Do tennis balls work just as well as dryer balls? Our laundry experts separate fact from fiction

I've often heard that tennis balls can be used in lieu of dryer balls when drying laundry, but do they really work?

Whether you're in a pinch or simply don't own dryer balls, tennis balls can be used instead for re-fluffing laundry during the drying cycle, including duvets and bedding. But, they're not as effective as specifically-designed dryer balls, say our pros.

Here, they explain exactly why they don't recommend the laundry tip of using tennis balls instead of dryer balls, and why the real deal is a worthy and long-lasting investment instead.

Can you use tennis balls as dryer balls?

As Rechelle Balanzat, founder and CEO of Juliette, says, 'While tennis balls can help fluff laundry and reduce some drying time, they’re not designed for the job and fall short in key areas compared to wool dryer balls,' when it comes to drying clothes quickly.

Firstly, she explains, they're made of a different, synthetic material, and may contain chemicals or dyes that might transfer onto clothing, particularly when heated.

If you've already made the switch after noticing worrying signs that it's time to switch to a non-toxic detergent, you won't want to undo the good work by re-introducing any toxins back into your laundry routine.

While there are laundry rules you can break, this, therefore, isn't one of them.

In contrast, wool dryer balls, such as the number one top-rated Molly's Suds Wool Dryer Balls available at Amazon are made from natural fibers, which Rechelle adds are 'non-toxic and gentle on fabrics.'

Samantha Shpeen from Clean Cult agrees, adding, 'Tennis balls are dense, synthetic, and often treated with dyes or chemicals that aren’t meant to be heated repeatedly, especially next to your clean laundry.

'Over time, they can break down, shed fibers, or even give off an odd smell. Not exactly what you want mingling with your favorite towels.'

Additionally, continues Rechelle, tennis balls are also significantly louder when used in your machine, and, unlike dryer balls, can be harsh on delicate machines or fabrics, making it more likely that you'll spot signs it's time to replace your old appliance. In general, wool dryer balls will just do a better job at separating clothes too, she says.

Is it worth investing in dryer balls?

While using dryer balls is a brilliant laundry hack and way to save energy doing laundry, all our pros agree that it's best to invest in the real deal.

'Dryer balls are one of those small swaps that make a surprisingly big impact on not only your laundry, but also your energy bill and your environmental footprint,' says Samantha, highlighting the way they can help you to save money at home, too.

'They naturally separate fabrics as they tumble, which helps hot air circulate more efficiently. That means your clothes dry up to 25% faster, which saves time, cuts down on electricity, and helps extend the life of your clothing. No synthetic fragrances, no single-use sheets, just soft, fresh laundry.

'They are especially great because they’re reusable, compostable at the end of their life, and safe for sensitive skin. Plus, they’re gentle on your clothes and towels – no harsh chemicals or residue left behind.'

And, as Matt O'Connor, cofounder of NoScrubs points out, they're not expensive, either. 'Wool dryer balls are worth the $15-30 investment for a set that lasts 1000+ loads,' he says. 'They reduce drying time by 20-30%, save energy, extend clothing life, and naturally soften without chemicals.'

So, if you've been wondering why you should be using dryer balls, it seems to us like a no-brainer.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the experts

Rechelle Balanzat

Rechelle has been featured in INC Magazine, has graced the cover of American Drycleaner; has been awarded by the Philippine Embassy for her contributions in business and technology; and was named by BuiltIn as one of the top five startups working on the next big tech innovations. She is also the youngest female board member of the International Laundry & Drycleaning Institute and is a proud ambassador for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and the Tory Burch Foundation.

Matt O'Connor

NoScrubs picks up, washes, folds and delivers your clothes back to you in as little as four hours, and already uses wool dryer balls for maximum efficiency. They focus on using hypoallergenic and non-toxic cleaning methods and detergents for their clients.

Samantha Shpeen

Samantha Spheen is the controller and chief home officer at Clean Cult, where she helps bring sustainability into every corner of the home. A mom of two and passionate advocate for practical eco-living, Samantha serves as the brand’s go-to expert on household sustainability.

FAQs

How many tennis balls should you use in the washing machine?

Even if you're not tempted to give using tennis balls as dryer balls a try for yourself, they can come in handy in your washing machine. Two is the happy medium to improve airflow and prevent clumping without damaging your machine, and is often recommended when washing puffer jackets or washing a comforter.

That being said, reusable plastic dryer balls, such as the Whitmor Dryer Balls available at Amazon are a more reliable option, particularly if you want to avoid dying your white clothing and bedding,

'While tennis balls might get the job sort of done, if you’re looking for an effective, safe, and sustainable long-term solution, dryer balls are the real MVP,' says Samantha.

Why not try pairing them with our tested and approved wool dryer balls essential oils towel hack that contributing editor Eve Smallman recently tried, saying she's 'never had so many compliments from guests.'

If you're concerned about the toxicity of laundry products, delve into the science behind blue laundry detergent and the alternative dye-free detergents toxicologists swear by.