Dryer balls

[Zoesmama03]

I got some to try because I can't afford to buy fabric softener like I want to usually over dryer sheets. But the balls work great makes clothes so soft. And really does cut down on the dry time. I usually do 60-70 minutes for my darks which always contain atleast 2-3 pairs of jeans and well it took 50 minutes and it was all dry.

$9.99 and will last longtime, atleast 2 years. Saves me the cost of all those bottles of fabric softener. And even dryer sheets though I personally don't use them in my dryer but staying with my mom and she does.

 

[dkostel]

Are there different types of these? I got the light blue ones, about 4" diameter, soft rubber/plastic, and my clothes come out full of static. Am I missing something?

 

[Robmom]

I have them too and I get a lot of static as well.

 

[LoriKutchey]

I often wondered about these also. Can understand how they would make the clothes fluffy. But logically how can they reduce the static from forming in the dryer unless the rubber is impregnated with some type of softener

 

[Zoesmama03]

Yes the blue ones.

I haven't noticed any static but didn't make any claims about no static either in my post, so don't really know where your coming up with that. Just makes them fluffy and saves dry time. It does massage them and from the package they say "users" claim no static. Makes since if its keeping them seperated while drying but static has never botherd me anyway.

But now that you mention it I personally haven't noticed any static since I've been using it but its only been a few loads.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I often wondered about these also. Can understand how they would make the clothes fluffy. But logically how can they reduce the static from forming in the dryer unless the rubber is impregnated with some type of softener

The package does claim that same thing. If there is static it can't be that bad because I haven't noticed but it sure beats paying for fabric softener all the time. I don't use dryer sheets because repair places have told my family that they can damage them. In my experience the static doesn't stay around long if I shake them well before hanging or folding they are fine.

 

[corie161]

I also have a set. At first I didn't like them because I still had static so it didn't really eliminate the need for fabric softener. I purchased from an at home party type of company and when I mentioned that to the rep, she wondered if the clothes weren't getting dried to long (to hot) and that's why the static. I really haven't changed my habits (I don't think) but have went back to just using the balls (because I keep forgetting to buy the softener) and I haven't noticed much static now at all. It could be that static is worse during the winter.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I also have a set. At first I didn't like them because I still had static so it didn't really eliminate the need for fabric softener. I purchased from an at home party type of company and when I mentioned that to the rep, she wondered if the clothes weren't getting dried to long (to hot) and that's why the static. I really haven't changed my habits (I don't think) but have went back to just using the balls (because I keep forgetting to buy the softener) and I haven't noticed much static now at all. It could be that static is worse during the winter.

Yeah I think over drying it causes some too myself. Because I notice when I just keep turning it on it sometimes seems more static even when I used fabric softener.

 

[Alesia]

I have some. I like them, but I think tennis balls work just as well, and they're cheaper.

 

[babytrees]

I love my balls!! (okay that made me typing that)

I noticed more static after taking them out of the laundromat dryer vs. home.

We can't use fabric softener, 3 sensitive types in my house. Great alternative.

 

[Sethsmom]

I am so glad someone started this thread. I had questions about these myself and was just going to ask if anyone had ever used them and if it really cut down on drying time. I did have to go to a coin laundry one day and the attendant gave me tennis balls to put in the dryer. I guess they basically do the same thing.

I am not so worried about static as much as cutting down dryer usage. It just heats up the house so much and it seems like it is already too hot and dry this year.

So, besides the static issue with some, does it really cut drying time????

 

[babytrees]

I am so glad someone started this thread. I had questions about these myself and was just going to ask if anyone had ever used them and if it really cut down on drying time. I did have to go to a coin laundry one day and the attendant gave me tennis balls to put in the dryer. I guess they basically do the same thing.

I am not so worried about static as much as cutting down dryer usage. It just heats up the house so much and it seems like it is already too hot and dry this year.

So, besides the static issue with some, does it really cut drying time????

Yes it does....takes under an hour for the jeans to dry(about 5 pairs along with other clothes) and my towels take less than that. I have noticed that with the balls the lint trap is full when I dry towels...but no lint balls on the towels themselves. To cut down on the electricity usage wait until late in the day to dry. I also do my laundry in cold water.