Some people can’t imagine laundry day without dryer sheets, some are loyal to reusable dryer balls, and others have never heard of either option. Ever wondered what makes them different and which one to use?
Believe it or not, the dryer sheets vs. dryer balls debate is actually a heated topic in the laundry community. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each to decide which solution is best for you.
Dryer Sheets vs Dryer Balls—What's The Difference?
The Pros and Cons of Dryer Sheets
Single-use dryer sheets are focused on eliminating static, reducing cling, enhancing smell, and increasing clothing softness. And because all you have to do is toss a couple in the dryer, they’re super easy to use.
However, dryer sheets are losing popularity due to some serious drawbacks, including:
Harsh artificial scents that can aggravate skin sensitivities
A chemical residue that reduces towel absorbency and the performance of flame-retardant materials
A sticky coating left behind in your dryer
On the environmental front, dryer sheets are also a bit harder on the planet. They aren’t reusable, so they inevitably end up in landfills.
The Pros and Cons of Dryer Balls
Reusable dryer balls also reduce static and cling, but they offer different advantages than dryer sheets. Dryer balls are useful for:
Helping laundry dry faster by separating garments
Catching lint during the drying cycle
Lasting for hundreds (and sometimes more than 1000) dryer cycles
As for their cons, dryer balls don’t add any extra scents to your clothing and can make dryer cycles even louder than usual.
However, dryer balls get more points for eco-friendliness. They’re reusable and help reduce how long you need to run your dryer.
Should You Use Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls?
If no one in your household is sensitive to scents, dryer sheets are generally safe. Many laundry experts warn against them due to potential garment damage from chemical residues, but if softness is your top priority, stick with dryer sheets!
If you’re all in on eco-friendly laundry and don’t want to risk damaging your clothes, dryer balls are the safer option. They're also better for people with sensitive skin and lint-prone pets.
Worried about sacrificing softness with dryer balls? You can also achieve the same softness as dryer sheets by adding a dash of white vinegar to each dryer load!
Pro-Tip: Although standard dryer balls only cost about $10, you can also DIY your own dryer balls.
Now that you’re up to speed on the dryer sheets vs dryer balls debate, you can tackle laundry day with confidence!
If you need dry cleaning or wash-and-fold services, your local WaveMAX is here to help. Search ‘laundry near me’ to find your closest location, or stop by our Thornton laundromat for fresh, clean, top-of-the-line washers and dryers.
