As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
Yes, you usually just place dryer balls directly in the dryer with your wet laundry. Start the dryer as normal, and the balls will tumble between the items as the load dries.
Dryer balls are simple to use, but the number you need and the best dryer setting can depend on the load.
How to Use Dryer Balls
- Move your wet laundry into the dryer.
- Add the dryer balls directly to the drum.
- Choose the heat and cycle listed on the laundry care labels.
- Start the dryer.
- Remove the dryer balls when the load is finished, or leave them inside for the next load.
You do not need to place dryer balls in a bag or special compartment. They need room to move through the laundry.
How Many Dryer Balls Should You Use?
For a regular load, many people use three dryer balls. Larger loads may need more.
Always check the dryer ball package for its recommended number. The best amount can depend on the size and type of ball.
A few general examples:
- Small load: two or three balls
- Regular load: about three balls
- Large bedding load: four to six balls
Do not pack the dryer too tightly. Dryer balls cannot move well when the drum is overfilled.
What Dryer Balls Do
Dryer balls tumble between wet items and help keep them separated. This can allow warm air to move through the load more easily.
They may help:
- Reduce clumping in some bedding
- Soften laundry through movement
- Reduce some wrinkles
- Shorten drying time in certain loads
- Keep towels and sheets from forming one tight bundle
Results depend on the dryer, load size, fabric, moisture level, and type of dryer ball.
Using Dryer Balls With Comforters and Duvet Inserts
Dryer balls can be useful when drying bulky bedding, especially items with loose fill. The balls may help move the filling around as the bedding tumbles.
Before drying a comforter or duvet insert, check its care label. Some items need low heat, air drying, or professional cleaning.
Use a dryer large enough for the bedding to tumble freely. A comforter that stays folded against the drum may dry unevenly. It can feel dry on the outside while damp spots remain inside.
Pause the cycle once or twice to:
- Remove the bedding
- Shake it out
- Turn it around
- Break apart any clumps by hand
- Check for damp areas
Place it back in the dryer with the balls and continue using the care-label setting. Make sure the item is fully dry before putting it back on the bed or storing it.
Using Dryer Balls With Sheets
Dryer balls can help separate sheets, but they may still roll into a bundle. Fitted sheets are especially likely to trap pillowcases or smaller items.
To help sheets dry evenly:
- Avoid filling the drum too tightly.
- Shake each sheet before placing it in the dryer.
- Dry sheets without heavy towels when possible.
- Pause the dryer and untangle the sheets if they form a ball.
A large load may take longer even when dryer balls are used.
Wool and Plastic Dryer Balls
The two common choices are wool and plastic or rubber-style dryer balls.
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are soft and quiet compared with many plastic types. They may slowly become fuzzy or misshapen with repeated use.
Learn how many times wool dryer balls can be reused and how fiber quality, load frequency, heat, storage, care, wear, and performance signal replacement.
They can pick up lint or pet hair over time. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions if they become dirty.
People who avoid animal-based materials may prefer another type.
Plastic or Rubber-Style Dryer Balls
These balls often have bumps or raised shapes. They may make more noise as they hit the drum.
Check the product listing for temperature limits and care instructions. Do not use a damaged ball that is cracking, melting, or breaking apart.
Can You Add Essential Oils?
Some people place essential oils on wool dryer balls, but this is not always recommended. Oils can stain fabric, irritate sensitive skin, leave buildup, or create a safety concern when exposed to dryer heat.
Do not add oils unless the dryer ball manufacturer and dryer manufacturer say the method is suitable. Letting oil soak into a ball does not automatically make it safe for heated drying.
Unscented dryer balls are the simplest option for kids’ bedding, guest rooms, pet bedding, and shared laundry.
Do Dryer Balls Replace Dryer Sheets?
Dryer balls and dryer sheets do different things.
Dryer balls work mainly through physical movement. Dryer sheets usually add a coating that can reduce static and add fragrance or softness.
Dryer balls may reduce some static, but they may not remove it completely. Static is often stronger when:
- Clothes are overdried
- The air is dry
- Synthetic fabrics are mixed together
- The dryer uses high heat
Try a lower heat setting or remove the laundry as soon as it is dry. Always follow the fabric care labels.
Common Dryer Ball Mistakes
Overloading the Dryer
Dryer balls need space to tumble. A tightly packed dryer can leave bedding twisted, damp, and wrinkled.
Using Too Much Heat
Dryer balls do not protect fabrics from heat damage. Use the temperature listed on each item’s care label.
This is especially important for mattress protectors, waterproof layers, microfiber sheets, and bedding with elastic.
Expecting Them to Fix Uneven Drying
Dryer balls can help separate laundry, but they cannot make an oversized comforter fit properly in a small dryer. Bulky bedding may need a larger-capacity machine.
Ignoring Clumps
Filled comforters and pillows may still need to be removed and fluffed by hand during drying. Do not rely on dryer balls alone.
Adding Tennis Balls Without Checking
Tennis balls are sometimes used for bulky bedding, but they are not made specifically as laundry products. They may transfer odors, dyes, or surface material when heated.
Purpose-made dryer balls are the more straightforward choice. Follow the bedding and dryer ball instructions.
How to Store and Care for Dryer Balls
Dryer balls can usually stay in the dryer between loads. You can also keep them in a small basket near the machine.
Check them from time to time. Replace them if they:
- Split or crack
- Shed large pieces
- Develop a strong odor that does not go away
- Become badly misshapen
- Show signs of melting or heat damage
For cleaning, follow the product instructions. Different materials may require different care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dryer balls go in with wet clothes?
Yes. Place dryer balls in the dryer with the wet laundry before starting the cycle.
Can I leave dryer balls in the dryer all the time?
Usually, yes. Many people leave them in the empty dryer between loads. Check the product instructions for any special storage guidance.
How many dryer balls do I need for a comforter?
A bulky comforter may need four to six dryer balls, but you should follow the number recommended by the dryer ball manufacturer. The comforter must also have enough room to tumble.
Can dryer balls damage a dryer?
Dryer balls made for laundry are designed to tumble in a dryer. However, hard balls may make noise, and damaged or unsuitable products should not be used. Check the dryer and product guidance.
Can I use dryer balls on low heat?
Yes. Dryer balls work through tumbling, so they can be used on low heat or some no-heat cycles. Choose the setting required by the laundry care label.
Do dryer balls help dry clothes faster?
They may help in some loads by separating items and improving airflow. Drying time still depends on the load size, fabric, dryer, and moisture level.
Do dryer balls stop sheets from tangling?
They can help separate sheets, but they may not prevent all tangling. Avoid overloading the dryer and pause the cycle to untangle sheets when needed.
Are dryer balls safe for all bedding?
Not every bedding item can be machine dried. Check the care label before using a dryer, heat, or dryer balls. Some bedding may need air drying or another care method.
can wool dryer balls damage my dryer. portable dryers work well. the best portable compact dryer.
