We were recently sent some items to review. The first of these are eco-friendly wool dryer balls and came to us courtesy of "Double Up Farm". They are handmade from the wool of their Romney sheep.
The direct link to them on ETSY is HERE
You simply toss all three of them into your dryer with your wet clothing and turn it on to your normal setting.
Let them tumble around. I even caught one on camera through the glass front of our dryer as it was spinning around doing its thing.
After you are done, you can just leave the in your dryer as we did here, so they are ready for the next load. This keeps you from forgetting the next time around.
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| Double Up Farm All Natural Wool Dryer Balls |
They say a set is good for about 500 loads of laundry. That's about 3 cents per load...definitely much cheaper than buying and throwing away regular sheets.
They come in a package of three in a handmade bag that we'll find another use for as well (we're keeping the balls in the dryer all the time). We don't like to use fabric softener sheets because they have chemicals and usually a scent that is sometimes off-putting. Double Up Farm will add essential oil scent to these if you wish but they come standard with no scent. Hmm, come to think of it, a lavender set might be nice for sheets and pillowcases!
They come in a package of three in a handmade bag that we'll find another use for as well (we're keeping the balls in the dryer all the time). We don't like to use fabric softener sheets because they have chemicals and usually a scent that is sometimes off-putting. Double Up Farm will add essential oil scent to these if you wish but they come standard with no scent. Hmm, come to think of it, a lavender set might be nice for sheets and pillowcases!
We wish there was a way to convey how soft the items were when they came out of the dryer. Our towels and t-shirts were much softer than they had been before. It was a noticeable difference. And if you are wondering if any wool fibers or hairs were released, nope, we had some black dress socks that always seem to attract random fibers and they were free of wool. No chemicals, no fake smell, and best of all, no waste to throw away when done. The best of living green!
I'm sure that as we use them week after week in our laundry, they will only makes things softer. We can't wait to watch (and feel) that happen. These will definitely be on our list from now on.
So a huge shout out and thank you to DOUBLE UP FARM. Please stop by their website or their ETSY SHOP and say hello. And pick up some all natural wool dryer balls, you won't regret it.
These are wonderful I've used them...will check it out!
ReplyDeleteI think I will check these out. I can't always get the unscented dryer sheets.
ReplyDeleteFound out they don't ship to Canada.
DeleteI don't see why they wouldn't be good forever. They are felted wool, right? They aren't going to change unless they felt even tighter, and I don't see why that would change how they function in the dryer. Why the "500 loads" thing, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious on the load count too .. I saw some commercial ones that said 1000 loads ... doubt anyone will keep count .... but curious... Hope you give us your opinion again after more loads...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good product. Will have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteHey Quinn and beachdaddy - over time, the balls continue to felt down from the damp laundry / hot dryer action. I have found that the firmer they get, the less softness they impart. The biggest reason they don't last forever? They get wrapped up in a sheet, which ends up in my bedroom while I am folding the laundry, and then it falls off the bed and the dog gets one....well...you get the idea. I don't count by the load, but mine are going on two years without significant change.
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered about these, thank you for the heads up. I will check them out.
ReplyDeleteI"m a big fan of these and the lady I used to buy mine from is no longer selling them. When I get ready to get some more, I'll go to their website. Thanks a buncho! Monica
ReplyDeleteSome 25 plus years ago when I used to have a clothes dryer I just tossed in a couple of tennis balls; something of which I always had on had.
ReplyDeleteColleenB.~Texas
I do want to mention that if you are afraid of the coloring coming off the tennis balls;wrap each ball with about 4 sheets of foil as tightly as possible or insert your tennis ball in an old sock. They cut down on the static electricity and drying time and will never have to be thrown away.
DeleteOnce your clothes are dry just keep the balls in the dryer for next time, that way you will always know where your dryer balls are at.
ColleenB.
My question would be about static cling. We get very dry here, especially with the central heat in the winter, and static cling is a big issue...do these help with that as well?
ReplyDeleteI've heard of these wooly balls but have not used them myself. Some 35 years ago, I got rid of the fabric softeners and started using 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle of the washer. It stripped the soaps from the clothing and softened them. I, especially, liked how the bath towels came out - very soft and super absorbent. I do have a very old dusty box of unscented fabric sheets, I used years ago, when I needed one to throw in the dryer with nylon clothing to help with the static. I only have cotton and other natural fabrics now, so they are collecting dust. Have a Great Turkey Day!! M
ReplyDeleteMargaret - the laundry man in our house says "yes, they do reduce static". My research says the reason they reduce static is that the reduce the overall drying time, and less time means less static.
ReplyDeleteMidnite Baker - I use all my old dryer sheets in the barn to keep away flies and wasps!!!
Thanks Kate! I think I may just give them a try...heating season is now on, so it's the perfect time to test them.
DeleteKate, Thanks for the info. I have mud dabbers that like to nest in my garage. Will dust them off and try it next summer.
ReplyDeleteApparently there has been great success with banishing static cling using a washcloth with safety pins pinned securely to each corner , it will do its work in your dryer for years.
ReplyDeleteOh, the things we learn. Thanks for the static tip - I'll be giving this a try as well.
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