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I am always looking for ways to reduce toxins in my home. I want to reduce my impact on the environment and use natural alternatives as often as possible.
Fabric softeners or dryer sheets have not been used for YEARS in my laundry. Once I learned about the toxins in them, I ditched them completely. My husband, who does his own laundry, was not so inclined to give up his dryer sheets (until recently). I have converted him over now, to using wool dryer balls instead of toxic dryer sheets!
I also make a Nontoxic Laundry Detergent for sensitive skin. Only 5 ingredients! No toxic laundry detergent for my family!
Check the grade of your product on the Environmental Working Group’s website. Read this informative article on the EWG website about the dangers of fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
When I heard how wool dryer balls could reduce drying time, eliminate toxins, and reduce static cling, I decided to try my hand at making them myself!
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Not everyone has the time, or desire, to make their own wool dryer balls. So I have researched wool dryer balls and found some for you to purchase if you don’t want to make your own!
What is the purpose of using wool dryer balls?
Wool dryer balls are a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemically laden dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners. Ingredients in fabric softeners and dryer sheets have been linked to eczema, respiratory irritation, asthma, and nervous system effects like headaches/dizziness.
Wool dryer balls are an all natural alternative. In my opinion, they are so much better than using plastic dryer balls that are available on the market. The plastic dryer balls are noisier than the wool dryer balls and they add to the plastic pollution epidemic. Wool dryer balls are made of 100% wool, all natural!
Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash
The dryer balls lessen drying time by creating space between the items in the dryer, so the warm/hot air comes in contact with more surface area of the items being dried. The dryer balls separate the laundry in the dryer so the hot air can circulate more evenly and efficiently. The use of the wool dryer balls also softens the clothes as the fibers in the balls gently tumble against the clothes and other items in the dryer.
By making your own wool dryer balls, you will save money too. You will not have to continually purchase dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Even if you decide to purchase wool dryer balls instead of making your own, you will be saving money and the environment. Win-win!
Do wool dryer balls really work?
It has been reported that drying time is reduced when using wool dryer balls in the dryer. It is recommended that the dryer balls are used with small to medium-sized loads as the balls need some space to work!
Static is often a result of over-drying your laundry. Another cause of static in the dryer is synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylic.
Here are a few recommendations to reduce static in the laundry:
- End the cycle before the items are totally dry.
- Place a safety pin on one of your wool dryer balls to diffuse static.
How do I make wool dryer balls?
List of items you need:
- 1 skein Fisherman’s Wool, Lion Brand Yarns – Natural color
- Pair of pantyhose
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Dryer safe yarn scraps or cotton string
Instructions:
- Make sure to use 100% pure wool yarn. Do NOT use washable wool, as it will not felt.
- To begin to make your ball, wrap the yarn around your index and middle fingers about 12-15 times. Slide the yarn off your fingers and wrap around the center about 10 times.
- Continue wrapping the yarn tightly in all directions until you have balls of the desired size. The approximate size of a tennis ball is an adequate size.
- Cut the yarn with your scissors. Using your tapestry needle weave the yarn tail through the ball multiple times, securing the tail. Trim any excess length of the tail.
- Use the entire skein to make 4-5 balls. Place the balls into the pantyhose using dryer safe yarn scraps/cotton string to tie off the balls individually. Or you can tie the pantyhose between the balls. Do NOT use the wool yarn used to make the balls, as it will felt.
- Wash your newly made dryer balls in a hot water cycle and dry them on the hot dryer setting to felt the balls. I did this with loads of laundry to conserve energy. It may take 5 or more loads for your wool yarn strands to bond together into the desired felted texture.
- Remove the balls from the pantyhose and toss them into your dryer. At our house, we just keep the dryer balls in the dryer for every load.
Add fragrance with Essential Oils
Occasionally, I add fragrance to my laundry by using a few drops of essential oils on my wool dryer balls. I typically add a few drops to each ball and let the oils soak in for a while before adding them to the laundry. Ideally, wait for at least 30 minutes before putting the balls in the dryer after applying the oils. I will admit that at times I have not waited that long and did not have any issues!!
My go-to essential oil to use with the laundry is Lavender Essential Oil. I have also used Orange and Lemon Essential Oils. But the sky is the limit! I want to try Citrus Fresh Essential Oil, Tangerine, and Joy Essential Oils. You can try using a few different oils together! I usually add the oils about every other week to my dryer balls. I have so many essential oil options! I have an extensive essential oil collection in my Wall Rack for essential oils/nail polish.
Using the essential oils gives a mild pleasing scent to the laundry without the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment.
Pre-made Wool Dryer Balls
You can find some excellent wool dryer balls on the market if you are not interested in making your own! After doing a bit of research I recommend SnugPad Wool Dryer Balls or Wooly Fresh Wool Dryer Balls. There are many other brands out there to peruse!
How long do wool dryer balls last?
This will, of course, depend on how many loads of laundry you do. But I have read that the balls can last for 1000 loads and beyond. If the balls begin to look untidy it may be time to replace them!
Since they are all natural, you can throw your raggedy dryer balls in your compost bin! We make fabulous, rich soil in our composter that goes straight into our vegetable garden. Less material going to the landfill and our garden soil is more nutrient-dense. Fantastic!
Wool Dryer Balls – Good for You and the Environment
Using wool dryer balls is a win-win situation. By using wool dryer balls you will lessen drying time, reduce toxins that you and your family are exposed to, and save yourself some money too.
Have you used wool dryer balls? What has been your experience? If you use essential oils on your wool dryer balls, what scents do you like? Please comment below!!
lookbook.nu
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Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks! lookbook.nu
Julie
May 28, 2020 12:14 pmI do not mind, as long as there is a link to the post and my blog. Thanks! I would love to see when and where you share it, thanks. 🙂
Melinda Cummings
April 17, 2020 3:33 pmIt seems to easy to make them.
I think I may try to make some for my family since I don’t need any at the moment.
Julie
April 20, 2020 7:38 amYes, they are easy to make! I just recently made a set for my daughter in college 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting!
Jen
April 17, 2020 7:38 amThis is awesome! I use dryer balls that I purchased years ago, but I love the idea of making them at home. As a fairly non-crafty person, I think I could actually do this!
Julie
April 20, 2020 7:39 amHi Jen,
Yes you CAN! They are very easy to make!! 🙂
Lee Anne
April 16, 2020 12:57 pmI’ll admit… I thought they were silly. UNTIL I got some!! My mother in law made a few for us and I always have them now! I love that they reduce toxins!
Julie
April 20, 2020 7:41 amHi Lee Anne!
I think they are awesome and did NOT want to use dryer sheets any longer, and then convince my husband to not use the dryer sheets with his laundry!
Cindy
October 28, 2019 9:28 amI’ve been using wool dryer balls for a couple of years and love them! Lavender or tangerine are my favorite essential oils to use with them. I’ve never thought about making my own! This is a great idea!
Julie
October 29, 2019 1:36 pmMy favorite essential oils to use with them currently are lavender and orange. They were fun to make! I’m planning to make each of my kids a set of them for Christmas! 🙂
Sophie Wentworth
April 14, 2019 3:02 pmThis is something that I would never have even considered making myself before reading this although it does sound easy. I like the idea of adding a few drops of your own oils to add a little scent. The safety pin tip is interesting! x
Sophie
Julie
April 14, 2019 5:55 pmHi Sophie,
They are easy to make, a bit time consuming. But I enjoyed doing it. I love adding lavender and orange essential oils to give a bit of a scent.Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
elisabeth Basford
April 14, 2019 1:22 pmI gave up using a dryer 6 years ago. I use an eco-airer from Lakeland. I have a lot of washing with my family and clothes last much longer with it and smell good too.
Julie
April 14, 2019 5:56 pmI have never heard of an eco-airer. I will have to look into it! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Bexa
April 14, 2019 11:47 amThese sound like a great idea and look easy to make, thanks for sharing the instructions, Julie! It’s awesome that they are so natural, and wow I’m seriously impressed at all those essential oils you have too, that is such a big collection! Lavender sounds like a great choice, it is one of my favourites, it’s such a calming and relaxing scent <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Julie
April 14, 2019 5:59 pmHi Bexa!
I love my essential oils collection. I can diffuse something different everyday, and try different blends! Lavender is the first oil I ever tried and it is still one of my favorites. I carry it with me at all times. Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Jenn Summers
April 14, 2019 10:10 amWhat a great idea! I’ve heard that dryer balls can help soften the laundry too do you find that to be true? My dryer takes forever to do a load. Will need to try these out thanks for the tutorial 😍
Julie
April 14, 2019 6:02 pmHi Jenn,
I love my dryer balls! I feel that they do help soften the laundry with the balls tumbling around with the clothes. The essential oils add just a tiny bit of a scent too. Make sure to use them with a small to medium load to work best! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Michelle
April 11, 2019 9:23 amI just bought some wool dryer balls! I wish I would have seen this first. 😀 I’m saving this post for when my wool balls finally give out. I didn’t know the tip about the pin reducing static. I’ll have to try that! Thanks!
Julie
April 12, 2019 8:33 amThese would make great gifts too! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Ashley
April 10, 2019 2:54 pmI have never heard of this technique before! I’m fascinated! I’ll definitely be trying this for myself. Thank you for sharing xxx
Julie
April 10, 2019 3:33 pmHi Ashley,
I’m glad you will be trying the wool dryer balls! Have fun! Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
Sandra
April 9, 2019 12:12 pmHi Julie!,
I have some really old wool that should be perfect for this. Once felted, how many balls do you put in the dryer at once with the drying load?
Julie
April 10, 2019 10:46 amHi Sandra,
I have 5 balls in my dryer. I made them close to tennis ball size, some are a tad bit smaller than a tennis ball. The balls work best with a small to medium sized load. Most of the loads I do are medium sized. If I wash a large load I dry it in two loads. I always use all 5 balls for every dryer load. Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Christy B
April 6, 2019 2:23 pmThanks for explaining how to make them! Every little bit helps when it comes to have a greener home 🙂
Julie
April 6, 2019 2:51 pmI couldn’t agree more Christy. I think every small act that benefits us and the environment is SO worth it! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
V.
April 3, 2019 4:55 pmI never really thought of this! Pretty good idea and you can customize it too. Thanks for this! 🙂 x
Julie
April 3, 2019 9:02 pmI am glad to have found this natural alternative to the toxic chemicals! I want to decrease our exposure as much as possible! Thank you for reading and commenting! 🙂
Jen @ Jen D Bibliophile
April 2, 2019 10:22 amOh wow! This is helpful! Will try to make these. Thanks for sharing! 😊
https://jendbibliophile.wordpress.com
Julie
April 2, 2019 10:29 amHi Jen!
They are easy to make, a bit time consuming, but also relaxing! A friend of mine said she didn’t have the time to make them so she bought some! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Katie
April 1, 2019 6:48 pmWow I had no idea that dryer sheets were so bad for you. My husband has eczema and this might be a great way to help keep it from flaring up as much! Thank you for the helpful tip, I’m definitely trying these!
Julie
April 2, 2019 9:40 amHi Katie,
Yes, definitely give them a try! I also suffer from eczema, so I am continually trying to cut out environmental toxins. They are all around us! I’m glad that you found this post. Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
candy
April 1, 2019 10:36 amI make and sell these all the time. Love using the ones I made and they last forever.
Julie
April 1, 2019 10:56 amThat’s wonderful! I’m learning that many people have not even heard of them. So I hope we can educate others and get even MORE people to use the wool dryer balls. Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Hoang Vi Fessenden
April 1, 2019 10:21 amWow such a coool idea!
Julie
April 1, 2019 10:57 amI hope you will give them a try! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Claire Elise
April 1, 2019 12:54 amOh my gosh I am totally making these! I HATE dryer sheets, to me they don’t even smell good — they just smell like chemicals and give me an instant headache. Not to mention that weird sticky filmy texture… This is such a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing I’m going to make mine next weekend!!!
Julie
April 1, 2019 8:34 amYay! No more toxic dryer sheets!! It’s also relaxing making the balls. I’m so glad that you are going to make some. Make sure to get the kind of yarn I mention in the post, NOT washable wool, as it won’t “felt”. I need to add that note to my post! Have fun! 🙂