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Doing laundry is an inescapable chore that often leaves us grappling with static-clad garments and wrinkled fabrics.
If you have space for one, a tumble dryer is a Godsend in terms of time saving (not to mention all the condensation caused by drying clothes indoors), but they increase your energy bills.
If only there was a way to reduce drying time.
A simple solution to this problem has been gaining traction in recent years – tumble dryer balls.
These unassuming spheres sent by the angels themselves will revolutionise your clothes drying nightmare by reducing static, softening fabrics, and even shortening drying times.
If you ask me they more than live up to the hype, and here’s why.
Tumble dryer balls, also known as dryer balls, are compact tennis ball sized things designed to be tossed into your dryer alongside your wet laundry.
Their primary function is to promote airflow and prevent clothes from clumping together, thereby facilitating more efficient drying. This means your dryer is on for less time and therefore using less electricity.
Winner!
The science behind these seemingly simple orbs is surprisingly straightforward. As the dryer drum rotates, the balls bounce around, continuously separating and lifting the garments. This action allows hot air to circulate more freely, ensuring even drying and reducing the likelihood of wrinkles and static buildup.
Moreover, wool dryer balls possess natural moisture-absorbing properties. During the initial stages of the drying cycle, they soak up excess humidity, only to release it gradually as the load becomes drier. This process helps maintain an optimal moisture level, preventing over-drying and the subsequent static cling.
While these balls come in various materials, the most prevalent options are wool, rubber, and plastic.
While all three materials serve the primary purpose of promoting airflow, each variety offers its unique advantages and drawbacks.
I’m talking about tiny margins here though, so don’t kill yourself trying to find a specific type if another is easier to get hold of.
Crafted from premium New Zealand wool or felt, these eco-friendly balls are a popular choice among environmentally conscious consumers and those with sensitive skin. Not only are they hypoallergenic and biodegradable, but they also excel at collecting pet hair, making them a godsend for furry family members.
Additionally, wool dryer balls can be infused with essential oils, transforming your laundry into an aromatic delight without the need for harsh chemical fragrances. However, some users report that wool balls may contribute to static cling, particularly when drying synthetic fabrics.
These durable alternatives often feature nubbed or spiked surfaces, designed to gently massage and fluff up fabrics as they tumble. While they may not be as environmentally friendly as their wool counterparts, rubber and plastic balls are typically more long-lasting and less prone to static buildup.
Some plastic variants even come equipped with fragrance chambers, allowing you to infuse your laundry with pleasant scents without resorting to fabric softeners. However, these balls can be noisy when colliding with the dryer drum, and some users report a chemical odour when drying at high temperatures.
A left-field option that I wouldn’t use myself, but for completeness I’ll tell you about them.
Ceramic dryer balls offer a unique advantage – their porous surfaces and hollow cores. The rough texture aids in fabric separation, while the hollow interior can be filled with water, which evaporates during the drying cycle, adding a touch of moisture to prevent over-drying and wrinkles.
Like wool balls, ceramic variants can also be infused with essential oils, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a natural fragrance boost. However, their fragility and higher price point may deter some consumers.
Although I’m a big fan of them, there are some disadvantages as well as advantages:
To ensure you reap the full benefits of tumble dryer balls, consider the following tips:
While the effectiveness of tumble dryer balls may vary based on individual circumstances, such as load size, fabric types, and personal preferences, many users swear by their ability to streamline the drying process and enhance fabric quality.
They only cost about £5 a pair, and they get cheaper if you buy a larger pack, so in terms of value I don’t think you can argue against them.
For those seeking a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets, investing in a set of high-quality dryer balls can be worthwhile. Not only do they offer the potential for energy savings and reduced drying times, but they also provide a natural solution for softening fabrics and minimising static cling.
It’s not exactly a huge decision to make, so unless you are really threatened by change I would recommend giving them a go. By following the tips outlined above and being open to trying different materials, you may just discover a game-changing addition to your laundry routine.
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