Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets
Are you tired of standing by your dryer for hours while your laundry dries?
We understand your frustration as it can be tiresome to wait for a long time to dry your clothes. As of 2021, so many gadgets can help you dry your laundry quicker than usual if you don't want to invest in an expensive washing machine and dryer.
If you have heard mixed reviews about dryer sheets and dryer balls and are unsure about the right choice, this article can help you decide.
Let's tell you about the pros and cons of dryer balls and dryer sheets so you can decide which one is the right choice for you.
What are Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets have been available for a long time before dryer balls were introduced. They are thin sheets made of non-woven fabric that you throw in the dryer with the dryer to dry them quickly and -give a nice scent. The sheets are easy to use and disposable, so you don't have to wash or recharge them like dryer balls. However, they also add to pollution due to the accumulation of used dryer sheets that cannot be reused.
How do Dryer Sheets Work?
When you add dryer sheets into the dryer with your clean laundry, they reduce friction between the clothes, automatically cutting down the static cling. Dryer sheets are all scented, so they also give a pleasant fragrance to your clothes while enabling them to dry quickly.
Pros:
Easy to Use
Dryer sheets are incredibly easy to use as you just have to put them in the dryer with your clothes. They spin between the clothes, saving them from clumping and thus reduce the drying time.
Economical
Dryer sheets are readily available in all stores and are not really expensive.
Variety of Options
Dryer sheets are made of the same material, but you can choose your favorite fragrance from a wide variety of options.
Softens Clothes
The softening chemicals in dryer sheets make them a preferred choice, as they eliminate the need to use a fabric softener.
Noiseless
Being made of fabric, dryer sheets do not cause any noise.
Cons:
One-time Use
One of the major reasons people are moving to dryer balls is the durability and environment-friendliness. Dryer sheets are disposable, which makes them a less-preferred option in a bio-friendly era.
Not Bouncy
They are not as bouncy as dryer balls, making them comparatively less efficient in decreasing drying time.
Might Not Suit Sensitive Skin
As dryer sheets use chemicals to soften your clothes and impart a gorgeous fragrance, they might not be the best choice for people who are sensitive to fragrant chemicals.
Final Verdict
Dryer sheets have their set of pros and cons, but they are the right choice for you if you are looking for something to replace your fabric softener. They don't significantly improve drying time but leave your clothes fragrant and soft. Some companies are also working on bio-degradable options, so you may choose those if you wish.
What are Dryer Balls?
Dryer balls are plastic or wool balls that help you dry your laundry faster than dryer sheets or without them. They are being used widely as they are more environmentally friendly can last for up to 5 years. They do not cost a lot but need care and be recharged every 6 months to keep them working perfectly.
Wool dryer balls are more popular as they do not make any noise and are very convenient to use. Made of natural wool, they allow you to add a bit of essential to them and make your clothes fragrant.
Plastic dryer balls, however, are more durable as plastic does not wear off soon. You can buy one and use it for years – if you are not bothered by the slight noise they make.
How do Dryer Balls Work?
Dryer balls work by creating space and improving airflow between the clothes to decrease drying time. They do not let the clothes clump together by bouncing and spinning in the dryer. Dryer Balls decrease drying time to as much as 25% depending on the number of dryer balls and laundry.
Pros
Quick-drying
As already mentioned, they aid in decreasing the drying time, so you don't have to wait forever for our laundry to dry. You can add more balls to your load if you want faster drying.
Reusable
Unlike dryer sheets, you can use dryer balls as many times as you want. However, do not forget to recharge them timely or change over a period.
Durable
Whether wool or plastic, dryer balls are durable and last for as long as 3 to 5 years.
Natural
Wool dryer balls are made of natural material and suitable for baby clothes, and safe if you are sensitive to chemicals.
Chemical-free
They are odorless, which means no chemicals are added to them.
Saves Electricity
Dryer balls are a one-time investment, but they help you save time, effort, and electricity for a long time.
Cons:
Noisy
Plastic dryer balls tend to make a slight noise when thrown into the dryer with clothes.
Need to be Recharged
Dryer balls lose their efficacy over several uses and need to be recharged. To put it simply, you have to wash them before using them to get the best out of them. Was them every 6 months, and you're good to go.
Expensive
They are expensive compared to dryer sheets, but not too expensive considering that you would not have to buy them for the next 3 to 5 years.
Final Verdict
Dryer balls are a preference over dryer sheets if you are looking for efficient drying and chemical-free options. However, you must know if you want to buy plastic or wool dryer balls depending on your requirements.
Read more about Plastic and Wool Dryer Balls (Insert internal link)
Conclusion
Dryer sheets and dryer balls are both popular for soft, fragrant clothes, yet quite different from each other. While dryer sheets are better for people who prefer disposable options, dryer balls are preferred by those who look for natural options. Both have their pros, but you should see cons of which are better for you.
Considering the given pros and cons of both, you can now make the right decision easily.