How Long Do Dryer Balls Last? Plus, How to Refresh Them

Wool dryer balls last way longer than you think.

Congratulations! You've discovered the benefits of using wool dryer balls to speed drying times, soften, and reduce wrinkles and static in your laundry routine. Now you're wondering, how long do dryer balls last and do I need to replace them? We've got the answers to keep your wool dryer balls in top shape.

Related: The 9 Best Dryer Balls for All Types of Laundry

Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines, but most wool dryer balls can be used for 1,000 loads of laundry before they need to be replaced. Depending on the size of your family, that is two to five years of laundry. The dryer balls can also be recharged to extend their usefulness a bit longer.

Wool Dryer Balls

Made from static-free felted wool fibers, dryer balls help prevent clothing from clumping in the dryer which speeds drying time and helps reduce wrinkling. Since they are reusable and made from eco-friendly fibers, they are a sustainable alternative to fabric softeners and single-use dryer sheets. Most wool dryer balls are free of dyes and fragrances and safe to use with all fabrics placed in an automatic dryer.

When to Replace Dryer Balls

While using a worn dryer ball will not cause harm to your dryer or clothes, they should be replaced when you see shredding, loosening, or raveling of the outer felt layer. The ball will have become softer and larger making it less effective in keeping the wet laundry from clumping.

When to Recharge Dryer Balls

You can actually refresh dryer balls by "recharging" them. Wool fibers are moisture-wicking and with each load of laundry, the dryer balls draw moisture from the wet laundry. The moisture helps prevent static from forming as the lighter fabrics reach a state of dryness. After many uses, the balls can become coated with lint or hair that hinders the wicking properties and they need to be cleaned and recharged.

How to Recharge Dryer Balls

• Recharging can be done two ways but always start by using a lint roller to remove as much debris as possible.

• You can then fill a pot with water, add the dryer balls, and bring it to a boil. Let them soak until the water is cool.

• Or, place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle using hot water and no laundry detergent or fabric softener.

• Toss the freshly cleaned balls in the dryer on high heat or allow them to air dry for a couple of days.

Related: 7 Ways You're Washing Your Workout Clothes Wrong

Tips for Using Dryer Balls

Nothing could be more simple than using dryer balls with your laundry, but here are a few tips.

• Use three to six balls at a time in the dryer depending on the size of the load.

• It is fine to leave the balls in the dryer when the load is finished.

• If you need to freshen or remove wrinkles from a garment, spritz the balls with water to create a steam effect while you tumble the garment for a few minutes.

• If you want to add fragrance to your laundry loads, dab the balls with a couple of drops of essential oil before you put them in the dryer.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when to replace wool dryer balls?

When the wool begins to shred, loosen, or unravel, it is time to replace the dryer balls. Using extremely worn dryer balls does not have a beneficial effect on drying times; however, it will not harm your laundry or dryer to use old dryer balls.

Do dryer balls stop working over time?

Dryer balls can lose their effectiveness over time as they become worn and covered with hair and debris. However, they can be easily cleaned and recharged to extend their usefulness.

How do I know if my dryer balls are bad?

Dryer balls never go "bad" but they do become less effective. If you notice that your laundry is taking longer to dry or has more static than usual, it is time to replace or recharge the dryer balls.

How many years do dryer balls typically last?

Most wool dryer balls will last for around 1,000 loads of laundry - or two to five years depending on how often you do laundry.

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple.