The Wool Ball Dryer
The wool laundry ball. It is such a small, seemingly unimportant item. Yet, immensely indispensable in a natural home.
Back in the day, the most natural way of drying laundry is by line drying. It is not only energy efficient , it does not involve harmful chemicals and it is safe. But in the modern urban setting, doing this is close to impossible.
What is the next best thing to line drying? In our modern world, our de facto solution has been drying our clothes in the dryer machine. It is efficient and saves precious time so we can do more things in our busy lives.
In the 1960s, we have started to use dryer sheets during the drying process. Dryer sheets are used to reduce static cling, add fragrance to clothes and make the clothes softer. Unfortunately, they leave harmful chemical residues on the dryer machines. They are also not healthful to us humans.
According to Scientific American, “the chemicals in dryer sheets get released into the air when they are heated up in the dryer and can pose a respiratory health risk to those both inside and outside the home.”
Using either dryer sheets or liquid softener to our laundry pose harmful threats to our health.
According to the health and wellness website Sixwise.com “some of the most harmful ingredients in dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener alike include benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an upper respiratory tract irritant), ethanol (linked to central nervous system disorders), limonene (a known carcinogen) and chloroform (a neurotoxin and carcinogen), among others.”
But what can be our natural alternative?
A good one is using a wool laundry ball. Like dryer sheets they reduce static and soften fabrics. With essentials oils added, it can also be used to make your clothes more fragrant.
Wool balls are natural and no chemicals are used and they last for a quite long time- as long as 1000 uses -which translates to a lifespan of a few years. Compared to plastic dryer balls, wool balls are definitely quieter during the tumbling in the dryer.
How do they work?
When the wool balls tumble in the dryer, the balls absorb the moisture in the wet clothes and separates the clothes from each other so the heat can reach more surface area and hence dry the clothes faster.
The wool balls costs- around 15 to 20 dollars for 6 balls. Using them will save you electricity long term as it is known to reduce drying time. They are good for fluffing jackets and blankets. They also are chemical free – hence, not harmful to your skin or your lungs or to your over all health.
There are many brands in the market today. To pick the good ones, choose balls are made of 100% wool, are hypoallergenic and safe for baby’s skin ( hence to adults, too), will not unravel easily and are a good size.
How do we use wool balls?
Just put a few balls in the dryer with your clean wet clothes in the dryer and press the on button on your machine. Small loads require as few balls as 2 or for larger ones, add more.
If you want your laundry smelling more fragrant, you can add a few drops of natural essential oils on the ball. This should only be done in the last 10 minutes of drying. But even without the essential oils, the clothes will smell just as perfect.
In summary, wool dryer balls help dry clothes more quickly naturally and are indispensable in modern natural homes.
Our favorite wool dryer ball recommendations:
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