DIY Low Waste Wool Dryer Laundry Balls

Dryer balls have become a popular replacement for dryer sheets which is a step in the right direction. Traditional dryer sheets are single-use and don’t decompose since they are made out of plastic. Learn how to easily make your own wool dryer balls with this step-by-step picture tutorial.

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How to make your own wool dryer balls

Time: 20 minutes (+ felting time)

Difficulty: Easy

Materials

• 2-3 100% wool skeins
• Crochet needle or hook
• Leg of an old pantyhose
• Scrap acrylic yarn

It is very important that you purchase 100% wool! If not, the yarn will not felt properly and you will have simply washed some balls of yarn. Look at the tag carefully to see. I used two skeins of Patons classic worsted wool* in the color Heath Heather.

Directions

1. Wrap the end of the thread around two fingers a couple of times before wrapping the yarn around the middle. This will start the ball.

2. Continue wrapping the yarn around itself, until the entire skein has been used.

This is the time-consuming part but it’s a pretty mindless task. Watch a movie or listen to a podcast while you wrap.

3. With a crochet needle (or similar instrument such as a crochet hook, knitting needle, fork, chopstick, etc.), thread the end of the yarn through the ball of yarn.

4. Place the balls of yarn into a stocking foot and tieing with a bit of acrylic yarn to separate.

Make sure the balls are tightly secured. Using acrylic yarn or other bits of string works well because it will not felt.

5. Wash the stocking containing the wool balls in the washing machine or sink on the hottest possible setting.

You can wash other things, like towels, along with the balls. Wash for thirty minutes or more to make sure they are completed felted.

6. After they dry, store them in near your dryer to easily throw them in with any load!

And that’s it!

How to use wool dryer balls

To use, simply throw them in with wet wash in your drying machine. Use 3 balls for a normal load of laundry, and up to 6 for a large load.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil onto each dryer ball to add a fresh scent to your laundry. I use lemon or lavender! You can also make your own blend. I store my essential oils in this amber dropper bottle* which works great for all oils.

Why You Should Switch to Wool Dryer Balls

• Reduces drying time which saves time and energy
• Completely natural and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or toxins
• They last for thousands of loads of laundry
• Gets rid of static and wrinkles while softening clothes
• Hypoallergenic and can be used with all types of fabric
• Super inexpensive to make yourself
• Customize your own fragrance by adding a few drops of essential oil onto your wool balls before drying
• Replaces dryer sheets and fabric softener both of which are full of chemicals

Hanging your clothes is the most sustainable and energy-efficient way to dry your wash. The reality is that it’s not always possible to do so if you have a small space or a large family.

While I lived in Spain, I had to hang dry all of my clothes. As long as the temperate is above freezing (32F or 0C) your clothes will dry. It may take some time but the water will evaporate. But, since, I live in a place where the temperature in the winter is routinely below freezing, having a dryer is something my family uses.

What a cost-effective, simple, and sustainable DIY project. My favorite kind of craft! These also make great gifts. Add a bottle of essential oil and a cute basket and it’s an eco-friendly and useful gift. Have you heard of wool dryer balls before or do you use them at home?

Happy Making-

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