Laundry day: an essential yet sometimes mundane chore that keeps our clothes fresh and clean. While most of us are familiar with the trusty washing machine and dryer duo, there’s a lesser-known hero in the laundry realm that deserves some spotlight—the humble dryer ball. These unassuming alternatives to dryer sheets are making waves for all the right reasons.

The Power of Dryer Balls

1. Speedier Drying Times: When tossed into the dryer with your laundry, these balls work their way between clothes, creating space for better airflow. This, in turn, reduces drying time by aiding in the circulation of hot air.

2. Natural Fabric Softening: Dryer balls help soften fabrics naturally by gently massaging them as they tumble around. This process can also help reduce wrinkles, making ironing less of a hassle.

3. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: Unlike single-use dryer sheets, dryer balls are reusable and can last for a considerable period, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice in the long run.

How Long Do Dryer Balls Last?

The lifespan of dryer balls largely depends on their material and usage. Wool dryer balls, for instance, can last for around 1,000 loads or more. 

Regular use, frequency of laundry cycles, and the heat of the dryer can affect their durability. Over time, you might notice some wear and tear, such as pilling in wool dryer balls. Nevertheless, even as they show signs of aging, they usually remain effective until they significantly lose their shape or start falling apart.

When to Replace Dryer Balls

While dryer balls are durable, there comes a time when replacing them is necessary for optimal performance. Here are a few signs indicating it might be time to bid adieu to your current set:

1. Reduced Efficiency: If you notice your clothes taking longer to dry or feeling less soft than usual, it could mean that the dryer balls are losing their effectiveness.

2. Visible Damage: Unraveling or significant deformation are signs that your dryer balls might need replacement. These damages can affect their ability to properly fluff and soften laundry.

3. Excessive Shedding: Over time, wool dryer balls might shed fibers or develop excess pilling. While a certain degree of shedding is normal, an excessive amount can be a signal that it’s time to consider new ones.

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of your dryer balls:

1. Quantity Matters: For optimal results, use three to six balls in your dryer, adjusting the number based on the size of your load. More substantial loads might benefit from a higher count of balls.
2. Leave Them Be: Once your laundry is done, feel free to keep the dryer balls inside. There’s no need to remove them—they’re ready for the next round of laundry.
3. Wrinkle Buster: To freshen up or banish wrinkles from garments, try spritzing the dryer balls with water. As they tumble with the item for a few minutes, the dampness creates a steam effect, smoothing out wrinkles.
4. Scent Sensation: If you fancy adding fragrance to your laundry, a couple of drops of essential oil dabbed onto the dryer balls before tossing them into the dryer can infuse your clothes with a delightful aroma.

Dryer balls may seem like small additions to your laundry routine, but their impact is substantial. From faster drying times to softer clothes and reduced environmental footprint, these unassuming helpers are indeed a laundry game-changer.

Remember, keeping an eye on their condition and replacing them when necessary ensures that you continue to enjoy their benefits. So, if you haven’t already welcomed dryer balls into your laundry routine, perhaps now is the perfect time to give them a tumble!

Most families have a tumble dryer in their homes or one that is readily accessible to them. Dryers are an incredibly convenient and efficient method of drying fabrics within minutes; however, it is important to be aware of what items and fabrics should never be tumble-dried.

Before purchasing items that will need to be washed eventually, be sure to take note of the care instructions on the tag and be sure to follow those instructions to avoid wasting money and ruining that item or fabric!

5 Items That Are Safe For The Dryer

1. Denim – It is no surprise that jeans and denim were made to withstand heat and are extremely durable in most conditions. This makes using a tumble dryer completely acceptable for your favorite pair of jeans! 
2. Cotton – While it is possible that your favorite t-shirt may come out of the dryer a size smaller than it went in, it is unlikely when dried on a lower temperature. Other cotton items such as hoodies, towels, and heavier cotton shirts are completely safe to dry on medium to high temperatures. 
3. Bedding – After checking the care label to ensure your specific bedding is safe to dry, toss it right in your dryer so you can get your freshly cleaned sheets back on the bed before bedtime. Drying your bedding is also beneficial in that the heat will help kill any dust mites that may be lingering behind! Check out more on bedding care from our blog here.
4. Polyester Blends – When dried at a low temperature, fabrics made of polyester blends are completely safe to use in your dryer. Polyester tends to dry quite quickly so it’s always best to choose a short drying time to avoid unnecessary heat exposure. 
5. Acrylic – Known for its use as a wool and cashmere alternative, acrylic fabrics can safely be used in the dryer. Be sure to use a low temperature setting since acrylic is known to permanently wrinkle when exposed to high temperatures.

5 Items to Avoid Putting in the Dryer

1. Wool/Cashmere – Although wool and cashmere are some of the most luxurious fabrics especially for their warmth in the winter, these two fabrics do require much care and attention for washing and drying. These items should be air-dried to avoid heat damage and shrinking. 
2. Spandex – Most athletic wear is made using spandex, and should never be put in the dryer. You may not notice any damage right away; however, when dried, spandex completely dries out and becomes brittle. This, in turn, will cause your spandex items to lose their stretch and ultimately become unusable. Thankfully, this fabric is known for its fast-drying capabilities so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to enjoy your favorite pair of leggings again! For more information on caring for your activewear, checkout our blog here.
3. Rubber – You may be tempted to toss your freshly washed sneakers or that clean bathroom rug into your dryer for convenience; however, if it contains rubber, you’ll want to steer clear of putting them in the dryer. When dried, rubber tends to shrink and will become deformed rendering these items essentially unusable. 
4. Silk – Pure silk is an extremely versatile and luxurious fabric that has become quite popular. You may be tempted to throw your silk pillowcase in the dryer with your other bedding, but it is important to refrain from doing so. Because of its delicate nature, silk is easy to burn when it is exposed to heat; therefore, it is best to air dry only! 
5. Dry- Cleaned Items – Items that have previously been dry-cleaned contain certain chemicals that can release toxic gas when exposed to the heat from your dryer. These fumes can cause severe damage to your dryer, so you’ll want to continue dry cleaning those particular items.

Now that you’re familiar with what can and can’t be put into your dryer, we hope you can be confident that you’re properly caring for items you spent hard-earned money on! For an extra softening boost and static-free cycle, try our fabric softening dryer sheets or our wool dryer balls!

When it comes to doing laundry, it’s easy to toss everything in together and call it a day. But when it comes to your towels, it’s important to take a little extra care. Separating your towels from your other laundry can help extend their lifespan, improve their absorbency, and keep them looking and feeling their best.

Towels are heavy and absorbent, which means they take longer to dry than other fabrics. If you wash them with lighter items like t-shirts or underwear, the towels can take longer to dry and can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. This can lead to unpleasant odors, and even pose a risk to your health, as some bacteria can cause skin infections or respiratory issues. Separating your towels and washing them on their own ensures that they get plenty of air circulation and dry thoroughly, reducing the risk of bacteria build-up.

Additionally, towels tend to produce a lot of lint. If you wash them with other items, the lint can transfer and cling to your clothes, making them look fuzzy and worn out. By separating your towels, you can reduce the amount of lint they produce and keep your other clothes looking fresh and new.

Finally, washing your towels separately can help prolong their lifespan. Over time, towels can become rough and scratchy due to buildup from fabric softeners or other laundry additives. Washing them on their own with a mild detergent and then finishing up with dryer balls can help prevent this buildup and keep your towels soft and fluffy for longer.

It’s time to start giving your towels the attention they deserve! Bonus? You’ll be rewarded with towels that are clean, absorbent, and comfortable to use!