Wool Dryer Balls

I read about these alternatives to static cling sheets and other items you can put into the dryer to help eliminate static cling, so I went to Amazon and purchased  set of six. Hardly necessary as they seem to almost last forever. In fact some estimates are that they will last a few years depending on how many loads you do, and they are rated for up to a thousand loads (more than I will do in the next 15 years). As a bonus, the description says you can add essential oils to the ball for making clothes smell a bit better.

In order to boost the overall effectiveness of dryers, wool dryer balls reduce drying time, fluff and soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, reduce static cling, are better for your skin, and the environment. A set of 3 is a good start and they will save you between 40% in a small load to 25% in a large load. It increases with the more dryer balls you use. They get in-between the towels and clothing to keep items from sticking together while damp. Some people use tennis balls for the same effect, but they do not last as long.

Consumer reports says that liquids in the wash cycle do better at reducing cling than fabric softener sheets in the dryer. It also debunked the idea that fabric softeners, especially liquids, leave towels far less absorbent.

Incidentally, I tried the plastic dryer balls, but they snagged a few items, so I promptly ditched them. Also, plastic dryer balls will eventually soften and lose their ability to soften and dry clothes. Aluminum balls also reduce static, but are  bit rougher on delicate clothes.