DIY: Dryer Balls

Want to reduce toxins in your laundry routine? Check out the benefits of these DIY Dryer Balls and learn how to make your own set.

By Contributor Sarah Nichols

It’s DIY month around here — we do this every April, and this is our third annual DIY month! We love to encourage you to do things yourself, in your home. All month long we’ll be sharing projects, recipes, remedies, crafts, and more with you. Be sure to pin your favorites!

Today I am excited to show you how to make your very own DIY dryer balls. There are many benefits to using dryer balls. Wool dryer balls:

• Reduce drying time therefore saving money and energy.
• Reduce static cling.
• Are toxin-free alternative to dryer sheets and plastic dryer balls.
• Are quieter than plastic dryer balls.
• Can be scented using the essential oil of your choice.
• Are all natural.
• Last for a really long time (most sources I found said 1000+ dryer cycles if not more).
• Are made from sustainable material (wool).

Last Christmas my mother-in-law made some dryer balls for me as a gift.  We have an old dryer and I definitely noticed the balls helping my clothes to dry faster. I love adding a couple drops of essential oil to the ball to lightly scent the clothes.  I also love that they were handmade.  These make a great, frugal gift and are so easy that your children can help you make them.

Supplies

• 100% Wool Yarn (if it’s not wool, it won’t felt and may unravel in the dryer)
• Crochet hook
• pantyhose
• scissors
• rubber bands
• dryer
• essential oils (optional)

How To Make DIY Dryer Balls

Step 1: Find the beginning of the yarn and hold it between your fingers.  Wrap it around 2 or 3 of your fingers several times and then carefully remove your fingers.

Step 2: Take the yarn and switch directions, wrapping it several times around the loops to keep it all together.

Step 3: Continue wrapping, switching directions, until you get a small ball formed.

Step 4: Continue wrapping the yarn around until the ball is the size you desire.  Keep in mind, the bigger the dryer ball, the faster it will help things dry. The quantity of balls also help reduce drying time.  Once the balls are the size you want, cut the yarn with scissors leaving several inches loose.

Step 5: Stick a crochet needle through the ball and grab the loose end, pulling it into the ball.

Step 6: Place the DIY dryer balls in a pantyhose, separating the balls with a rubber band.  You can also use string or yarn that is not made of wool.  If you use the wool to tie off the balls, it will felt into the pantyhose and become difficult to remove.

Step 7: Throw the pantyhose/dryer ball rope into the washing machine on the hottest wash cycle.  You do not need to use soap.  Let it go through the whole cycle.  Then toss it in the dryer on the hottest dry cycle.

Step 8: Remove the pantyhose and admire your brand new felted DIY dryer balls.

To use the balls, just throw them in the dryer with the rest of your load.  Add a couple drops of the essential oil of your choice (I like Lavender or Idaho Balsam Fir) to the balls and your clothes will come out with just a hint of scent to them.  If you do end up with static, that just means you are drying for too long, remember, these balls reduce drying time.

Do you use DIY dryer balls?

 

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