How Often You Should Really Be Replacing Your Wool Dryer Balls

If you've switched from liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets to dryer balls, you already know how convenient these laundry additions are. One of the biggest draws for wool spheres is how long they last. Unlike powders, liquids, and sheets, these balls can be placed inside hundreds, if not thousands, of dryer loads before they need to be replaced. However, just like everything else in the world, eventually, you'll have to retire them and purchase a new collection. The real question is: How long until that is necessary?

If you're still new to the concept of dryer balls or wonder about how they work, it's pretty simple and genius. Made of wool, these tennis ball-shaped tools can be placed in your dryer with wet clothing. They help separate items while the cycle is turned on, reducing static and wrinkles and helping dry articles faster. By allowing more circulation within the machine, dryer balls help you save on energy costs. Wool dryer balls cut down the overall time your clothes and linens need to be in the dryer, which saves money! It's important to swap out older balls once they look worn down or aren't drying as effectively — but how long can you expect yours to last?

There are certain moments in history when an invention changed the way people do things forever. Dryer balls might sound like an anti-climatic addition to solving problems, but for everyday people just trying to get through their laundry pile, these tiny orbs have become coveted additions. These balls were created to last, and most people can get up to 1,000 loads out of theirs. Depending on how often you do laundry, that can be 10 to 20 years with one "set," though they usually come in a package of three.

Over time, your dryer balls will become more worn down or stressed. This could happen halfway through their suggested lifetime, in which case you can place them in a pillow case before putting them through your washing machine. The best way to determine if your dryer balls just need a recharge or if they are destined for the bin or compost heap is to keep an eye out for a looser appearance. As they wear down, these orbs become less compact, growing bigger in size and softer to the touch. This can happen as soon as two to four years in, but every trio is different and can be assessed as you use them. If pieces of wool are coming loose or tearing off, your dryer balls are probably near the end.

Recharging stressed dryer balls often helps them remain functional. Due to the heat your dryer exudes, if you're using these tools frequently, they could start to lose their absorption properties.

You can recharge them and increase their holding power by giving them a gentle wash in your machine. The water will permeate the dry wool.  After washing the dryer balls in warm water, place them in your dryer and turn on a high-heat cycle. Air drying is an option but takes much longer than the former choice. Many sets or trios come with a cotton bag where you can store them between uses or keep them in a basket or tote that gets decent ventilation. This will keep them in good condition, so they last even longer and save you time, money, and stress. If you've recharged the balls and your items are still taking longer than usual to dry, it's most likely time to replace them altogether.