This is the only $9 laundry hero you need to stop winter bedding from balling up in the dryer – it will even cut your energy bill, too
They're so simple, but so effective
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There are few things as comforting as warm bedding fresh from the dryer, so it can be pretty disheartening when they come out in one big, soggy clump.
You don't have to settle for repeat cycles, however. The simple $9 answer is spiky dryer balls, from Amazon.
The $9 laundry hero that stops sheets from bunching
These non-toxic dryer sheet alternatives are the simple answer to laundry's most frustrating conundrum. They stop sheets from balling up in the dryer, allowing for quicker cycles and fresher results. Plus, they're better for the environment than traditional sheets.
Dryer balls are nothing new; they are one of the best alternatives to traditional dryer sheets if you want to reduce static on clothing and create a non-toxic home.
But their benefits for doing laundry extend beyond environmental impact.
Their solid, spiky design, Tom Ceconi, president at Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, explains, 'soften the fabric, reduce static, and, most importantly, allow air to circulate more efficiently.' It all adds up to help dry clothes quickly.
Wool dryer balls, from Walmart, have the same effect, he adds, and can also help to absorb moisture.
No more repeated drying cycles and energy wastage will help you cut energy bills, all for just one $9 spend.
Pair this simple addition with the even simpler shake method, and you are on to a certified winner this season.
Don't just take our word for it. With over 900 five-star reviews, these dryer balls are saving hundreds of people the hassle of damp laundry.
Verified Amazon shopper Kelley, for instance, shared, 'I love these dryer balls, why have I not purchased these before? How did I live with clumped up still-damp clothes from the dryer for so long?'
They add that the addition of the balls does make their dryer a little more noisy, however, 'the outcome is worth it, they work GREAT!'
That isn't the only benefit, either. As fellow shopper Andres adds, the dryer balls are a lifesaver for removing lint from clothes, too.
'They collect all the stray hairs that happen to make it to the dryer. Being in a house full of girls, that can be a lot. These have been a great addition to our drying cycle.'
They are simply a no-brainer.
Drying essentials
Reusable dryer balls can last hundreds of dryer cycles, saving you money on dryer sheets and even cutting energy bills by improving dryer efficiency.
Dryer balls are a great dryer sheet alternative that will break up and fluff up your laundry for even drying and softer bedding.
Dryer lint buildup can result in a less efficient and more dangerous dryer. This cleaning kit helps strip away buildup for a safer, longer-lasting appliance.
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When used correctly, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors in your dryer drum. Simply dampen a cloth and wipe out the drum when it is cool to the touch.
This handy drying rack is perfect for air drying laundry in small spaces, folding away flat when not in use for easy storage.
Ideal for lots of big laundry, such as bedding, this retractable clothesline can be strung between two posts, walls, or fences to make drying clothes in the sun simple.
FAQs
What causes clothes to ball up in the dryer?
Clothes and sheets usually ball up in the dryer due to limited space inside the drum, causing larger items to clump together as the drum spins. Adding in solid dryer balls helps to break up these clumps for more even and successful drying the first time around.
Meet the expert
Tom grew up working in his parents' linen and bath store and has blended his hands-on expertise with his background in technology to lead multiple luxury home textiles brands.
With drying sped up, all that's left to do is put your fresh laundry away.
The laundry heap hack is a great anti-procrastination laundry hack that saves time to really cut back on how long you spend on chores.
