Growing up, I mindlessly tossed a dryer sheet in with my laundry. All I knew: it was a step in the process of laundering, and it helped make my clothes smell nice. I never paused to think about what exactly they were made of, why we used them (especially when we had already used scented detergent and fabric softener), and that it was another recurrent cost to factor into the household budget. After doing the research, I have discovered a sustainable alternative to dryer sheets that still provide a scent thanks to the DIY wool ball spray I use.
But first, we should understand the problem dryer sheets are trying to solve and why wool dryer balls are a better solution.
What are dryer sheets and what are their purpose?
Conventional dryer sheets are typically non-woven polyester sheets treated with chemicals to aid in reducing static and soften clothing, and while there are non-scented options, many include fragrance to scent the laundry.
When clothes tumble in the dryer, static electricity generates which may cause clothes to stick together. Think back to the birthday parties you have attended: there always seemed to be someone who inevitably copped a balloon to vigorously rub it on your clothes and cause it to stick. While it can be entertaining at a party, it is frustrating to peel freshly laundered articles of clothing from each other in an attempt to put them away.
In the mid-twentieth century, dryer sheets were developed, tested, and manufactured to combat this irritable issue. While the problem was solved, there are growing safety concerns regarding the chemicals and fragrances used in dryer sheets and the sustainability of a product intended for single use. More and more households seek alternatives to conventional dryer sheets – and wool dryer balls are that alternative.
What are wool dryer balls and how do you use them?
Wool dryer balls are spheres often comprised of tightly compressed wool; however, some do contain a plastic or rubber inner framework. The average size of a wool ball is comparable to a tennis ball.
You place multiple wool balls in the dryer with your damp load of laundry. The wool balls bounce and tumble with and in between the damp layers of the clothing. Due to their size, shape, and material, they:
- Hinder the laundry from clumping together
- Reduce drying time by providing better air circulation
- Absorb moisture
- Soften the clothes as they bounce around the drum against the fabric
Dryer balls do not have to be wool – some are made entirely of other materials, such as rubber or plastic. While this may achieve similar results for avoiding static electricity and reducing drying time, rubber and plastic dryer balls are loud as they bang around in the drum and will not absorb moisture due to the material. Further, wool dryer balls when sustainably sourced are biodegradable, natural, and will hold a scent, should you wish to scent your dryer balls… which is why you are here for this DIY wool ball spray!
Bottom line: why switch to wool dryer balls?
- Avoid chemicals and fragrances in conventional dryer sheets
- Save money on dryer sheets intended for single use
- Eco-friendly and sustainable alternative
- Faster drying time
- Wools balls can be scented to your liking with the below DIY wool ball spray, using essential oils
As someone who enjoys her laundry not becoming a victim to the static electricity generated during the drying process, but also enjoys it smelling clean and fresh, yet despises making room in the household budget to purchase single-use dryer sheets coated in chemicals and fragrances… wool dryer balls changed the game.
DIY Wool Ball Spray
While I personally prefer to scent my laundry with lavender (before I put my clothes in the dryer with my lavender scented wool balls, I wash them with the Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent in the Fresh Lavender scent), you can use whichever essential oils you prefer. This is what I love about this recipe – it is flexible!
While some may suggest putting a few drops of essential oil directly onto the wool dryer balls, I do not recommend this as doing this will cause you to not only use more essential oil than necessary (which can be expensive and wasteful), but also because you cannot apply those few drops to the entire surface of the wool ball. By using this DIY spray, you use less essential oil which is more sustainable and saves money, and you are able to apply it to the entire surface.
Ingredients & Materials
- 15-20 drops of essential oil (I use Young Living Lavender Essential Oil)
- 1 oz Witch Hazel
- 1 oz Water
- 2 oz amber glass spray bottle (ensure you are using amber glass)
- Funnel
- Cruelty-free, 100% wool dryer balls
- Labels (optional, I use this label maker)
Instructions
- Pour the witch hazel, water, and essential oil into the spray bottle using a funnel.
- Shake the spray bottle to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
- Spray directly onto wool dryer ball prior to placing it into the dryer.
- Enjoy your fresh smelling laundry.
Of course, you don’t have to wool balls to make your laundry smelling fresh… because you don’t have to use electric dryers! Have you considered using a clothesline, or an indoor drying rack instead? Achieve the same results by directly spritzing this spray onto your clothes after hanging them on your clothesline or drying rack! (Should you be concerned with potentially damaging or staining your clothes, make sure to do a patch test in a hidden area.)
Have you used essential oils with your wool dryer balls? Which scents do you like to use for your laundry? Drop a comment below – we would love to hear from you.
