Do a few tennis balls in the dryer produce the same results or work even better?
We talked to a laundry expert about the pros and cons of wool dryer balls and tennis balls.
Learn how you’ve got the option to use these laundry aids to improve your laundry routine.
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Can You Use Tennis Balls in the Dryer?
In a word, yes, you’re able to use tennis balls in the dryer.
However, they stress that it’s important that the tennis balls be new and perfectly clean.
The last thing you want is to add more dirt and grime to your freshly cleaned laundry.
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Which Are Better for Dryer Use?
Dryer Temperature
Wool dryer balls can be used at any dryer temperature setting.
Cost
Commercially made wool dryer ballsare usually more expensive than tennis balls.
However, you canDIY wool dryer ballsfrom wool yarn or fabric scraps.
An average-sized dryer load requires three to four balls per cycle for effective results.
Depending on your laundry routine, that is two to five years of laundry.
Tennis balls have a thin outer coating of felt over a hollow rubber core.
Exposed rubber can leave a chemical odor on fabrics and begin cracking from the heat.
It is possible for new neon-colored tennis balls to transfer dye to wet laundry.
Wool dryer balls are softer and gentler on fabrics.
However, when fluffing pillows or outerwear, tennis balls perform better because they are firmer.
Both are preferred oversilicon-coated dryer sheetsthat leave a residue on clothing and the inside of your dryer.
