When my dryer balls bit the dust after a year of use, I decided to find something different.
(Plastic) + ($14 for 1 year of use) = (Time for a change)
And while I was at it, a more natural solution seemed like a good idea.
I found a quick and easy tutorial here. I was able to make four decent-sized dryer balls out of one skein of Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool, so it was about $5 or $6 at JoAnn's after a coupon. I'm guessing they'll last longer than the plastic balls, too.
How well do they work? That's kind of hard to evaluate, but I know it doesn't hurt to have them in there! They do seem to cut down on drying time and static cling. My dryer is super slow, so any help is appreciated.
I'm just glad I remembered to snap a picture before I started using them -- they do tend to pill!
Hi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting idea. What do you use for a laundry detergent?
I'm all for things with no scents!
Blessings,
Leigh
Oooh, I have enough wool stashed to make 15,000,000 of these (approximately). I must try this, after we finish moving.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I make my own laundry detergent, and it's definitely scent-free! Here's the recipe: http://thoughtsandthimbles.blogspot.com/2010/06/natural-homemade-laundry-detergent.html
ReplyDeleteMeag, so glad to hear that you're all set for this project! It's so easy, and it was great having something to keep my hands busy while watching a movie. :-) Hope your move goes well, and you settle in quickly!
Blessings,
Shannon
That's great... I didn't know you could make your own. My mom gave me some wool dryer balls for my birthday this year. I was hoping they would cut down on drying time but I can't detect a difference. Maybe making a few more would help!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea! I just bought the bar and it was only because I had a coupon, but I will look into this too. I love your blog and look forward to continue reading.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about tossing my old ceramic-bead-filled dryer thingies, and did not want to use the PVC ones with the 'fingers'! PVC is very toxic to humans when we breathe it, and heating it makes it even more volatile. I want to share this info in a post someday, and will link to yours when I make them. It will be a while...how do you feel about others using your subject on their blogs. I am new at this (march '2011). Appreciate your blog and your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLaura, sorry to hear you dryer balls aren't working! I have heard that you need at least 3 or 4 to make a difference -- I don't know how many you have, but if you have some extra feltable wool on hand, it might be worth a try :-)
ReplyDeleteReBenMyers, nice to "see" you! :-) I hadn't even heard of dryer bars before! I'm always amazed by what people think up.
Jacqueline, it was my dislike for PVC that really drove me to the wool balls. I used the plastic balls instead of dryer sheets because of my mild chemical sensitivity (most artificial fragrances drive me nuts), but wool is even better! And I don't mind at all when people use my subjects on their blogs -- for one thing, there's nothing new under the sun, so nothing I write is really original to me! :-) So have at it! Thank you so much for commenting -- I've had a lovely time reading a bit of your (very beautiful) blog, and am so encouraged. I'm on my way to become a follower!
Blessings,
Shannon