Here ’s what you ask to know about these little laundry helpers .
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Dryer balls are an easy - to - usesustainable washing productthat have been on the shelves for years . They ’re toted by some as a substitute for drier sheets — but what exactly do they do , and how many are you supposed to use ?

The Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Ball cut drying time by about 33% and eliminated static.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Hannah Yokoji , head of marketing at The Laundress , is share everything you demand to know about these little laundry helpers . She shares the best way to apply them , and how many you should put in eachload of laundryfor idealistic results . Plus , retrieve out whether these products are actually a like swap fortraditional dryer sheets .
How Many Dryer Balls Should You Use?
" fleece dryer ball are the stark creature to aid reduce static on article of clothing and linens while making your drying cycle more efficient , " Yokoji says . " They can help forbid fabrics — especially bedding — from clop in the drier , stopping frustrative snarl and improving melodic line circulation . "
By campaign the dress and create space between them , dryer balls result to soft , downy laundrythat dries on time . To achieve this resultant , you involve at least three dryer balls ( most parcel come with three ) . " They ’re designed to work together , so be certain to use at least three when completing your teetotal rhythm , " Yokoji says .
There are case when you ’ll want to habituate more than three dryer glob . apply up to six dryer ball when drying large or bulky items to ameliorate the efficiency of your dry round . This might include coats , duvet , blankets , or rugs .
How Many Dryer Balls Is Too Many?
It is potential to use too many dryer balls . Doing so can not only slow down dry out time by over - stuff the dryer , but it can also damage the dryer ’s brake drum . reefer to three dryer balls for typical heaps and up to six for declamatory items . Also , be certain to keep your loads a reasonable sizing for your drier .
Should Dryer Balls Replace Dryer Sheets?
Dryer balls are a good substitute for dryer sheets in most cases . " or else of single - utilization , fragranced dryer sheets that can cause buildup on cloth , woollen dryer ball can be used over and over to enhance your drying routine , " Yokoji says . Dryer balls soften clothes like dryer sheets , and they helpreduce atmospheric static . Lastly , unlike drier sheets , wool dryer glob plunge wet , which helps dress dry faster . In most cases , you wo n’t regret swap your dryer sheets for sustainable dryer balls .
The exception to this rule is if you live in a cold , juiceless climate . In such a setting , woolen dryer balls may be too drying and actually increase atmospherics . When the atmospheric condition and humidity drops , opt for drier sheets or a shorter drying round to keep static down .