There are a number of different types of tumble dryer balls on the market in the UK and it can be quite challenging to narrow down which one is the best for you.
This article will lay out some of the best options and will help make the decision of which one to choose much easier!
The purpose of a tumble dryer ball is to move in the tumble dryer between the layers of your laundry and to soak up any excess water, effectively shortening the drying time. They are also known to reduce static and wrinkles in clothes.
Investing in dryer balls can be an effective way to save electricity (and thus save money) by shortening the amount of time that you have your tumble dryer running.
This list is made up of various price ranges but contains the best quality and most effective products, and there should be something here that suits everyone, depending on what you are looking for.
Best Tumble Dryer Balls in the UK
1. OrgaWise Wool Dryer Balls
Material: Wool
OrgaWise Wool Dryer Balls are a fantastic option, especially as they are hand-made from 100% New Zealand wool and can be reused up to 1,000 times.
These balls are designed to reduce drying time by up to 40% and to prevent both wrinkles and static. They are also silent in the machine, as well as both organic and hypoallergenic.
The best way to use these balls is to add three or four of them to smaller loads, and five or six to larger loads, along with a few drops of essential oil in whichever scent you prefer. This will leave your clothes smelling and feeling fresh and soft.
These balls are on the pricier side of our options but are both long-lasting and environmentally friendly.
2. Whitmor Dryer Balls Set
Material: Plastic
Whitmor’s dryer balls are closer in price to the wool balls but are made of a spiky plastic material. They are also reusable and will effectually get in between your laundry to dry your clothes more efficiently, and to remove any lingering static.
Users have mentioned that the balls are effective, but that sometimes they are not as long-lasting as other similar products.
3. KinTor Wool Dryer Balls
Material: Wool
KinTor’s Dryer balls are another wool option, made of 100% reusable New Zealand natural wool, which keeps them hypoallergenic.
They make a great natural alternative to fabric softeners and will make your laundry smell beautiful if you add a little essential oil to them before your wash.
These balls contain no scents or dyes and are designed to separate your laundry and significantly reduce drying time, usually by up to 30%.
They should last for over 1,000 loads and will prevent wrinkles, static and even help with controlling lint and pet hair.
4. Kikkerland Dryer Ball Buddies
Material: Plastic
These adorable cactus-shaped dryer ball buddies come in sets of two and are both highly effective and long-lasting.
Their spiky exterior helps them make their way between all your layers and ensure that the clothes come out fluffy and wrinkle-free.
They are a little on the pricier side for plastic tumble dryer balls but leave clothes both soft and clean.
They speed up your drying time considerably as well.
5. Ecozone Dryer Cubes and Tumble Dryer Balls
Material: Plastic
The company that makes Ecozone’s tumble dryer balls is a British company and has been running successfully for more than 30 years.
The dryer balls have been approved as vegan and allergy-friendly and are also approved by Cruelty-Free International.
The company makes it their mission to provide eco-friendly alternatives to similar products from other brands. These dryer balls are made from recyclable plastic.
The balls are designed to reduce hardness and relax the fibers in your clothes, leaving your clothes nice and soft without using any harsh chemicals.
A few users have had issues with the plastic balls melting in their machines, but this doesn’t seem to be a common problem.
6. 8-Natur Tumble Dryer Balls
Material: Wool
8-Natur’s tumble dryer balls are designed to be considerably larger and heavier than similar products, which means that they absorb more moisture and are more successful in loosening the layers in your load of laundry.
These balls are also made of wool, but in this case, they are 100% Merino new wool, which is also from New Zealand and is washed but not bleached.
The balls are firmly felted, effective for up to 1,000 loads, and contain no plastic, synthetics, or fillers.
The pack comes with six large balls, each weighing 320 grams, and each wash should contain three to four balls when it’s a medium load, and four to six balls for a bigger load.
The balls will separate your laundry, speed up drying time, and will absorb static and hair, which can be easily removed from the balls after the wash. They should be stored in a dry and airy place between uses.
How to Choose the Best Tumble Dryer Balls for You
The best way to narrow down the best option for you would be to consider a handful of key things.
Are you environmentally conscious?
If you are trying to lessen your environmental footprint, then the woollen tumble dryer ball options may be the best for you. These tend to be made without any chemicals or bleach, and do not contain any plastic.
The three options to consider if the woollen balls are what you’re looking for are the OrgaWise balls, the KinTor balls, and the 8-Natur balls.
Are you looking for a more affordable option?
If you are hoping to find an equally effective and affordable product then the best option for you would be the Nuoshen dryer balls. They are not only one of the most long-lasting products on the list but are still hypoallergenic and considerably reduce drying time.
Do you prefer to choose from the higher-value items?
If you’re willing to splash out a little more for your tumble dryer balls then the best option for you would be to go for the KinTor or the OrgaWise woollen balls, both of which are over £10.
Both should last for more than 1,000 washes and are aimed at reducing drying time by between 30-40%. They are also hypoallergenic and plastic-free.
Dryer Ball FAQs
How many dryer balls should you use at once?
The number of dryer balls you should use depends on the amount of laundry you are washing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Small load: 2 dryer balls
- Medium load: 4 dryer balls
- Large load: 6 dryer balls
How many times can you use dryer balls?
Manufacturers of wool dryer balls usually say that they can be used about 1000 times, but you might need to ‘recharge’ them every 100 cycles or so.
Plastic and silicone dryer balls should last for hundreds of uses, but they will break or lose their shape eventually.
Do dryer balls replace dryer sheets?
Yes! Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners will no longer be necessary if you start using dryer balls. Dryer balls are a natural and chemical-free alternative to dryer sheets and often prove to be much more affordable in the long run as they don’t have to be replaced very often.
Do dryer balls damage the dryer?
No! Dryer balls are generally soft and are unlikely to cause any damage to your machine, especially the woollen ones. The woollen ones are also known to be silent in your machine and will not make any sounds when they hit the sides, which the plastic ones may.
Using alternatives such as tennis balls could damage the dryer or leave residue on your clothes or in the drum.
Will dryer balls remove pet hair?
Yes! Dryer balls are great at picking up any hair that may have gotten attached to your clothes while you were wearing them. The balls will pull the hair off and absorb it, and you can easily remove the hair from the balls after the cycle.
Can you ‘recharge’ wool dryer balls?
Yes! If your wool dryer balls have begun to feel like they’re not working as efficiently, you can consider washing them in hot water on a gentle cycle before putting them in your tumble dryer to dry on high heat. This helps the wool to regenerate and gives the balls a longer lifespan.
Do wool dryer balls really work?
Yes, wool dryer balls help to reduce static and reduce drying times. They have the added benefits of being environmentally friendly and free from harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
In the end, if we have to narrow it down to just one product to recommend, it would be the OrgaWise Wool Dryer Balls. They are brilliant for reducing any wrinkles and static, as well as preventing fading, absorbing water from the clothes, and picking up any hair in your load.
They are also a great replacement for fabric softener and will leave your clothes soft and light after your dryer cycle, as well as smelling delightful if you add a few drops of essential oil to the balls before use.
All of the options above are of great quality but will differ depending on what you’re looking for. We’re confident that there is something here for everyone!
An adventurous book lover with an animal obsession and a proclivity for travel and spontaneity. Used to passionately despise cleaning but has grown to enjoy it thanks to learning all the best tricks and shortcuts to guaranteeing a stress-free routine and a spotless home.
