How Many Dryer Balls Per Load? (Explained)

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Figuring out how many dryer balls to use per load is tricky if this is your first time using them. In this article, you’ll learn more about the quantity of dryer balls needed, including how many times you can use them.

Dryer Balls (Wool)
Wool Dryer Balls - XL Natural...
Dryer Balls (Plastic)
Whitmor Dryer Balls - Eco Friendly...
Dryer Balls (Wool)
Wool Dryer Balls - XL Natural...
Dryer Balls (Plastic)
Whitmor Dryer Balls - Eco Friendly...

How many dryer balls per load?

The number of dryer balls you use should be determined by the size of the laundry load you are drying. These are just general guidelines. The more dryer balls you use, the shorter time it will take to dry your laundry. 

  • For small loads, 2 dryer balls should be enough.
  • For medium loads, use 4 dryer balls.
  • For large loads, use 6 dryer balls.
  • For extra large loads, use between 8 to 12 dryer balls.

That being said, you should avoid stuffing your machine with too much laundry. Dryer balls work best when they have room to roam around, so work with small to medium loads, not extra large loads.

Can you use too many dryer balls?

Please don’t use too many dryer balls. They work best with small to medium loads, so they have room to roam around. If you use too many dryer balls, they won’t be able to bounce off clothes and won’t help separate clothes in the dryer, which means the air cannot flow freely to effectively dry your clothes.

That being said, never use less than 2 dryer balls. On average, 3 dryer balls work great for most laundry loads, but you can use 6, for larger loads. The more balls you use, the less time your laundry takes to dry.

How many dryer balls is too many?

For small to medium loads, 6 dryer balls is too many. Two is plenty for small loads while four is plenty for medium loads. For large loads, 12 dryer balls is too many. Six to ten is plenty for large loads.

Is one dryer ball enough?

Generally, one dryer ball is not enough. Most manufacturers recommend using 2 to 8 balls depending on the size of the load. In fact, a majority of dryer balls are sold in packages of 3, which is the average amount needed for most loads of laundry, from small to large.

Can you use dryer balls more than once?

You can use both wool and plastic/rubber dryer balls more than once. In fact, many people love dryer balls because they are reusable. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are single-use products.

How many times can you use dryer balls?

Wool dryer balls can last over 1,000 washes, or about 2 to 4 years. On the other hand, plastic and rubber dryer balls are much more durable and can last well over 10 years assuming you do laundry twice a week.

Two types of dryer balls

Dryer Balls (Wool)
Wool Dryer Balls - XL Natural...
Dryer Balls (Plastic)
Whitmor Dryer Balls - Eco Friendly...
Dryer Balls (Wool)
Wool Dryer Balls - XL Natural...
Dryer Balls (Plastic)
Whitmor Dryer Balls - Eco Friendly...

1. Wool dryer balls

Wool dryer balls are natural and environmentally friendly because the material is biodegradable. Not only are they quiet when bouncing around in the dryer, but wool dryer balls can also help absorb moisture from fabric.

2. Plastic and rubber dryer balls

Plastic and rubber dryer balls are often equipped with bumpy spikes. They are designed to move and tug fabric, opening up the clothes further and separating the layers as they bounce around.

Compared to wool dryer balls, plastic and rubber dryer balls are more durable. Many people choose plastic and rubber dryer balls to avoid the possible shedding of the wool fibers.

Key takeaways

Now you know how many dryer balls to use per load. Once you are finished, store the dyer balls in a well-ventilated area so they do not pick up odors or retain moisture. Do not store them in a plastic bag.

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