FAQs
So, should you put tennis balls in the dryer? The option is really up to you. Some people swear by dryer balls, which claim to speed up the drying process, reduce static cling, and soften clothing. Experts suggest a clean tennis shoe will also do the trick2!
Is it safe to put tennis balls in the dryer? ›
Do tennis balls really work in the dryer? Tennis balls can provide some benefits like separating clothes, softening fabrics, speeding up drying time, and reducing static electricity. However, tennis balls also have downsides like leaving lint/residue behind and causing potential damage to clothes and dryers long-term.
How many tennis balls in a dryer for pillows? ›
Simply place the pillow, two (clean) tennis balls and a fabric softener sheet into a dryer on medium heat. Allow the machine to complete its cycle. Then just remove the goods and they should be as bouncy as the balls. This tip is absolutely genius.
Should you use dryer balls in the dryer? ›
One of the primary advantages of using dryer balls is their ability to reduce drying time. Both wool and plastic dryer balls create space between clothes in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more effectively. This increased airflow speeds up drying time, helping you save energy and money in the long run.
How many tennis balls in dryer for down jacket? ›
The damp down will be clumpy from the wash, and completely drying it is critical. Use a low heat setting and toss one or two clean tennis balls in the dryer to break up the clumps. Be patient—drying the jacket may take one to three hours. Keep resetting the timer until your beloveds are lump-free and fully dry.
Do tennis balls get ruined in the dryer? ›
It's possible that some tennis balls, especially newer ones, might transfer their neon dye to items filled with down. Depending on the dryer cycle and temperature level you select, the tennis ball might not be able to withstand the heat. Using tennis balls in dryer machines can be very loud.
Which is better, dryer balls or tennis balls? ›
As an alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets, tennis balls leave no chemical residue on clothes that can irritate skin or cause allergies. Yet with dryer balls, you retain those static-reduction and fabric-softening benefits.
What can I put in the dryer instead of tennis balls? ›
Here are some alternatives to using tennis balls in the dryer:
- Smart Sheep wool dryer balls.
- DIY wool balls.
- Sheets of foil.
- Stuffed animals.
- T-shirt tied into a ball.
- Plastic dryer balls.
- Sock balls.
How long should you keep dryer balls? ›
Wool dryers balls typically last for over 1000 loads of laundry and may need to be replaced after two to five years, depending on how often you use them.
Can you use too many dryer balls? ›
You can't really have too many dryer balls in your dryer at once, as long as your clothes still have space to move around.
Cons Of Dryer Balls:
- Make a loud noise when drying clothes.
- Wool can fall off with extended use and move into the lint drawer.
- Not as effective with large loads of laundry.
What type of dryer balls are best? ›
Dryer balls can come in wool, plastic, foam, or rubber, but wool dryer balls are by far the most popular. According to Morris, wool dryer balls don't contain some of the chemicals, additives, or smells commonly found in plastic counterparts, making wool dryer balls great for people with sensitive skin.
Why are my clothes static after drying with dryer balls? ›
The most common issue that causes static is that your dryer is too hot, but here are some other things to try if you're still experiencing static after using dryer balls: Reduce the heat setting or take out your clothes ahead of time. If your clothes are already dry, it's creating more static to leave them in the heat.
How to use tennis balls in a dryer? ›
The belief is that tennis balls can soften items in the dryer as well as speed up the amount of time it takes to fully dry. Luckily, the trick does seem to work, so rather than resorting to a chemical-based fabric softener, you can simply toss in a few tennis balls (as long as they're clean!).
Can you dry down without tennis balls? ›
The bouncing tennis balls will also break up and prevent clumps from forming in the down and make it dry faster and more evenly. If you don't have tennis balls, you can put 2 shoes inside of clean socks as a substitute.
How many balls do you put in the dryer? ›
A: As a rule, the more balls you use the better they work. However, as a guide you really need a minimum of three wool laundry dryer balls for small to medium loads; five for medium to large loads; and up to a dozen for large to huge loads. Q: How long do wool dryer balls last?
Why do people throw tennis balls in the dryer? ›
The physical presence of a tennis ball causes more movement and space between items, which lets in more air, leading to drier clothing. Some of the best items tennis balls can soften and speed up the drying process for are bulkier things like freshly washed pillows and clean comforters.
Does heat affect tennis balls? ›
The hot ball was the one to bounce the highest because when a tennis ball is heated the gas molecules expand increasing the energy in the ball. When the ball gets colder the opposite effect happens. The gas molecules shrink causing the ball to have less energy and not bounce as high.
How do you wash tennis balls in the dryer? ›
You can use your regular laundry detergent for washing tennis balls. You should use about the same amount you would if you were washing a small load of clothes. Dry them on a low heat setting. Once your tennis balls are clean, you can put them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting possible for about ten minutes.
Do the dryer balls really work? ›
Yes! Wool dryer balls can help cut down on drying time and energy costs, allowing you to save money while still getting perfectly dried clothing. They separate clothes in the dryer, reducing drying time and absorbing moisture from clothes.