Many wool dryer ball sellers claim that their product reduces drying time by about 25%, and in my experience, this sounds about right! The tool can be especially helpful for drying larger items like towels, sheets, and pillowcases more quickly since they prevent them from clumping into one big impossible-to-dry blob. If you notice that your dryer balls are starting to be less effective over time, throw them in the washing machine on high heat (this is one of the few times you need to wash with hot water) and then dry them in the dryer for a quick refresh. Watkins points out that since they reduce drying time, they can also help you cut down on your laundry’s energy use. Plus, when their two- to three-year life span is up you should be able to compost your wool dryer balls. Just check in with the manufacturer to make sure they’re 100% natural first. You can also flex those DIY muscles and repurpose them into craft projects or seasonal decorations. Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
