What’s The Difference Between Dryer Sheets And Dryer Balls

Pulling soft, warm and clean clothing out of the dryer, is a perk of doing a load of laundry. Throwing in a dryer sheet helps reduce static cling and helps keep fabric feeling soft. But dryer sheets are single-use so if you toss one in the dryer every time you dry your clothes, it's going to add up quickly. An alternative to one-time-use sheets is purchasing a dryer ball. Dryer balls are becoming more common and are easy to place in the dryer – and you can reuse them multiple times.

Meet The Experts

Kevin Busch is the President of Dryer Vent Wizard

Kathy Cohoon is the Area Representative of Two Maids and a Mop

What Are Dryer Sheets

A dryer sheet is typically made of polyester or fiber cellulose and has a layer of fragrance, softeners, and lubricants. The sheet is placed in the dryer for softer clothes and less cling. When the dryer sheet is heated, it softens clothing, reduces static, and gives off a fresh scent. Typically, those who use dryer sheets add one sheet to a small or medium-sized load and often two sheets for larger loads.

Although you should remove the lint from the lint screen in the dryer after every load when you use dryer sheets, it's important to wash the lint screen every so often, especially if you use dryer sheets. "Dryer sheets leave a waxy buildup on the lint screen and can lead to possible fires," says Kevin Busch, President of Dryer Vent Wizard. "If you use dryer sheets, washing the lint screen every three to six months is highly recommended." Washing the lint screen is easy, too. All you need is hot soapy water and an old toothbrush to scrub it clean, he says.

What Is A Dryer Ball

A dryer ball is a ball slightly bigger than a tennis ball that is usually made with compressed wool but you can also find plastic or rubber dryer balls. Wool dryer balls naturally soften clothes, says Busch. Similar to a dryer sheet, balls can also reduce cling and soften your clothes. But without strong chemicals. Adding your preferred aroma to a wool dryer ball is also possible. "You can scent the wool dryer balls with essential oils to add freshness to your clothes as they dry," says Busch.

Choosing a dryer sheet or dryer ball is a matter of preference. If you have always used a dryer sheet, you may not be interested in making the switch. If you're not sure which is a better option for you, Kathy Cohoon, Area Representative of Two Maids and a Mop, explains what to consider when deciding. "People should consider factors such as their preference for natural materials (dryer balls) or convenience and fragrance (dryer sheets), as well as any sensitivities to chemicals or skin concerns, while also weighing the long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of each option," she says.

Benefits Of Dryer Balls

There are several benefits to choosing a dryer ball.  Here are a few reasons to opt for using them in your next load:

Cost-Effective

An advantage to buying a dryer ball is you can do numerous loads of laundry before you need to purchase a new dryer ball. Many brands of wool dryer balls say on average they last up to one thousand loads of laundry, or roughly between two to five years! That sounds like a worthwhile investment.

Buying a dryer ball often doesn't cost too much more than a box of your favorite dryer sheets, either. You may pay a bit more upfront for a dryer ball but you'll save on lots of boxes of dryer sheets in the long run. "Dryer balls are more cost-effective as they are reusable and help dry your clothes quicker," says Busch. "The dryer balls create space between clothes, allowing air to circulate more efficiently."

Faster Drying Times

Most people want to know hacks and tricks to get chores and laundry done faster. Dryer balls are known for drying clothing quickly, too. According to Cohoon, "Wool dryer balls are popular due to their natural ability to absorb moisture and improve airflow, leading to faster drying times and enhanced softening of fabrics compared to synthetic alternatives."

Sensitive Skin

If you like to use dryer sheets for softer clothes and less static cling but have sensitive skin, you may be selective when it comes to the dryer sheet brand you buy. Or maybe you don't use dryer sheets for this very reason– your skin gets itchy from the strong ingredients.

An advantage of wool dryer balls is they don't have added chemicals or fragrances that can be a skin irritant. "Dryer balls are generally a better option for those with sensitive skin, as they don't contain the chemicals or fragrances often found in dryer sheets that can potentially irritate sensitive skin," explains Cohoon, "making them a hypoallergenic choice for laundry care." 

Related: 42 Laundry Room Ideas We're Loving

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