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Best dryer balls 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated September 1, 2023
Let’s get started. After putting in 54+ hours of research and testing, I made a list of the best dryer balls of 2018 and explained their differences and advantages.
Eventually, I found something that would suit my needs but it occurred to me that I wasn’t the only one who might be having the same problems I did. What I would like you to remember as you browse my website is that I don’t work in the industry so the reviews I have are based on good old fashioned honesty.
Best dryer balls of 2018
The table below summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of each good. Customers need to be careful on how they spend their money on these products.
I want to find something that’s designed well (both for aesthetic purposes and efficiency). Here are the customer reviews of some of the best dryer balls of 2018.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Style |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Versatility |
5 points
|
4 points
|
5 points
|
| Durability |
4 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Quality |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the dryer balls by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Wool Dryer Balls by Smart Sheep 6-Pack
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this dryer balls win the first place?
The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I also liked the delivery service that was fast and quick to react. It was delivered on the third day. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch!
5
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№2 – Yazer 6 – Pieces
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this dryer balls come in second place?
The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made.
4
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№3 – Wool Dryer Balls by ZG-Home 6-Pack
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this dryer balls take third place?
The material is incredibly nice to the touch. It has a great color, which will suit any wallpapers. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new.
4
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
dryer balls Buyer’s Guide
Installation
Electric dryers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which almost every laundry room will have. Gas dryers, on the other hand, require a separate gas hookup, and laundry rooms are a little less likely to have one of these. If yours doesn’t and you decide to buy a gas dryer, you’ll need to factor in the cost of having a gas line professionally installed. Be aware that this can cost upward of several hundred dollars — in many cases, this can outweigh the long-term energy bill savings, or at least render them negligible. And even if you already have a gas line ready to go, you still might be wise to have your new gas dryer installed by a trusted professional. The consequences of a faulty installation can include fire, carbon-monoxide poisoning or even an explosion.
Choosing the right size dryer
If you’re buying a matching washer-dryer set, then this is a rather painless process. No matter what size set you go with, you’ll be able to use your new machines together without any trouble. The confusing part comes when you’re buying a stand-alone dryer to complement an existing washer. Go too small, and you won’t be able to dry a full washer load in one cycle. Go too big, and you’ll burn away your money with every cycle.
Plan ahead
When buying your dryer, don’t just think about the capacity of the washer you have right now. Think about the capacity of your next washer, especially if your current one is already more than six or seven years old. The last thing you want is to have to replace your dryer yet again when the new washer gets installed.
And while we’re talking about looking to the future, are you planning on starting a family anytime soon? If so, you’d be wise to plan on a bigger laundry load, too.
Break out the measuring tape
Settled on a size? Good. Now it’s time to make sure that it’ll fit in your laundry room. Measure your space, making sure to add at least three inches on each side for heat clearance and pipes/wiring in the back. Most full-size dryers are less than 30 inches wide, somewhere between 2to 3inches deep, and anywhere from 3to 4inches tall. If you can comfortably accommodate those margins, then you’re in good shape.
While you’ve got that measuring tape out, it’d be a good idea to check your vent distance. Measure a path along the wall from the dryer’s location to the spot where hot air will be vented outside of the house. Add eight feet for every turn you have to make. Ideally, you want a total distance of less than 60 feet. Anything longer than that, and the heat won’t be able to make it to the outside of your home — a major safety hazard that could ultimately cause a fire.
Whirlpool
Twin Wash, takes this concept to next level. The washer sits on a platform that’s actually a special washing chamber separate from the machine’s main drum.
Choosing the right controls and features
Most dryers still use a dial of some sort to select the cycle, along with a start/stop button. The number of preset cycles will vary from unit to unit, but the chances are good that you’ll have a few options to choose from, along with more precise timed drying settings. More and more units these days are boasting some sort of digital display. These often make for a fancy, space-age looking dryer, but if they don’t offer any additional functionality, they can also just serve as an easy excuse for the seller to charge a little more.
Many dryers also come with a delayed start mode, which will allow you to load the machine, set a timer, and delay the start of the cycle until the timer reaches zero. This can be a great way of running the machine late at night or early in the morning, when power rates are often significantly lower. It can also be a great way of ensuring that you have toasty, fresh-from-the-dryer clothing to wear on frigid winter mornings.
One other basic feature to think about is the hinge. Do you want your dryer door to open on the left or on the right? Almost all models will allow you to choose. We recommend placing the hinge on the side opposite your washer. That way, the door won’t be in your way when transferring damp clothing from the washer into the dryer.
GTD45EASJWS which both come with a minimum of features and mechanical controls at a rock-bottom price.
Going green
Dryers typically account for more than percent of household power consumption. If you’re truly concerned with minimizing your eco footprint, then you might want to consider selling your current machine rather than buying a new one. After all, clotheslines and drying racks work perfectly well, and they do so without using so much as a watt of electricity.
That said, if you’re looking for less extreme ways of making laundry day more energy efficient, you’re in luck. As you shop for a modern dryer, you’ll be bound to come across green features capable of reducing your energy consumption, as well as your monthly power bill. In addition to thinking about getting a gas dryer, consider models that come with moisture sensors built into the drum. These sensors detect when your clothes are dry, then tell the dryer to go ahead and shut down, preventing over-drying and also saving energy. You can also look for units with dual-temperature heating elements — these are usually capable of heating and cooling the dryer much more efficiently. Usage tracking functions such as GE’s eMonitor catalog the efficiency rating of each load, then let you review the information on an electronic readout to help you learn how to use your dryer more efficiently.
Trying to be more energy efficient? GE’s eMonitor can help you learn how.
Remote controls
Most smart dryers come with remote alerts that will notify you with a text when the cycle is complete, meaning no more constant runs down to the basement to see if your clothes are ready to come out yet. Some take it a step further, offering smartphone controls that allow you to check the real-time status of a load, start or stop the dryer remotely, or even change the drying cycle.
Google Home
GE’s Geneva skill lets you ask Alexa about your dryer’s status by saying, “Alexa, ask Geneva if my clothes are dry.” Additionally you can say, “Alexa, tell Geneva to keep tumbling,” and the assistant will command compatible GE dryers to spin your laundry items a little longer.
Nest thermostats (a Google-owned company) to avoid running during peak energy hours. Likewise, connected GE ovens will send alerts your way if they’re on but Nest thermostats or Protect smoke alarms think no one is home.
LooHoo wool dryer balls are a natural, eco-friendly laundry product that helps circulate and separate clothing while tumble drying. The more you use, the less time it takes to dry a load of laundry. Start with using at least and build up to having – to reduce your dry time by -25%.
LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls are sold in packs of assorted colors.
I love these dryer balls!
You could probably save a dollar by getting a set of similar looking balls elsewhere, but chances are you will be quickly disappointed in your decision. Other products generally fall into one of two categories. Cheap, and cheaper. The cheap ones are usually hard and stiff to the touch, or super soft and squishy. Although these ones do have longevity, the overall results will not be as good due to inferior materials that result in a stiff, inflexible ball, or one that mushes against fabric instead of massaging and separating it. If the massaging action does not take place, you may as well just throw in some tennis balls. The even cheaper ones can be soft or hard, and they will be prone to breakage due to low quality materials. If you have ever tried a set like this, then you probably remember opening your dryer to discover that each ball was now in two pieces, or several of the little spikes had broken off.
Our dryer balls are quite possibly the best fabric softening product out there, and they are incredibly affordable at the same time. When you get a set from us, you will know that they are made from better materials, and that will make them work better. When cold, they will be slightly flexible, but after they heat in the dryer, this will increase to make them excellent at what they do. Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations, and don’t overpay for fancy versions either. Choose this tested and proven set to pay a low price, and get a large bang for you buck. We guarantee them to work, and we know they will last.
Why They Are Good
Soften Clothing: The gentle massaging action of the dryer balls moving around with your clothes will make fabric feel just as soft as it would be with traditional softener.
Eliminate Liquid Softeners: Replace expensive and chemical filled liquids in your washing machine. Save money, reduce effort when washing a load, and get rid of fragrances and other ingredients that annoy or harm family members.
Eliminate Dryer Sheets: A more convenient option that takes the place of fragrance coated sheets. Reduce sensitive skin irritation, and save money without compromising fabric quality.
Reduce Drying Times: Better air flow reduces time needed to dry clothes so you save time and money.
Reduce Lint: More will be removed as the soft little nubs massage clothing. Because more lint will be collected in the trap, less will be left on your dress or sweater.
Save Money: Choosing a reusable alternative that does not require refills or repurchase ever will reduce costs drastically.
How They Work
As your dryer spins, they will tumble around, and intermix with your clothing. You will hear the noise of the plastic at first, but after just a couple of minutes it will completely muffle as your clothing begins to soften the blow, and the balls begin to heat up. For the remainder of the cycle, the sound will be hardly noticeable, but the results will be easy to see. The little nubs that cover the surface are pretty stiff when cold, but they become softer and more flexible when heated. As they travel through fabrics, these protrusions will gently massage the material as it separates it from other garments. This action makes the air in your machine flow more efficiently, so any type of fabric will dry in a shorter amount of time.
When brushing past fabric, the material is also fluffed and softened, while excess lint is removed. Instead of resorting to chemicals to fluff your fabrics, let the gentle action of these balls take care of it naturally. Sheets will be less wrinkled, sweaters will be less lint ridden, and all of your clothes will be softer and more enjoyable to wear. You don’t need to remove them when the load is finished, and a single set will last for many years. Simply leave them in your dryer, and allow them to work for every load you dry.
Plastic Vs. Wool
If you like the idea of reducing chemicals in your laundry, but you have concerns about the plastic material these are made from, you’ll want to check out the wool version. Both types will provide similar results, but there are some distinct differences between the two. Wool balls have a smoother exterior, and they are a bit larger in size. The six piece set will cost quite a bit more than the two piece set featured here, but it’s also made from a natural material that’s renewable and eco-friendly. These plastic ones are more efficient due to the spikes, and they will last longer in comparison. The plastic material will make some noise initially, but the softer wool will be silent for the full cycle. The ideal choice really comes down to personal preference, and either product would make a good alternative to the dangerous products you are using now.
Shipping Weight. lbs
Dryer Balls
I was really excited to receive this item, but once used it lost its excitement-factor. It doesn’t really do all that great of a job, especially with static. I still have to use a dryer sheet to keep static down. Oh well, my cats love playing with it.
Homemade Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are a great addition to your natural laundry routine. They help laundry dry faster and cut down on static.
The best dryer balls are made from wool as it absorbs water very well.
It’s pretty easy and kind of fun, a little relaxing too, but it should be noted that homemade dryer balls aren’t significantly cheaper than buying ready-made dryer balls, so it may not be a money-saving project.
However, for the die-hard DIYer, homemade dryer balls are a truly satisfying project.
They are super simple to make and you only need a few items.
Step-by-step instructions are below, but you would like to see how they are made via video demonstration, scroll down to watch the video I created for you.
Important notes
Be sure to use 100% wool yarn or else it will not felt.
One skein is enough to make two dryer balls. If you wish to make more, be sure to buy enough wool.
Do not use extra bright colors such as red or purple as these may bleed onto clothing.
Put two fingers together and wrap yarn around them 10-1times.
Remove fingers from the yarn. Squeeze yarn together.
Wrap yarn around the center 10-1times (wrapping in a different direction than you did the first time).
Continue to wrap in all directions until the yarn forms a ball. Keep going until it is close to the size of a tennis ball. It can be a little smaller.
Cut the yarn and use the crochet hook to pull the loose end of yard under a few strands (you can also do this with your finger). Loop the loose end under and over until it is tucked and woven into the ball. Kind of like tying off string. You are aiming to keep the loose end in the ball and not hanging free (to keep the yarn from unraveling).
I usually forgo the crochet hook and just used my fingers to poke the yarn over and under and tuck it in. So that is a possibility if you find yourself without a crochet hook.
Use the rest of the yarn to make another ball.
Cut one leg from the pantyhose (or use knee highs!). Place wool balls inside pantyhose and tie a knot between each ball so they are not touching one another. Tie off each end of the pantyhose so the balls are securely fastened inside.
Wash and dry wool balls (in pantyhose) with laundry 2-times, or until they “felt.” You will know they have felted when they become solid.
This is best done with warm or hot water. Cold water will not felt.
Sheets
Sheets need to be washed on your hottest cycle to kill any lurking dust mites. To help things along, wash your sheets in this killer laundry detergent (which is OK for whites or coloureds).
Softener and deodoriser formula
The vinegar helps soften the wash and deodorises, the tea tree oil disinfects and the lavender oil makes everything smell nice (plus it’s apparently helpful for a good night’s sleep).
Line-dry your sheets out in the sunshine if possible. The sun will help eliminate the last of any lurking dust mites and also acts as a natural bleach to whiten whites.If you can’t dry your sheets outside, dry them on the hottest setting your dryer offers and add a couple of dryer balls to help the air circulate. Remove immediately from the dryer when the cycle has finished, otherwise your sheets will end up in a crumpled heap and you’ll actually feel the urge to iron them … tragic.
Doonas and blankets
Washing machine method
I’ve washed our down and feather doonas and cotton blankets in my washing machine over and over again without any trouble whatsoever. I’ve got a huge machine, though – 10kg. It even takes a king-size doona, plus cover, and there’s a ‘big items’ washing cycle right there on the machine.
If your washing machine is smaller, make sure your doona can fit without too much squashing, otherwise it won’t wash well and almost certainly won’t rinse well. If you can’t fit your doona in your washing machine, see the ‘Bathtub method’ below.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to machine wash, set your cycle to ‘delicate’, but up the water temperature to the hottest setting you can. Don’t worry, those feathers can take it. Use the same ‘Killer laundry detergent’ and ‘Softener and deodoriser formula’ recipes as outlined above for sheets.
Once the cycle has finished, give your doona a big shake and then hang out in the sunshine to dry completely. Then follow the instructions detailed under ‘Hanging it out to dry’ below.
Bathtub method
If you can’t get your doona into your washing machine, it’s time to run a bath (not for you though, sorry). Add the ‘Killer laundry detergent’ and then put your doona straight in. Allow the water to cool, wash your feet and then jump on in. Slosh around on top of the doona for a while (the kids will love this bit!), turn it over and slosh around some more. If the water gets too dirty (yuck I know, but sadly it will), drain it out, top it up and slosh around again.
Drain the water and then add the softener and deodoriser formula. You can keep sloshing, but otherwise just swirl the doona around in the water until you’re satisfied it’s been well-immersed. Drain the bathtub, ensure your feet are clean, get back in and squish and squeeze any excess water out with your feet – you need to be the spin cycle. When you’re satisfied you’ve removed as much water as you possibly can, get out of the bath, remove the doona and race it outside to the back line.
Hanging it out to dry
Hang the doona across at least three lines to allow air to circulate and to keep it from folding in on itself. Leave it in full sun and pop out every so often to give it a good shaking, moving the feathers around and making sure air is circulating freely. Turn it over at least once.
Pillows
Cotton pillows go straight into my enormous washing machine and micro-fibre pillows are washed in the bathtub at least once a month. I basically wash the pillows exactly the same as I do the doonas (see either ‘Washing machine’ or ‘Bathtub method’ instructions above).
There are a few extra tricks with pillows though.
Remember: for a healthy slumber, wash all bed linen regularly and dry in the sunshine whenever you can. Use mattress and pillow covers and wash these weekly along with your linens. You’ll be surprised at what fresh, clean, white linens can do for a person’s soul (and amazed at what they can do for a good night’s sleep!).
Materials Needed to Make Wool Dryer Balls
I did purchase wool felting needles from a shop on E-Bay, but they are really not necessary to make wool dryer balls if you can wind the wool tightly. You will need them if you plan to “decorate” your dryer balls with designs from colored felting wool.
CHINABERRY’S 30 • 60 • 36GUARANTEE
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the dryer balls by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your dryer balls wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of dryer balls
- №1 — Wool Dryer Balls by Smart Sheep 6-Pack
- №2 — Yazer 6 – Pieces
- №3 — Wool Dryer Balls by ZG-Home 6-Pack
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about dryer balls is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
