DIY Wool Dryer Balls In 3 EASY Steps!
Tired of buying dryer sheets every month? I was too… especially when I found out they’re not as clean and refreshing as we think.
That’s why I started making my own wool dryer balls, and honestly, they work better than anything I’ve bought at the store.
Acetaldehyde is a chemical compound that the EPA classifies as a ‘probable human carcinogen‘ and that the IARC classifies as a Group 1 human carcinogen is emmited from five leading scented dryer sheet brands.
Wool dryer balls can reduce drying time, soften clothes naturally, and last for over 1,000 loads. Plus, they’re chemical-free and cost just a few dollars to make.
Here’s how to make them in three simple steps.
What You’ll Need
- 100% wool roving (3.5-4 oz) or 100% wool yarn (4-6 skeins)
- Old pantyhose or knee-high socks
- Scissors
- Washing machine and dryer
Important: Make sure your wool is 100% wool and NOT labeled “superwash” or “machine washable” – these won’t felt properly.
Step 1: Make the Balls
Cut 4-6 strips of 12-18 inch section of wool roving.
Wrap it around your fingers 8-10 times, then slide it off and keep winding the wool around this core. If this is challenging for you, I found that tying a knot and holding that when you first begin wrapping can help.
Change directions as you wrap to create a round shape until your ball is about the size of a tennis ball (3-4 inches across).
Tuck the end piece into the ball to secure it. Depending on the length of the wool strips you’ve cut, you should have 4-6 balls total – you’ll use multiple balls per load.
Step 2: First Felting
Place each wool ball inside a section of pantyhose, tying knots between each ball so they stay separate.
Wash the pantyhose-wrapped balls in hot water with regular detergent. You can wash them with your regular laundry or by themselves.
Lastly, dry them on high heat for a full cycle. This can also be done with regular laundry.
Step 3: Final Felting
Remove the balls from the pantyhose. They should feel firmer and look slightly fuzzy. Your balls are ready when they feel firm and hold their shape well.
If they still feel soft or you see loose ends, repeat the wash and dry cycle once more. For extra durability, do a second round without the pantyhose.
How to Use Them
- Small loads: 3-4 balls
- Medium loads: 5-6 balls
- Large loads: 6-8 balls
Just toss them in the dryer with your wet clothes. Remove them when drying delicate items or anything with embellishments.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning: Wash your dryer balls every 100 loads or when they get linty. Just throw them in with a hot water load.
Lifespan: Well-made wool dryer balls last 2-4 years or about 1,000 loads.
Storage: Keep them in a dry place between uses.
Making wool dryer balls takes about 30 minutes of active work (plus washing and drying time). Once you make them, you’re set for years of softer clothes and shorter drying times.
I haven’t bought dryer sheets in over two years, and my clothes come out just as soft… if not softer. Give this eco-friendly laundry hack a try and let us know what you think!
