If you use a dryer sheet with these, does it affect their performance? I'm looking for reduced drying time + less static.
1753481
Hi, for me the purpose of using these balls was to eliminate any kind of fabric softener, including the dryer sheets which have chemicals in them, so I do not use mine with a dryer sheet. I put a drop of all natural aromatherapy oil on a couple of the balls and let it soak in for a day or so before using them which adds a lovely scent to my laundry. I'm sure using a dryer sheet would not inhibit the performance of these balls.
1753482
I tried to use "natural" dryer sheets by Seventh Generation but even with two in the dryer, the clothes were not getting soft. Now I use about 4 balls with one 7th Gen dryer sheet and I haven't had any static cling for years. I believe using the balls also reduces the drying time and temperature, perhaps because of the way they increase air circulation.
1753483
You don't have to use a dryer sheet with these, and that helps reduce airborne chemicals in your home. My mom has pulmonary fibrosis, and she uses these with no problems.
1753484
I don't know about the combo with dryer sheets as my whole point in getting the wool balls was to get rid of the dryer sheets so I have not used them together. Dryer sheets use toxic chemicals, or so I have heard. Yet, I also have not had that much of a static issue. My solution to that is to take the garment and give it a good cracking brisk shake. That usually gets rid of some of the static. Again, it is not like my clothes have had a lot of static since I made the switch which was many dryer loads ago. Get rid of those dryer sheets!
1753485
Using chemical filled dryer sheets defeats the purpose of using a product that is natural and chemical free like the dryer balls. The chemicals that are in the dryer sheet will transfer onto the wool balls but it shouldn't effect their performance or shape. To reduce static you should try putting your dryer on the medium heat setting.
1753486
Dryer balls are meant to reduce drying time & static cling w/out chemicals and waste of another product(s). A dryer sheet would defeat the purpose, IMO. Also, I haven't used any fabric softener of any kind (liquid, sheets, etc.) for 10-12 years & I find that I almost never have any static in my laundry (very rarely will I have static if I happen to wash towels w/new socks... but once the socks have been washed a time or two there is no static... & even the little static is barely there).
1753487
I would think that over time the waxy chemicals from the dryer sheets would build up on the balls and prevent them from being as effective. I use about a 1/4 cup vinegar in my washer and the dryer balls in dryer. I have no static and drying time is much less.
891818
I have an Energy Star front-load washer and its companion dryer. I bought a six pack a couple of years ago, and my box says to use all six in a load. I am just now noticing a bit of static on things like skimpy fleece blankets we put out for the cats, and so forth. I am very pleased with this purchase and I'm thinking of buying another pack to have to use for "good" laundry and to save the older ones for loads where it doesn't matter. I have not used a single dryer sheet since I started using Woolzies and I feel better about my contribution to the environment, as a result.
443104
Actually, yes on low heat. If you dry them on high heat you can fry the little microscopic fibers. The towel may not look or feel that much different but it will lose some of its ability to absorb water. I got this direct from a big manufacturer of microfiber towels. To be safe, dry on low/med low heat or hang dry. NO FABRIC SOFTENER OR DRYER SHEETS.
890415
I use very little synthetics, but my undergarments are and they come out static free. I will tell you this, if you leave your load in the dryer and then run it again to remove wrinkles, you will get some static. The way to prevent that would be to dampen a washcloth and throw it in the dryer with the load (if you need to run it again to remove wrinkles). I like this product because it is completely natural and chemical free and with a decent size load, I don't notice hearing them thump in the dryer. Hope this helps!
126009
I have dryed sheets on it. However, when I dry anything on it I add a fan to help speed up the process.
916231
My dryer is a normal home dryer and the three balls work just fine. I really can notice a difference vs the hard dryer balls which I used to have.
2131051
Not really, but a little bit on some fabrics. You really need a product made specifically for static cling, like Cling Free. Another option is to carry a dryer sheet and rub it on your clothes while you're wearing them.
667730
No problem :) I also dry them on low heat then let it air dry if it's still damp. I don't know what the manufacturer recommends but so far mine have held up.
566106
You could use them for that, but make sure you don't use them for actual tennis or anything else before or after, and your dryer will be very loud when you add them. From my understanding, they don't do anything for static cling, but rather 'fluff' your towels and bed spreads so they don't bunch up.
890420
I have been using these "woolzies balls" for the past year. I have experienced less static and faster drying cycles in my High Efficiency Samsung gas dryer. These are definitely are a green solution to eliminating the need for fabric softeners and dryer sheets. I recommend them highly and will continue using them. Too add extra separation to speed drying, I include my expired older balls for more separation of items to speed drying. I have never heard any thumping of these balls, because I run full loads to save on energy and everything else.
1747751
Yes! I don't dry them but hang them on hangers! If I need them to dry sooner I put them on air dry and that goes faster
1611402
Hi Deborah, I use gain. However, I don't put them in the dryer, I let them air dry.
1300814
I think that it is supposed to reduce static electricity. It must work because I don't get any static while I am drying my hair.
1587877
I don't get static issues. My hair is easily to tangle. I use the hair detangler after my hair dry. I need some kind of conditioner to comb my hair.
253365
I put them in the washer and have put them in the dryer and it doesn't seem to bother them. The only thing is that the edges pick up lint from the dryer. They are invincible!
2131052
I never specifically used it for those purposes, so I cannot speak to the static clean issue, but it really does a number on the wrinkles! If you have a dryer sheet, you can always rub a dryer sheet on yourself.
374991
I use all 3..they mix up the clothes better to dry them faster.. I love them. Don't have static cling not sure if it is the dryer Balls or not.