Several months ago my mom gave me some of those plastic dryer balls. You’ve seen them, they look like a tennis ball and a porcupine had a blue plastic love child.
Up until that point, I had used the little squares of sponge soaked in liquid laundry softener & water method instead of dryer sheets. This worked great and I only had to buy a big cheapo brand of laundry softener about once every 2 years.
But my mom bought me the things, so I though I’d give them a shot.
They work. I have only used them a few times so far-I line dry whenever possible in summer. On the occasions when I couldn’t line dry they worked like a charm. Clothing was fluffy and there was no static.
So I am confident in suggesting them to folks. They are a one time purchase that you can reuse, reuse and reuse.
But then I saw something that looks even better. HOMEMADE dryer balls!
I am big fan of anything homemade, so this project really intrigues me. Long story short-you felt a large ball of tightly wound wool. The wool somehow releases the static in the dryer, while the weight of the ball knocks the clothes around and softens them up.
These are eco-friendly! No plastics here. They are so easy that even the craft impaired could make one, and if you are a knitter (or know one) you could probably even make it from leftover wool.
They would make a great gift too. Can’t you see a couple of these in a box with a pretty little note card explaining how to use them?
Too much fun! Head on over to Good Mama and see the tutorial on how to make your own wool felted dryer balls.
Photo by Kelly Puff
tennis balls work great too! I get them from the dollar store, 2 packs, 3 balls in each. I can dry 3 loads at a time, since you need 2 balls in each load. I loved those blue ones though. Someone in our complex stole them from our clothes :o(
Thanks for the link to making the homemade ones! Good idea for a Christmas gift next year.
That’s a great idea! I like the Tennis ball idea too. Thanks!
Very good idea. Nice looks the Homemade Dryer Balls.