Have You Ever Wondered What the Deal Is with Dryer Balls?

Have You Ever Wondered What the Deal Is with Dryer Balls?

I mean, they’re just… balls of wool, right? What are they even doing in your dryer?

Well, it turns out these little fluff spheres are way more magical than they look. Dryer balls are the unsung heroes of the laundry world—working hard behind the scenes to cut down drying time, reduce wrinkles, soften your clothes, and save you some serious cash over time.

Let’s break it down.

What Do Dryer Balls Actually Do?

✔ Cut Down Drying Time: Dryer balls create more space and airflow between your clothes, which helps hot air move more efficiently. Translation: your laundry dries faster. Some people see a 25–30% reduction in drying time!

✔ Reduce Wrinkles: Because the balls tumble around and keep clothes from clumping together, there’s less creasing and bunching = less ironing. 🙌

✔ Naturally Soften Fabrics: No mystery ingredients, no artificial fragrance—just soft, fluffy laundry thanks to good ol’ mechanical motion. They help gently soften clothes as they tumble.

✔ Help Prevent Static (kind of): Wool dryer balls won’t eliminate static completely, but they can help reduce it—especially if you skip over-drying.

✔ Long-Lasting & Reusable: Unlike dryer sheets that get tossed after one use, wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 loads. That’s a lot of laundry days.

✔ Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic: Perfect if you're trying to reduce waste and ditch synthetic fragrances or mystery ingredients in your laundry routine.

💧 Add a Little (Lavender-Scented) Love

Dryer balls are scent-free on their own, but if you like a little extra freshness? Add 2–3 drops of your favorite essential oil directly onto a dryer ball and let it dry for a few minutes before tossing it into the dryer.

My go-to: Lavender—so calming, so clean, and it pairs beautifully with that fresh-out-of-the-dryer feeling.

♻️ Refreshing Your Dryer Balls

Just like anything you use regularly, they need a little self-care too! Over time, dryer balls can get a little tired and lose their fluff. Here's how to give them a refresh:

1. Toss them in the washing machine on hot, then dry on high heat.

2. You can also give them a quick sun bath on a dry day—sunshine helps revive the wool naturally.

3. If they start pilling or shrinking, it might be time to retire them to the compost bin (yes, really!).

   
   
   
   

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✨ Burbachulous: From the Craft Loft:

We are on vacay this week, so no burbachulous pics, but don't worry, we will still get crafty!

Want to make your own wool dryer balls? All you need is 100% wool yarn, a sock, and a little time. (Spoiler: it’s kind of addicting and makes a great gift too!)

🧶 Quick DIY Wool Dryer Balls – Step-by-Step

You only need 100% wool yarn, an old nylon sock or pantyhose (OK, these are things we used to wear all the time that are basically torture devices, but slimming. Try buying it at the Dollar Tree), and a little time.

Here’s the fast and easy version:

1. Roll the Yarn - Start by wrapping yarn around 2 fingers 10 times, then slip it off and keep wrapping tightly to form a ball about the size of a tennis ball.

2. Secure the End - Tuck the end of the yarn under some layers so it doesn’t unravel.

3. Sock it Up - Place your yarn ball into a sock or leg of pantyhose. Tie off the section with string or another piece of yarn.

4. Felt the Ball - Throw it in the washing machine with a load of towels—hot water, heavy cycle. Then dry on high heat. Repeat once more if needed.

5. Done! - Snip it free from the sock and voilà—your homemade wool dryer ball is ready to bounce into action.

✨ Tip: Make 3–6 balls for a standard-size laundry load.

If you purchase wool balls, make sure it isn't treated with toxic chemicals and buy from a reputable company.