Has anyone tried the dryer balls?

[Lavandula Canadensis]

That's sounds like an interesting alternative to dryer fabric softener sheets... has anyone tried them... do you find them useful or useless? your feedback and comments would be more than appreciated... :eek:

i don't use anything at all because of allergies... but i would certainly appreciate... my clothes to be a little more soft and fluffy... have less static and spend less drying time... :p

links to websites of 2 of the different brands available:

Quoting "Nellie's Dryer Balls":
• Non-toxic, allergy-free PVC [?] balls soften fabrics without chemicals
• Includes 2 dryer balls, for use with all regular fabrics
• Lift and separate clothes, make the air circulate more efficiently, and dry faster
• Small tips retain heat and massage the clothes' fibers, making them soft and fluffy
• Safe and natural, better for clothes, Baby's nose and eyes, and the dryer's components
http://www.soapnuts.ca/dryerballs.html

"Dryer Balls" does not specify what they're made from:
http://canada.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2272967&cp&kw=dryer+balls&origkw=dryer+balls&sr=1

wiseGEEK says:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-dryer-balls.htm

powerWISE.ca says:
http://www.canada.com/lifestyle/homes/story.html?id=3e91e25f-7ba6-40f8-82a6-b5c71d1234e8

and 2 home tests:
http://kdka.com/seenon/dryer.balls.Does.2.391786.html

[Razzle0]

Yes, I've tried them and love them! I got mine at Bartell's (a drug store kind-of like Rite-Aid) for half the cost of what is listed on the website.

They can break if used too much in one day (i.e., they need time to cool down after a load or two), and eventually wear out but they are much less expensive than dryer sheets and they don't stink.

And they are a great alternative to a tennis ball or shoe when drying sleeping bags, blankets, etc., on air fluff.

I have a ton of chemical sensitivities and allergies, too, and so this dryer ball thing is really cool.

I hope this helps - take care,

-Razzle
Chronic Lyme, Sulfite Sensitivity, Gluten Sensitivity (genetic), Multiple Food/Drug/Chemical/Inhalant Allergies/Intolerances/Sensitivities, etc.

[LKAHMS]

I have used them too.
You can buy them at Walgreen's.
They wear out in about 6-9 months is the only complaint I had and they are loud depending on where your dryer is located.
My parents bought me a set at the State Fair. I have gotten several sets and given them as gifts.
Worth trying them out.
Hope that helps.

[Lavandula Canadensis]

thanks for your feedback,;)
i'd be afraid that the '"Dryer Balls" brand would contain latex or rubber... as they don't say anything on the package or on their website... the other brands are made of 100% PVC plastic... they may last longer... and if they fade w time... where do the fading particules go? do they stick to your damp clothes? or are they too small to be noticed? they may end up in the lint tray as they dry? did you notice any blue particules on your white clothes? :confused:

[Lavandula Canadensis]

Razzle0 & LKAHMS,

i've seen over the weekend that tennis balls are 3/1$ in dollar stores... :confused:
why not use them instead? unless the rubber smells or the fuzz falls/sticks... on clothes... :eek:
do you see any advantage with the dryer balls over the tennis balls?

[Beader]

I use & like the blue balls with the little points sticking out all over. They're hollow & add no smell to the clothes as they dry. They seem to bounce around so much inside the turning dryer that they may well make the clothes & bedding fluffier.

I've never tried tennis balls, but probably have convinced myself that the other ones work better. Tennis balls always make me think of wet dogs, somehow. :D

[Suq]

I haven't tried the balls, but I do use the static eliminator sheets. I got them from natlallergy.com but you can google for other sites. You can wash them(to get the new smell out) and throw them in the dryer ( and we just keep them in the dryer). Once you feel they start to not eliminate static, you just throw them in with your wash again. I loved finding something to use since I do not use fragrance detergents at all and never would use fab. softener. I also use arm and hammer washing soda with the wash to soften the water and extra cleaning power.

[Lavandula Canadensis]

Thank to everyone for your feedback on the dryer balls and on the static eliminator sheets...

while surfing the Environmental Health Association of Ontario (EHO) website today, formerly the Allergy and Environmental Health Association (AEHA):
http://ehaontario.ca/

i followed a link to:
http://www.aeha-quebec.ca/index.shtml

then, i discovered another link to the static eliminator dryer sheets:
http://www.staticeliminator.ca/page/page/363949.htm

personally, i do not feel too too much the need for something like this, but i think i will try them, as well as the dryer balls, as soon as i purchase my new washer and dryer set... i'll see if they're worth their weight ! in gold... :D