Our home is a scent-free zone. Everything right down to our hand soap and laundry detergent is unscented. Not only do we like it that way but it’s also a necessity. David has a sensitivity to all scents, natural and chemical.
I’m fine with the actual scents of nature (ie. flowers, trees, plants, herbs), however I become extremely ill around chemical scents. I suffer from MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). This includes any that touch my skin. It can be a real pain in the wazoo, but living scent/chemical free is healthy and refreshing.
We try our best to live a green and organic lifestyle free from chemical and scents. Something we use to help us with that are wool laundry balls. Wool laundry balls are tennis size balls we toss in the dryer with our wet clothes in place of fabric softener and/or dryer sheets.
Dryer Balls are quick and easy to make and eliminate the need for fabric softener. Just pop them in the dryer with a load of wet clothes and they help the clothes dry quicker, wrinkle less, and reduce static cling. They save time and money by helping clothes dry faster. They soften and fluff the clothes and are used over and over again for years. Natural and organic! Win-win!
Supplies for four dryer balls:
- 2 skeins of 100% wool yarn. The yarn must be 100% wool or the balls will not felt.
- Crochet hook or blunt tipped sewing needle. This is used to pull your loose end through your completed dryer ball. It’s probably easier to borrow a crochet hooks as many people have them. I personally am a seamstress so I had a blunt tipped needle.
- Old clean panty hose or knee-high stocking.
- Scissors
- 5 pieces of string heavy or dental floss cut 6 inches long.
Instructions:
- Each skein of wool yarn will make two tennis size ball dryer balls. Start by looping the yarn around two fingers 5 to 8 times. This will be the start of your yarn ball.
- Continue tightly wrapping the yarn around the ball until it is the size of a tennis ball.
- Give yourself 6-8 inches of extra yarn and snip the end.
- Use the crochet hook or blunt tipped needle to pull your loose end through the ball several times to tie it off.
- Slip each completed ball into the panty hose and tie with string at each end and in between each ball.
- Toss in the washing machine for two or three hot wash cycles with other clothes. Toss in hot dryer and…
Voila! You now have your very own chemical-free, all natural dryer balls!
David says: Faster drying time is great and scent free is even better. (But I still have to remind Cathi to clean out the lint trap!)
Cathi says: Life is full of scary chemicals and pollution that effects our health. Some people, like I am, are more sensitive than others.Our wool dryer balls have been an answer to my environmental sensitivities and helps make my life enjoyable.
Jeanette says
I have never heard of this before. It would be kind of neat to try it and see if I like it.
Jennifer says
I’ve been meaning to try making my own dryer balls. I keep hearing how great they are for reducing drying time and getting the clothes soft.
Debra says
What a great idea! I had some storebought plastic balls but they only last so long. I’m trying this!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Wow, so cool. I have never made my own wool dryer balls. Looks like the work great!
Sarah says
I’ve totally made wool balls, they are awesome! 🙂 way to be fresh and natural.
Tara says
I have never heard of wool dryer balls before but what a great idea. This would save so much money.
William Sweeney says
I never thought about making dryer balls like this!! What a great way to save money and keep fragrances out of your laundry too!
Aimee Smith says
I have never thought of making my own dryer balls! What a cool idea!
Danielle says
I have been using All Free Clear on my baby’s clothes and absolutely love it. I love that it’s not harsh on her and her clothes, and it’s affordable too.
Janeane Davis says
When I first saw your photos I got excited about the balls of yarn because I am a knitter/crocheter. I never made anything like this for drying our clothes and I would like to try it.
Val says
What a neat way to make your own dryer balls, love this idea!
Lisa Favre says
Yes! I totally love this idea. I have a few friends who swear by dryer balls but I had no idea that you can just DIY them!
Alicia says
We love All products for our laundry needs. I’ve never thought to make dryer balls but that’s a great idea. Thanks for the instructions!
Kathy says
I love wool dryer balls. I would love to make some myself as well. They’re the best! I also use All detergent. It’s one of the only ones I can use for my youngest who has eczema.
janis says
I never thought of making something like this before, that is a great idea! And the left over wool can be used for numerous crafts too.
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
I have never heard of this before. i think it is a great idea.
Emily says
We love using all products, too – they work so well to get our clothing clean and bright without the unwanted dyes and perfumes! I have some wool yarn in my craft stash, I think I’ll make some dryer balls soon! #client
Becca Wilson says
I have never seen dryer balls made like this and they are so neat! We used All detergent with my kids clothing for a long time before their skin was a little less sensitive.
anna says
i like it. amazing idea
Laurajj says
Oh I have wanted to try something like this for awhile now…I love this making your own! My son has horrible allergies to detergents and fabric softner! I always have to use a chemical free soap and dryer sheets…the dryer sheets are always so expensive. I am going to give this a try! Would be so much healthier for our family!
ellen beck says
These are so easy to make. I have had mine forever, they really do cut drying time and make things softer. Great directions, and good pictures for showing others.
Lulu says
Amazing!I only use green products for my family. However, I haven’t heard of wool dryer balls before. Cant’t wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing.