It leaves your laundry uber-soft and static-free.
The cherry on top?
But,howmany loads exactly?
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And how do you care for dryer balls to check that they can truly last?
Meet the Expert
Ocean Vanis the CEO of Los Angeles-based laundry service Coco Laundry.
If youre working with dryer balls made from other materials, the lifespan can change.
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Rubber or silicone dryer balls hold their own against wool, for example.
They handle high heat well and are sturdier than wool.
These tend to get brittle after a couple of years, especially with regular high heat, Van explains.
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But, a replacement can be needed in extreme cases.
Clothes taking longer to dry is another sign.
This is why they need regular recharging.
If your clothes are taking longer to dry, thats one indication to get new dryer balls.
Otherwise, replace them if theyre cracked or out of shape, Van says.
Damaged [rubber or silicone] balls cansnag clothesor stop working well.
Velcro balls are also known as pet hair remover balls.
If theyre brittle, warped, or the velcro doesnt stick anymore, swap them out, Van recommends.
Recharging in this context doesnt mean plugging your dryer balls in (which might be obvious!
), but rather refreshing them using water.
Van recommends recharging wool balls every three to six monthsto help them bounce back.
If they start feeling flat or less effective, thats the time to recharge, he adds.
Wool is a moisture-wicking material, allowing it to draw moisture from wet laundry and dry quickly.
This moisture helps prevent static from forming as garments dry.
After many uses wool balls can become coated with lint, which reduces their moisture-wicking properties.
This is partly why they need regular recharging.
How to Recharge Dryer Balls
Recharging can be done in two ways for wool dryer balls.
For the second, more common method, you dont need to use a washer.
It helps that they are pretty low-maintenance.
Taking a few minutes to care for them keeps them going strong for years, Van notes.
To start with the obvious, regularly washing dryer balls helps maintain their effectiveness.
Wool balls can pick up lint and odors.
Wash them on a gentle cycle or by hand every few months, Van recommends.
For rubber and plastic balls, a quick wipe with soapy water works well.
Most dryer balls last for 1,000 loads.
This equates to around two to five years depending on how often you launder items.
Wool dryer balls never go bad per se but can become less effective.
They usually just need recharging every couple of months to refresh them.
This usually happens after a few years.
Van suggests using three balls for lighter loads and five to six for heavier loads like towels and comforters.
