topic Re: Question about dryer balls... in Home

Question about dryer balls...

Ellabella — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:45:30 GMT

I noticed in the fabric softener thread that a lot of people mentioned using dryer balls instead. I looked on amazon and saw that the wool ones had really good reviews. Are the wool better than the rubber ones? Do the wool help with static? I'd like to eliminate the chemicals if possible, I'm just not sure which kind work best. Any advice would be helpful, thank you.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Pawslover — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:42:06 GMT

I use tennis balls and have for years. I have 4-5 balls in dryer and they do a great job on towels,jeans to soften them. For certain loads I still use a fabric sheet for static. Hope that helps.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

ahoymate — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:47:05 GMT

My experience: Waste of $!

Re: Question about dryer balls...

chickenbutt — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:48:09 GMT

I tried a few different ones, years ago, and they didn't do a thing except make noise.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

piperbay — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:51:41 GMT

Never tried the wool dryer balls but the rubber ones help with static. I bought Nellie's brand at Home Goods. Love the Nellie's powdered detergent too.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

jackthebear — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:21:27 GMT

I don't use Fabric Softener at all or dryer sheets, laundry comes out fine. I use the rubber balls and I think it does fluff the wash up a bit.

Personally I don't think FS is needed at all

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Sunshine — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:25:05 GMT

We use the rubber balls to soften up our towels. They work great for that purpose.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Shelbelle — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:37:38 GMT

I have only used the rubber ones, keep 4 in my dryer at all times. Buy good quality ones, they will last forever, cheaper ones I got on ebay, cracked in no time.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

sidsmom — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:41:57 GMT

Rubber...I would be afraid of the chemicals it produces @ a high heat.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

151949 — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:22:45 GMT

They make a lot of noise but work well when drying things like comforters so they don't bunch up. Also, if you put just one item in the dryer it is good to use a dryer ball to kkep it from getting in a bunch - but they are VERY NOISY.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

brewhaha — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:26:39 GMT

I think boxers keeps them dryer. Wool doesn't dry very fast and rubber doesn't breathe.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

sidsmom — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:28:35 GMT

On 12/30/2014 brewhaha said:
I think boxers keeps them dryer. Wool doesn't dry very fast and rubber doesn't breathe.

*Snort Laugh*. Oh, Brew...once again, love it!

Re: Question about dryer balls...

robomo — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:31:26 GMT

Fabric softener coats the inside of your dryer over time. I don't use any of it. I get a little static now and then, but I don't care. I have a newish washer and dryer and have never used any FS in it.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

ahoymate — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:32:40 GMT

On 12/30/2014 happy housewife said:
They make a lot of noise but work well when drying things like comforters so they don't bunch up. Also, if you put just one item in the dryer it is good to use a dryer ball to kkep it from getting in a bunch - but they are VERY NOISY.

I bought the dryer balls to keep my sheets from ending up in a huge ball - one big bunch. These didn't help at all! The sheets ball up, bunch up and are so wrinkled

Re: Question about dryer balls...

patticakes — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:31:09 GMT

You can make your own wool dryer balls. I made some about a year or so ago and they're still going strong. Love to use them especially with microfiber and towels and anywhere you don't want to use fabric softener. I believe you can find the instructions if you google them. Easy to make and easy to use.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Dee in OK — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:46:14 GMT

Just two days ago, I ordered a set of wool dryer balls. I'm hoping they'll help with static. I want to give up dryer sheets and the only reason I use the sheets is to control the terrible static in my clothes.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Krimpette — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:47:48 GMT

I will never use the rubber dryer balls again. I found that after time, some of the "nubs" came off and I could smell the burning in the dryer. Never again!!!!!

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Dee in OK — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:59:48 GMT

On 12/31/2014 Krimpette said:
I will never use the rubber dryer balls again. I found that after time, some of the "nubs" came off and I could smell the burning in the dryer. Never again!!!!!

Krimpette, that's one reason I ordered the wool dryer balls to try instead of using tennis balls or other rubber type balls. I used to play tennis, and I still remember the strong, chemical, rubbery type of smell when I opened a new can of balls. I don't want that smell in my clothes. I'm hoping these wool dryer balls will help control static so I can give up the dryer sheets.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

marky — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 05:29:57 GMT

On 12/31/2014 Dee in OK said:
On 12/31/2014 Krimpette said:
I will never use the rubber dryer balls again. I found that after time, some of the "nubs" came off and I could smell the burning in the dryer. Never again!!!!!

Krimpette, that's one reason I ordered the wool dryer balls to try instead of using tennis balls or other rubber type balls. I used to play tennis, and I still remember the strong, chemical, rubbery type of smell when I opened a new can of balls. I don't want that smell in my clothes. I'm hoping these wool dryer balls will help control static so I can give up the dryer sheets.

I bought some of the wool dryer balls at TJ Maxx and I love them. I, too, had some of the nubs to come off of the other kind but never noticed any chemical smell. I had just used them so much that they were worn out. They need to be replaced periodically.

Re: Question about dryer balls...

Shelbelle — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:00:38 GMT

I use 4 of the rubber ones at all times, have had no issues with them for over 3 years. Just need to buy the better quality ones. These are quite sturdy.