When it comes to laundry, we’re always on the hunt for ways to save time, energy and money. Enter the humble dryer ball – a seemingly simple solution that promises faster drying, softer fabrics, and reduced static. But do these tennis ball-sized spheres actually live up to the hype?
As a professional product reviewer with a focus on all things laundry, I decided to put dryer balls to the test. After conducting a series of side-by-side load comparisons, the results were clear: dryer balls don’t necessarily shave significant time off your drying cycle or dramatically reduce energy usage.
The physics behind how dryer balls work explains this. Constantly reheating air is what guzzles the most energy in a dryer, and dryer balls can’t change that fundamental process. However, that doesn’t mean these laundry aids are without merit. In fact, I’ve found them to be a worthy addition to my routine for a few key reasons.
Firstly, dryer balls can help soften fabrics like linen and dense cotton by loosening the fibres as they bounce around. They also reduce static cling by preventing clothes from rubbing against each other. And if you opt for the wool variety, you can even infuse them with essential oils for a lovely fragrance.
Ultimately, dryer balls are a reusable alternative to single-use dryer sheets. While they may not revolutionise your energy bills, they offer a simple, chemical-free way to improve your laundry experience. Just don’t expect miracles – as with most household hacks, moderation is key.
