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We tested wool, silicone, and plastic options.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
While the rinse cycle is easy to time, thedryer can take twice as longas you think it should.
Clothes can bunch up, resulting in damp patches andwrinkled clothesthat need to beimmediately steamed or ironed.
For more on how we tested dryer balls, seeour testing processbelow.
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Most notably, they were incredibly quiet both with towels and in an empty dryer.
They cut drying time by about 33% (per our estimation), andeliminated static from the fabriccompletely.
After a month we saw minimal pilling and no decrease in performance overall.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Theyre also compatible with theuse of essential oils, so users can apply their scent of choice before use.
These can be a bit loud in the dryer.
The Kainga Recka pick exceeded our expectations when it came toreducing drying time.
For comparison, some of the other dryer balls showed changes as small as -2%.
We also noticed a significant decrease in static, as well as a tangibledifference in softnessto dryer loads.
The biggest downside is the noise level of the dryer balls.
Like our top pick, these arecompatible with essential oils.
The smell was considerably less than that of a dryer sheet.
The core of the dryer balls are made from 100% New Zealand organic wool.
After one use, some loose strands were visible.
We replaced our dryer sheets with these and have been very happy with the results.
After a month of use, there was some visible pilling and loose strands.
After multiple washes, these dryer balls got visibly fuzzier with noticeable pilling.
By the end of the month we noticed a small rip in one.
But the intact balls showed no change in performance, just some visible pilling.
We found them loud enough to avoid using during nap time.
In fact, it made such a change that we didnt have one issue with clothes clinging together since.
They also did a good job on reducing wrinkles, which led to less time ironing andsteaming clothing.
The dryer balls reduced dry time, but we found the static results to be more noticeable.
We found them loud enough to not want to use them while napping.
Youll need more than a few drops of the included essential oils to detect the scent.
The three-pack includes a choice of essential oils such as lavender, orange, or lemon.
We found no static detected on laundry during the duration of the test.
After the month was up, we noticed some visible pilling but performance remained the same.
These might sound louder than wool options.
The best laundry balls made from plastic are the World Market Hedgehog dryer balls.
Because theyre plastic, the balls themselves dont hold onto moisture or wetness.
Static and wrinkles were both reduced on clothing.
They always gave our clothing a fluffy feeling fresh out of the dryer and helped dry loads more thoroughly.
Plus, at around $2 a ball, theyre a good price.
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We measured the dryer balls and recorded relevant information regarding feel, smell, and other physical attributes.
Six dry bath towels were then weighed and measured in a moisture meter.
Next, the dryer balls were added to the dryer with the towels.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
If the balls were safe for essential oils, we placed a few drops on each ball.
Observations were made regarding scent and feel as well.
I prefer wool dryer balls over other materials, says lifestyle expertBianca Dottin.
They are reusable, have natural static repelling properties andwon’t leave any chemicalson your laundry.
The natural material is also great for sensitive skin.
Scent
Unlike most dryer sheets, dryer balls are unscented.
Some of the best dryer balls, likeWoolzies, even come with essential oils included.
Size
The laundry balls on this list range in circumference from 8.5 to 10 inches.
The smallest dryer ball we tested in the lab was 6.5 inches in circumference and the largest was 11.5.
Durability
A lot of manufacturers claim that their laundry balls will last for at least 1,000 loads.
Plastic balls might fade over time as well.
Your Questions, Answered
What pop in of dryer balls are the most effective?
Dryer balls are used to help lift and separate laundry, which helps the air circulate.
In turn, that helps laundry dry faster and reduces static and wrinkles.
How long do dryer balls last?
Dottin says thelongevity of your dryer ballsdepends onhow often you’re doing laundryand how big your family is.
How many dryer balls should you use per load?
The basic rule of thumb is three dryer balls for a medium load and six for a large load.
How much do dryer balls cost?
Most dryer balls come out to around $2/ball and are sold in sets of at least three.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Grove Co.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: World Market
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
We used a moisture meter to determine approximately how much water was removed from the towels within 30 minutes.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Most dryer balls come in packs of three or more—this is because you should use multiple in each load.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
While most manufacturers claim dryer balls can last for up to 1000 loads, expect to see wear and tear well before then.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
