A dryer ball is a spherical laundry device for tumbling clothes dryers used as an alternative to fabric softener, reducing static electricity or softening clothing, or to accelerate the drying process. [1] [2]
A dryer ball is a spherical laundry device for tumbling clothes dryers used as an alternative to fabric softener, reducing static electricity or softening clothing, or to accelerate the drying process. [1] [2]
Dryer balls are typically manufactured out of felted wool (the original material used for manufacture), rubber, or plastic. Wool variants are typically smooth, while rubber or plastic variants typically include spiked protrusions and may be shaped differently than a sphere. [1] [2] [3] Rubber and plastic balls are more durable than woolen ones, which need periodic replacement depending on frequency of use. [3]
Dryer balls are said to act as a moving buffer, preventing wet laundry from coalescing in the dryer, allowing increased air flow. [3] A study has shown dryer balls mix into the fabric load as it is lifted by the dryer drum, but experience higher speeds than fabrics and decelerate rapidly when tumbling. [4] The material and design of the ball varies its properties: wool balls are said to absorb moisture, accelerating drying. [3] [2] [5] Conventional fabric softener often gives a fragrance via aroma compound to clothing. [6] While typically unscented by default, wool dryer balls can be used to perfume laundry via application of essential oils to the balls before use. [1] [7] [5]
The efficacy of plastic dryer balls was disputed by Popular Mechanics who, in 2009, published experiment results in which staff were unable to find any beneficial effects. [8]
Dryer balls are touted to be environmentally friendly for varying reasons versus conventional fabric softeners. [1] [3] [5] Conventional softeners primarily function chemically, employing quaternary ammonium cation or stearic acid, which is either suspended in liquid or applied to polyester in the case of dryer sheets. [5] [6] Dryer balls function mechanically and are reusable, [3] compared to dryer sheets which are typically one-use products. [3] [6] Wool dryer balls are typically biodegradable, however can sometimes be chemically altered or bleached, reducing eco-friendliness. [7] The increased drying speeds claimed by using dryer balls helps reduce energy use. [1] [7]
Dryer balls are sometimes touted as hypoallergenic [1] or better for those with sensitive skin [5] as they typically do not apply artificial softening agents or fragrances to clothing. [1] [3]
Laundry refers to the washing of clothing and other textiles, and, more broadly, their drying and ironing as well. Laundry has been part of history since humans began to wear clothes, so the methods by which different cultures have dealt with this universal human need are of interest to several branches of scholarship.
A washing machine is a home appliance used to wash laundry. The term is mostly applied to machines that use water as opposed to dry cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners. The user adds laundry detergent, which is sold in liquid, powder, or dehydrated sheet form, to the wash water.
Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water.
A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant garment worn on the upper body to shield the wearer from rain. The term rain jacket is sometimes used to refer to raincoats with long sleeves that are waist-length. A rain jacket may be combined with a pair of rain pants to make a rainsuit. Rain clothing may also be in one piece, like a boilersuit. Raincoats, like rain ponchos, offer the wearer hands-free protection from the rain and elements; unlike the umbrella.
A clothes dryer, also known as tumble dryer or simply dryer, is a powered household appliance that is used to remove moisture from a load of clothing, bedding and other textiles, usually after they are washed in a washing machine.
Microfiber is synthetic fiber finer than one denier or decitex/thread, having a diameter of less than ten micrometers.
A clothes line, also spelt clothesline and also known as a washing line, is a device for hanging clothes on for the purpose of drying them. It is any type of rope, cord, or twine that has been stretched between two points, outside or indoors, above the level of the ground. Clothing that has recently been washed is hung along the line to dry, using clothes pegs or clothespins. Washing lines are attached either from a post or a wall, and are frequently located in back gardens, or on balconies. Longer washing lines often have props holding up sections in the middle due to the weight of the usually wet clothing.
A mangle (British) or wringer (American) is a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and powered by a hand crank or by electricity. While the appliance was originally used to squeeze water from wet laundry, today mangles are used to press or flatten sheets, tablecloths, kitchen towels, or clothing and other laundry.
A fabric softener or fabric conditioner is a conditioner that is applied to laundry after it has been washed in a washing machine. A similar, more dilute preparation meant to be applied to dry fabric is known as a wrinkle releaser.
Static cling is the tendency for light objects to stick (cling) to other objects owing to static electricity. It is common in clothing, but occurs with other items, such as the tendency of dust to be attracted to, and stick to, plastic items.
Laundry detergent is a type of detergent used for cleaning dirty laundry (clothes). Laundry detergent is manufactured in powder and liquid form.
A dispensing ball is a special plastic ball used to dispense liquid fabric softener in clothes washing machines that lack built-in softener dispensers. Liquid fabric softener has to be added at the correct time to a load of laundry in order to work effectively. In top-loading machines, the ball accomplishes this with no user input, other than the initial loading, and filling of the ball.
A laundry ball or washing ball is a product made of solid, insoluble material promoted as a substitute for laundry detergent. Producers of laundry balls often make pseudoscientific claims about their mechanisms of action and exaggerate the extent of their benefits.
Polar fleece is a soft fabric made from polyester that is napped and insulating.
A combo washer dryer is a combination in a single cabinet of a washing machine and a clothes dryer. It should not be confused with a "stackable" combination of a separate washing machine and a separate clothes dryer.
A drying cabinet is today usually an electrical machine designed to expedite the drying of items - usually clothing - that are unsuitable for a mechanical clothes dryer. Such items may include delicate clothing care labeled as "hang dry", "dry flat" or "do not tumble dry" on their wash instructions, as well as items such as comforters, boots and coats.
An overhead clothes airer, also known variously as a ceiling clothes airer, laundry airer, pulley airer, laundry rack, or laundry pulley, is a ceiling-mounted mechanism to dry clothes. It is also known as, in the North of England, a creel, in Scotland, a pulley, and in the United States, a Sheila Johnston's Sheila Maid®.
Lint is the common name for visible accumulations of textile fibers and other materials, usually found on and around clothing. Certain materials used in the manufacture of clothing, such as cotton, linen, and wool, contain numerous, very short fibers bundled together. During the course of normal wear, these fibers may either detach or be jostled out of the weave of which they are part. This is the reason why heavily used articles such as shirts and towels become thin over time and why such particles accumulate in the lint screen of a clothes dryer.
Fabric treatments are processes that make fabric softer, or water resistant, or enhance dye penetration after they are woven. Fabric treatments get applied when the textile itself cannot add other properties. Treatments include, scrim, foam lamination, fabric protector or stain repellent, anti microbial and flame retardant.
Wool or rubber dryer balls will help separate your clothes and get more air to them, cutting drying time. They can also reduce static so you don't need dryer sheets (see #7 below). The wool balls are said to absorb some moisture, further cutting drying time. We use these at my house and have seen a noticeable difference in the time it takes our clothes to dry.
Wool dryer balls are an eco-friendly alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Not only do they soften your clothes, but they also eliminate static, decrease wrinkling, and reduce drying time by up to 25 percent. They're free to synthetic fragrances, too, although you can certainly add a fresh scent to your clothes by using essential oils.