Forbes Forum

DO DRYER BALLS WORK?

Several months ago we bought two dryer balls at Walmart. The idea was that we would save on the cost and bother of using fabric softener. Just put the balls in the dryer with the wet laundry and the clothes would come out static free.
Well after a couple of months, one of the balls ripped in half. We sent it back to the manufacturer, and they eventually sent us two more (they come in sets of two)--so that is why we have 3. But even with three, certain things like towels are not as soft as with fabric softener. Otherwise, the clothes DO come out static-free (unless a pair or two of pantyhose get included in the dryer, then the is some static!) The balls make a fairly loud noise in the dryer, especially at the start of the dry cycle.
Verdict: The balls do work as advertised--there is no static, thus you can save on fabric softener, and there is therefore a tad less pollution in the waste water stream. If you like soft towels and socks, you will still use softener, but less than normal, if you don't use it in some loads. That, however will lengthen the time for your $9-10 investment in the balls to be paid off. The balls will not last forever. One of ours ripped, and the others are showing signs of wear and they are becoming less supple than when they were new. For sure, the balls are easier to use--but you may lose them temporarily when you remove the clothes from the dryer. I say they are moderately useful.

Labels: Product Review: Dryer Balls