DIY wool dryer balls are an all natural alternative to dryer sheets. They work to keep your clothes, sheets and towels soft and static free without any chemicals or toxins.
You might not know this but commercial dryer sheets are filled with chemicals that have been shown to be toxic to human beings. Not to mention they are pretty much a one and done products; you can’t really reuse them.
DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Do Dryer Balls Really Works?
Absolutely! These homemade dryer balls will reduce or eliminate static and keep your load of laundry soft. Not to mention your loads will dry faster, which is money saver!
Can’t I just use the plastic kind or what about tennis balls? For me, keeping toxins out of my laundry is a huge reason I like to use dryer balls; those options just don’t give me that.
How do dryer balls reduce drying time?
These homemade dryer balls will actually help separate the clothes, towels or bedding in your dryer for better air and heat circulation. This separation will help each item to dry faster. It is said that dryer balls can reduce drying time by up to 25%.
How do dryer balls reduce static cling?
The same lift and separation that reduces drying time will also help to reduce static cling.
If I use dryer balls do I still need fabric softener?
Nope, you do not. The wool dryer balls will help to make fabrics soft and fluffy naturally.
How long do DIY Wool Dryer Balls Last?
That will depend on how much laundry you do every year. But you can expect, on average, a 1000 loads out of a set of homemade dryer balls.
You’ll know they need to be replaced when you aren’t getting the same soft, fluffy, static free laundry from them. Then it’s time to make a new set!
What if I’m allergic to wool?
I cannot personally wear wool but I’ve never had a problem using these DIY Wool Dryer Balls. That will have to be a judgement call only you can make.
Materials for DIY Wool Dryer Balls
- 100 grams of 100% wool yarn
If you use 100 grams of wool, you should be able to get two dryer balls out of each skein. It is essential that you use wool or the balls will not felt. - Old pair of nylons (these will be cut)
- Sharp Fabric Scissors
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions for DIY Dryer Balls
There are printable instructions below.
Begin by wrapping a strand of yarn around your fingers several times. Slip your fingers out and wrap the yarn around this first bunch. Continue to wind yarn into a ball, crisscrossing to keep it round. Wind snuggly.
Once you have wound your ball (approximately half of a 100 gram skein), tuck the end in tightly under several layers. Place the balls of yarn into one leg of the nylons. Tie of the end so the ball is securely encased in the nylons. You can do multiple balls of yarn at a time in one leg.
The Felting Process: Wash the nylon encased balls on the hottest wash cycle setting on your washing machine. Dry on the hottest setting. Do this 4 or 5 times, going from hot washer cycle to dryer.
The heat will make the wool felt and instead of a ball of yarn, you will have a ball of wool. I did the last two dry cycles with clean towels to make sure all moisture was removed.
Once the balls are fully felted, you can use these in your dryer to speed up drying time and to fluff towels. You can add a few drops of essential oils if desired.
I like to use Orange EO or Lavender EO, but any will do.
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Homemade DIY Wool Dryer Balls
All natural dryer balls, a safe alternative to dryer sheets.
Ingredients
- 100 grams 100% wool yarn If you use 100 grams of wool, you should be able to get two dryer balls out of each skein. It is essential that you use wool or the balls will not felt.
- Old pair of nylons (these will be cut)
- Scissors
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions
Begin by wrapping a strand of yarn around yourfingers several times. Slip your fingers out and wrap the yarn around thisfirst bunch. Continue to wind yarn into a ball, crisscrossing to keep it round.Wind snuggly.
Once you have wound your ball (approximately half of a 100 gram skein), tuck the end in tightly under several layers. Place the balls of yarn into one leg of the nylons. Tie of the end so the ball is securely encased in the nylons. You can do multiple balls of yarn at a time in one leg.
Wash the nylon encased balls on the hottest setting on your washing machine. Dry on the hottest setting. Do this 4 or 5times, going from hot washer cycle to dryer. The heat will make the wool felt and instead of a ball of yarn, you will have a ball of wool.
I did the last two dry cycles with clean towels to make sure all moisture was removed.
Once the balls are fully felted, you can use these in your dryer to speed up drying time and to fluff towels. You can add a few drops of essential oils if desired.
This is a great project for kids and teens to work on too. I think they make a wonderful house warming gift with a jar of my homemade laundry soap too.
Good Morning,
This is a great post. I have a question. My washer will do a short rinse and spin cycle. Can I use it with hot water to make my dryer balls? Or is it better to put the balls through a regular wash in hot water? I also was wondering if I could make them on the stove in a pot of hot boiling water instead of using the washer?
I think, for best results, do the regular cycle on the washer. I don’t think you’ll get the felting from a boiling pot of water.
Hi! I have a question I have not seen on any blog regarding dryer balls: can you wash them? I have several that I purchased. My daughter and her dog are visiting, and she asked me to wash her dog’s coat. I did, however, the “doggy” smell is still very much apparent, and it stunk up my dryer. I really need to either wash them and re-apply the essential oils, or get new ones! Hoping I can just wash them…..
THANK you!
Just throw them in the washer.