Not Using Dryer Balls? Then You're Doing Laundry Wrong

While some green cleaning swaps require a little more effort and elbow grease, making the switch from dryer sheets to dryer balls couldn't be easier. After all, why would you continually buy packs of fragranced sheets, when eco-friendly dryer balls can be used for countless washes?

Dryer sheets are usually made of polyester and are coated with a waxy softening and anti-static solution, along with fragrance. Though these inorganic ingredients are controversial, what's clear across the board is that these polyester sheets are designed to be thrown out after each use, as they lose their efficacy after tumbling in the dryer. Wool dryer balls, conversely, can be used for years.

Admittedly, the jury is out on whether or not dryer balls significantly reduce static — certain materials, like microfiber, will cling to lace or fibrous materials, even when wool dryer balls are used. There are a few hacks out there to help boost dryer balls' static-reducing power, such as moistening them or sticking them with a safety pin, but their efficacy may differ from load to load. It still may be a good idea to separate clingy materials or air-dry them when possible.

With so many varieties of dryer balls on the market — both wool and plastic — it can be tricky to discern which type is really the best for your household. We're breaking down everything you have to know about buying eco-friendly dryer balls online, so you can enjoy chemical- and waste-free laundry loads.