25 Wool Dryer Balls That Will Revolutionize Your Laundry Routine

Ready to make the switch from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls?

You’ve probably heard about the perks of dryer balls: they’re said to shorten drying times, minimize static, soften fabrics, and provide an eco-friendly option over traditional dryer sheets. 

Compared to sheets, dryer balls are a more sustainable choice (since they’re reusable rather than single-use), and they come in an array of vibrant colors and fun designs. 

However, it can feel counterproductive to buy something else when the goal is to reduce waste! Are these laundry balls really worth the buzz, or just another trend? Let’s break it down. 

Why make the switch from dryer sheets?

Dryer sheets are a common go-to in most laundry rooms. They soften fabrics, help with static, and leave a fresh scent. But recently, they’ve been facing a lot of criticism due to several concerning issues:

They're wasteful: Since these sheets are single-use, you likely go through multiple per load, contributing to more waste and unnecessary spending — not great for the environment or your wallet. On the other hand, dryer balls can endure up to 1,000 cycles, and they’re compostable when you're done with them. 

They can damage your clothes: The Environmental Working Group states, "Heat-activated dryer sheets release a potent mix of chemicals that can be harmful to your health, damage the environment, and pollute the air inside and outside your home."

Cora Harrington, author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie, explained to HuffPost via email: “They work by applying a layer of lipids and fragrances to your clothes, which builds up over time, causing your clothes and towels to smell ‘musty’ or ‘stale’ even after washing and drying.”

The residue can also make towels less absorbent, athletic wear less effective at wicking moisture, and even reduce the flame-resistance of some children’s sleepwear. 😬

They can damage your dryer: Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist explained that this buildup might harm the electronic moisture sensor inside your dryer, causing over-drying and higher utility bills. Additionally, it can coat the lint filter mesh, creating a fire risk. 

Do dryer balls actually work?

Though there aren’t many official scientific studies on dryer balls, some everyday testers (and countless reviews) say they can replace dryer sheets effectively. Little Maine Farmhouse found that the balls can cut static and reduce drying time by up to 37%.

Wool dryer balls are hypoallergenic and won’t leave any unwanted residue on your clothes or machine. Plus, they’re just so cute, making them a fun addition to an otherwise mundane purchase. 

If you're ready to make the change, here are a few recommendations to help you get started! 

1. Popular dryer balls, handcrafted by women in Nepal, praised for their quality and quick-drying performance. These fair-trade certified balls are made from New Zealand wool and come in delightful patterns and colors, making laundry day a little more fun.

2. Soot sprite dryer balls that’ll look adorable bouncing around in your dryer. Pro tip: Create some faux konpeitō using colored tin foil for an extra cute touch *and* reduce static. 

3. A collection of hypoallergenic dryer balls for softer t-shirts, ensuring comfort without the sniffles.

4. A set of affordable dryer balls for those new to the dryer-sheet-free lifestyle, offering an inexpensive way to make the switch. Despite the under-$10 price tag, over 61,000 5-star reviewers vouch for these New Zealand wool balls being a game-changer.

5. A set of charming sheep dryer balls crafted from handmade New Zealand wool, designed to effectively reduce static and minimize wrinkles in your laundry. It turns out the sheep across the globe are here to revolutionize your laundry routine.

6. A set of cruelty-free dryer balls that will leave you buzzing with joy as you enjoy lint-free laundry, putting behind the frustrating laundromat experiences you've had in the past.

7. A set of dryer balls featuring adorable critter faces, because laundry could definitely use a little more cuteness. They come in various designs, but my personal favorite is the pawsome cat-themed one.

A set of three wool dryer balls that can help reduce your drying time and minimize the need for dryer sheets during laundry day.

SilverWorks dryer balls, equipped with over 180 feet of silver thread, reduce static and may help with unwanted odors. Sometimes, truly smelly clothes need an Ag-gressive approach. Apologies — no more science jokes from me.

Sheep-faced dryer balls designed specifically for light/white or dark loads, so you won't have to worry about white fibers on your black tees or dark ones on your white socks.

A pack of sloth dryer balls, perfect for those who like to take their time with laundry. Sure, your sock collection is dwindling, and the laundry pile is growing into a mountain, but these little sloths cheer you on for moving at your own pace.

A single scented dryer ball in adorable retro packaging, making you feel like you're unwrapping an early birthday gift. With its sweet lamb face and floral scents (lavender, lemongrass, bergamot, and rose), this one is sure to become a household favorite.

13. These adorable chicks are so eager to assist with your laundry, they couldn't wait to finish hatching. This collection also includes owls, penguins, and sheep holding hearts, so good luck choosing your favorite cute creature! 

14. A set of three cobalt dryer balls accompanied by a small bottle of Capri Blue Volcano essential oil, designed to make your clothes smell fantastic. This fragrance is used in Anthropologie stores, so if you've ever wished to retain that scent after washing your favorite Anthro clothes, you're in luck! 

15. Transform your laundry experience with a Thymes set, which makes your clothes smell so fresh you'll be dancing with joy before every folding session. Simply add 5–8 drops from the 0.5-ounce oil bottle to your dryer balls for each load.

16. Bamboo dryer balls offer an eco-friendly, plant-based alternative to traditional wool. These vegan-friendly balls are hand-felted with charcoal-infused bamboo fibers, and when you're finished, you can compost them just like the wool variety!

17. Embrace a set of funky tie-dye wool balls that make drying your Grateful Dead tees and tapestries a truly groovy experience.

18.A set of six dryer balls, completely free from chemicals, making them an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

19.Dryer balls equipped with silicone guards to maintain wool shape and prevent snagging on delicate fabrics. Plus, reviewers rave about how well it separates laundry and ensures everything comes out completely dry!

20. Jumbo alpaca wool dryer balls for your really big laundry jobs. Comforters, winter coats, blankets, and curtains won't even THINK about bunching up when they see these things enter the dryer. 

21. Monster dryer balls here to remind you that while laundry may seem like the worst chore ever, remember, there are much scarier things in the world (like confronting monstrous creatures!).

22. Blueland wool dryer balls, crafted from New Zealand wool, are proven to reduce both drying time and wrinkles.

23. A set of three dryer balls embellished with hearts, because nothing expresses love quite like fresh laundry. Plus, they come with a convenient storage bag.

24. Or a set of "dryer balls" shaped like hearts, so you can send some extra love to all your clothes (yes, even that old sleep shirt). These non-toxic hearts are lovingly handmade by women in Nepal using 100% organic New Zealand wool!

25. A big pack of dryer balls for those who often lose them in the mysterious depths of your dryer or for those whose cat has developed a fondness for stealing them.