Laundry dryer balls could be your laundry best friends! They are super simple to use and will help your clothes dry quicker. Simply put 3-6 dryer balls into your dryer, according to the size of your load. Make sure you spread them evenly throughout the dryer so that all clothes are in contact with them. Then, begin your dryer cycle and see them work their magic! 

Did you know that one dryer ball can last 1,000 cycles and up to five years? Dryer balls are the best solution to most of your laundry problems. Long drying hours, hash fabrics, and a static cling call for only one solution i.e., a dryer ball that is cost and environmentally friendly. But along with dryer balls, there are also fabric softeners that do the same job. So, what is the difference? This blog is a guide that will help you understand how they work, their benefits, and drawbacks to help you make the right choice. 

What Are Dryer Balls?

Dryer Balls are tennis-like balls that are made from wool, plastic or rubber. They are environmentally friendly, easily reusable, and biodegradable. You can use them by dropping them into your dryer and spreading them evenly. They will make sure your clothes remain separated, soften them, prevent wrinkles and make sure that they dry faster with improved air circulation. 

Types of Dryer Balls

There are two types of dryer balls, one made out of wool and the other made from either plastic or rubber.

Wool Dryer Ball: These dryer balls are made out of tightly compressed natural wool. That’s why they are easily reusable, saving you money. The natural wool makes them extremely soft, allowing them to be soft on your clothes. These wool dryer balls are good at absorbing moisture out of your clothes which reduces the drying time. 

Plastic or Rubber Dryer Ball: These dryer balls are made of plastic or rubber with spikes. These spikes help separate clothes from each other, improve air circulation, and soften them.

All kinds of dryer balls will make sure to keep your clothes lighter and softer, giving you the comfort of clean, and warm clothes. 

Benefits of Dryer Balls

• Environmentally Friendly: One of the biggest benefits of dryer balls is that they are extremely environmentally friendly. Most of the other laundry helpers are one-time users, but the dryer ball can be used multiple times for a long time. This helps in minimising the waste. In the case of wool dryer balls can be used for years because they are made from natural wool. 
• No-Scent: Most of the fabric softeners in the market are strongly scented which makes your clothes loaded with chemicals. It is important to know that these scents can be toxic for you and your clothes. Wool dryer balls have no scent that helps your clothes become chemical-free. If you want to have a gentle smell in your clothes, then try adding essential oils to your wool dryer balls! 
• Attracts Lint and Reduces Static: Wool Dryer Balls are known to attract lints that will help keep your clothes looking fresh and new. It also helps in decreasing static cling by absorbing their moisture. 

How To Use Dryer Balls The Right Way?

Below are the step-by-step instructions on how to use your dryer balls for soft clothes. 

Step 1: Before using your dryer balls, make sure your dryer is clean without any lint. This will make sure your wool dryer ball attracts lint only from your clothes. 

Step 2: Put your dryer ball into the laundry of wet clothes in the dryer. For a small or medium load, put 3-4 dryer balls and for a larger load put 5-6 balls. These dryer balls work with all types of clothes and fabrics including towels, bedsheets and others. 

Step 3: Put your desired time and settings into the dryer. Another feature of dryer balls is that they don’t make any sort of noise. 

Step 4: When the dryer cycle is complete, remove your laundry and the dryer balls. Make sure to keep the dryer balls in a dry place, when not in use.

What Are Fabric Conditioner Balls? 

Fabric conditioner balls are a plastic ball that releases fabric softeners during the rinse cycle. These plastic balls have a soft fabric softener inside them and need to be thrown away once the softener is empty. These balls are similar to dryer balls but they are toxic, increase waste and clean your clothes with chemicals that can be harmful to you. 

Related: Why Is My Dryer Loud? Common Causes and Simple DIY Fixes

How Do Fabric Conditioner Balls Work?

Fabric softener opens and works during the rinse cycle. It allows them to mix the fabric softener with the water, resulting in coating the clothes. This makes your clothes softer, reduces static energy from them, and makes them smell good. 

Benefits of Fabric Conditioner Balls

• Soft Clothes: Fabric softener balls will make your clothes super soft. You will have your clothes be soft and comfortable. Along with clothes, you can also use the fabric conditioner ball with towels, bedsheets and others. 

• Static Reduction and Fragrance: Fabric Softeners are known to reduce the static energy that most clothes get after the laundry. They also get different types of scents to make your laundry feel fresher. Due to these two reasons, fabric conditioner balls are more popular in households. 

Comparison: Dryer Balls vs. Fabric Conditioner Balls

Conclusion 

In conclusion, we believe that both dryer balls and fabric conditioner balls can be good laundry helpers. Dryer balls are an eco-friendly solution that can be reused for longer periods. Made from natural wool, wool dryer balls are a great solution to reduce drying time, soften your clothes and minimise static energy.

Meanwhile, fabric conditioner balls provide you with extra softness and fragrance in your laundry. This blog tried to help you figure out which laundry helper is your favourite and matches your needs. Along with this, it is also important to maintain your dryer. If you come across any issues with your dryer, get in touch with Barton Appliance Repair for a dryer repair Vancouver residents rely on. We are the best Vancouver dryer repair service provider.