We researched the best wool dryer balls, evaluating their effectiveness, noise levels during a cycle, scents, and durability. The Blueland Dryer Ball Set is our top pick because of their sustainable and plastic-free design, as well as their quietness while in a cycle. The set includes three dryer balls that are compatible with towels, tees, and everything in between. Here are the best wool dryer balls for your laundry routine. Unlike other dryer balls that thump around loudly in the drum of your dryer, this pick does not make a lot of noise when in use, and the larger size of the balls means they can be used with a wide variety of garments and fabrics. Although these dryer balls are only available in one size and do not come in a storage bag, they top our list for their sustainable design and quietness when in use. If you’re new to Blueland, the brand as a whole is committed to sustainability and has an expansive line of products for cleaning and home. Price at time of publish: $18 These eco-friendly dryer balls are crafted in Nepal, entirely from New Zealand wool, and with ethical practices at the forefront of the Smart Sheep’s manufacturing and shipping procedures. Not only can you feel good about the environmental impact of switching to dryer balls, but you can also appreciate the fair trade efforts the brand supports. Price at time of publish: $30 There are no color and size options for these wool dryer balls, unfortunately. However, they’ll get the job done and not leave you hanging much. At an extremely low price, you can’t really ask for more than that. But one thing to keep in mind is that if you’re not a member of Public Goods, you can try a two-week trial at no cost, but to purchase beyond that will require a subscription. Price at time of publish: $10 No matter which palette you choose, you’ll find yourself with a versatile set. The only potential downsides to this set are that they can make a lot of noise when tumbling in the dryer, partly due to their larger design, and the colorful versions are possible because the brand uses dyes. Food52 recommends that you use the blue shades on darker loads to avoid color transfer when you first start using them. Price at time of publish: $30 The durable dryer balls are crafted from organic wool and promise to withstand 1,000 loads of laundry. Since personal preference can vary a lot when it comes to scent, Woolzies gives you the option of three different essential oil bottles: fresh lemon, soft lavender, or tangy orange. The best part of this amenity is that you are in charge of how fragrant your dryer balls are. You can add as much, or as little, scent as you want to. However, just note that they’re not the best option for static cling. Price at time of publish: $20 At 4 inches in diameter, the dryer balls are certainly larger than others. That means your dryer may be a little noisy. However, it also means that you can probably get away with using fewer dryer balls per cycle and drying bulkier items, such as towels or sheets, with total ease. You should know the dryer balls may smell a bit bad when they first arrive. Air them out in a dry place upon arrival, and the smell shouldn’t become a lingering issue. Price at time of publish: $24 The balls should be suitable for small to medium loads of laundry, according to LooHoo. They might not hold a scent well, and you might need to treat them with essential oils after a while. The set is certainly on the expensive side, but worth it if you’d love to add a pop of your favorite color to your laundry room. Price at time of publish: $30 Like others, Grove’s dryer balls promise to cut down on wrinkles, static, and dry time. (Your mileage may vary when it comes to static cling, based on shopper feedback.) They’re crafted entirely from New Zealand wool, and the brand says that a set should last for 1,000 loads of laundry. While you’ll have to replace your laundry detergent more frequently, the dispenser is a smart addition, since it helps you pour the precise amount you need, which limits waste. This is a pricier set than purchasing just the trio of dryer balls, but you do get a better price than if you were to purchase each item separately. Grove Collaborative’s model encourages (but doesn’t require) monthly subscriptions, so you can customize regular shipments if you so choose. Price at time of publish: $48 With most dryer balls—and these in particular—you don’t want to send them through your washing machine, since the regular cycles can damage the wool. As long as you avoid making that mistake, they should last you for years to come. Price at time of publish: $10 They come in one color, a solid blue, so they’re easy to spot when you lift your dry clothes out of the dryer. Note that they’re unscented, so if you were hoping to add essential oils, these won’t be the best fit for you. For everyone else (and especially for fans of the color blue), we think they’re a great option. Price at time of publish: $10
Size
Wool dryer balls commonly measure somewhere between 3 and 4 inches in diameter. According to Brown, it may be worth it to stock up on a few different sizes so you can treat your items well. “If you can find a variety of sizes, that’s a plus,” she says. “Small ball sizes are great for delicates, while the larger sizes are great for blankets and bath towels.”
Scent
Many people want their laundry to emerge from the dryer smelling fresh and fragrant. There are two ways to accomplish that with wool dryer balls. First, you can stock up on a scented set. Second, you can snag an unscented set and add fragrance by applying a few drops of your favorite essential oil (or oils). Elise Hay, founder of Organized Sanctuaries, recommends doing the latter. If you opt to pair unscented dryer balls with essential oils, you can always swap out your scents over time, too.
Color
Wool dryer balls come in an array of different colors, ranging from crisp whites and ivories to vibrant blues and purples. Unless recommended by the brand, there’s no substantial evidence saying you must pair light-colored dryer balls with the load of lighter clothing you have, or that darker-hued balls should be put with darker clothing. Ultimately, color comes down to personal preference and your chosen aesthetic.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lindsey Lanquist is a Nashville-based writer and editor who covers home and lifestyle products for a range of publications. She’s written for The Spruce since 2019. For this article, she prioritized wool dryer balls that were reasonably priced and genuinely well reviewed by those who tried them. To help you find a set of wool dryer balls that meet your needs and preferences, she also vetted picks in a range of colors and sizes. For more insight, Lindsey spoke with Katie Brown, owner of Rytina Fine Cleaners; Scott Thomas, Director of Systems at Dryer Vent Wizard; and Elise Hay, founder of Organized Sanctuaries. Your dryer balls may pill over time, but it’s not a cause for concern. “This does not mean they are no longer effective,” says Hay. In fact, you can pull the pills off.or Scott Thomas, Director of Systems at Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company, suggests using a sweater shaver to get the job done. Brown recommends using three balls for small loads, four balls for medium loads, and five to six balls for larger loads. “These balls separate the garments, allowing for air to circulate," says Brown. Dena Ogden, a commerce writer for The Spruce, also contributed to this roundup by updating it with the latest picks we researched and recommended.
