Dryer Sheets Vs. Wool Dryer Balls: Which Is Best?
Sustainable laundry is now a thing! Enter wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
But are wool dryer balls all they are hyped up to be?
To find out, first let’s talk about the difference between wool dryer balls and dryer sheets, and when it’s best to use each of them.
Wool dryer balls are made of all-natural wool. They are reusable, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Wool dryer balls last longer than dryer sheets - up to 1000 loads -, and help your clothes dry softer and faster.
Dryer sheets, however, are made of polyester, and contain many harmful and toxic chemicals. Because they don’t naturally break down; they contribute to environmental waste. And while there are a handful of companies that make reusable dryer sheets, they don’t have the lifespan of wool dryer balls.
Another consideration is cost. Because wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 laundry cycles, the cost per use beats dryer sheets hands down. Dryer sheets typically cost around $10 with one sheet per cycle. Wool dryer balls cost between $6.50 - $15,00, which means the average cost her load is less than .01 cent per load!
Ultimately, the choice between dryer sheets or dryer balls comes down to personal preference, environmental impact and cost.
How Do Dryer Sheets Work?
Dryer sheets are made of polyester and coated with chemical-based softener. When you tumble dry a load of laundry, the softener transfers from the dryer sheet to the fabrics.
Dryer sheets and liquid softeners essentially do the same thing; they both make fabrics feel soft and usually add fragrances to your laundry as well. Dryer sheets are made for use in the dryer while softeners go directly in the wash cycle. Both apply a thin layer of film to your clothes that create softness to the touch.
This chemical coating is damaging to your clothing and your dryer. This is one of the reasons, as a professional, toxin-free, sustainable laundry service, at OrangeBag, we only use wool dryer balls.
The chemical coating from the dryer sheets clog the screen of your lint filter and reduce air circulation. This ultimately makes the dryer less efficient and drives up your electricity bill.
On a positive note, dryer sheets reduce static electricity by throwing positively charged ions into the mix. Static cling is caused when there are too many loose electrons giving off a negative charge. The dryer sheets’ positively charged ions balance it out and prevent static cling.
While we are against single-use dryer sheets because they are not eco-friendly and due to their use of chemicals, there are a few brands that make reusable dryer sheets that are more eco-friendly.
Are Dryer Sheets Toxic?
According to the Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health study, VOCs emitted from dryer vents after using popular brands of laundry detergent and scented dryer sheets included chemicals like acetaldehyde and benzene, which are considered carcinogenic.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies seven of the VOCs that were found in dryer vent emissions during the study as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
And while the chemicals commonly found in dryer sheets are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s important to recognize that 3,000 out of the 10,000 chemicals on the FDA’s list of approved chemicals have never been reviewed for safety by the FDA. The list includes several known carcinogens.
Another concern is fragrances. Because, by law, companies do not have to list the chemicals in their fragrances, this poses a big question on the toxicity of dryer sheets with fragrances.
Do Dryer Sheets Remove Pet Hair?
Both dryer balls and dryer sheets help to separate the pet hair from your laundry. Once the pet hair is separated from your laundry, the pet hair is trapped in the lint filter of the dryer while your clothing continues to tumble in the dryer’s drum.
How Do Dryer Balls Work?
Wool dryer balls are made from 100% New Zealand Wool, which is a renewable resource. Wool is biodegradable and recyclable.
Wool dryer balls work similarly to dryer sheets, except they not only reduce static cling and make your clothes softer (naturally), they also help dry your clothes faster, reducing energy usage while also absorbing some of the moisture.
Wool dryer balls last up to 1,000 loads of laundry. As they normally sell in packs of 3, it is recommended to use all 3 dryer balls for one load of laundry.
Can Dryer Balls Harm Your Dryer?
Wool dryer balls bounce around in your dryer -and because of this, can be a little loud. However, they are completely safe for your dryer.
Do You Need to Clean Dryer Balls?
You can clean dryer balls but you do not need to.
If you decide to clean your dryer balls, you can wash them in your next load of laundry. Use a dryer bag or put the inside of a sock to prevent them from bouncing around too much. Wash should be on a gentle cycle and dryer settings should be on high heat.
Be careful to dry them all the way. While the outside may feel dry, it is likely that the inside is still wet. After drying them for 15-20 minutes longer than you think you need to, set them out for 48 hours to prevent mildew.
Dryer Sheets Vs Dryer Balls
As a sustainable, toxin-free laundry service, our choice is Wool Dryer Balls. They are eco-friendly, sustainable, help save electricity and help your clothes be softer and static-free - naturally.
We love them so much, we sell them! Get your own wool dryer balls and see the difference it can make in your laundry while you feel good that you’re protecting the environment.