hand made using wool wound into a tight ball. They are then run through hot wash and dry cycle a few times that cause the wool to felt (harden and bound together)
When used in a dryer, they help clothes dry faster and keep down wrinkles and static.
donna37
11 years ago
Hadn't heard of those. Like Carol, I have the blue balls and make my own laundry soap and wash in cold water. Usually dry clothes on the line but not always able to do that and use the dryer and the blue balls.
cynic
11 years ago
I've used the plastic dryer balls for years. I think they help things dry faster. I don't want the smell from softeners.

The thing most people don't realize is if you have static issues you're overdrying your clothes which costs you more in gas and/or electricity and it also can damage your clothes a bit too. Even in the dry winter months I have no static issues by drying clothes properly.
hounds_x_two
11 years ago
Never heard of them, but now I want to make some! Dumb question- how many do you use at a time? Just one, or two, or three? Or does it matter?
Sally Brownlee
Original Author
11 years ago
Hounds, after watching and reading a few tutorials, I think I am going make 8. Some people use up to 12 for very large loads. I would post a link but I am on my mobile...just google words like "felted wool dryer balls". They should last more than 5 years and no more dryer sheets! Woo Hoo!
You need to use 100% wool, not any blends or super washed. You can use yarn, batting or roving.
Jasdip
11 years ago
I have not heard of the homemade wool ones. I've seen the plastic balls with the rubber nibs at the dollar store. I remember when they were originally selling for $14. Now they are $1.

Tennis balls definitely work, but they are noisy, as are the plastic balls.

I too use homemade laundry soap....both liquid and dry powder for my whites. My whites are really white, and they are always soft. I too line-dry. Haven't used the dryer in years.
hounds_x_two
11 years ago
I want some! I think they would make unique gifts for friends who have everything.
I quit using dryer sheets years ago. Miss the fluff, but not the chemicals.
sleeperblues
11 years ago
I use the plastic ones, not really sure if they work.
bee0hio
11 years ago
I use the blue dryer ball with bumps. Had never heard of the felted wool balls.
Sally Brownlee
Original Author
11 years ago
I am making some this afternoon. I will post pictures when I'm done.
I started with wool batting and finishing with wool yarn

anyone use dryer balls?

Comments (12)

carol_in_california

emma

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anyone use dryer balls?

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