The short answer: For small or medium-sized loads, 3 dryer balls should be enough. For larger loads, you may need 4-5 dryer balls to soak up the extra moisture.
Millions of people are making the switch to dryer balls—and for good reasons: they stop static, reduce wrinkles, fluff fabric, and can even shorten drying time to help you cut down on energy costs.
But now that you’re on the dryer ball bandwagon, you’re probably wondering: How many dryer balls am I supposed to use per load?
Don’t worry—you don’t need an advanced math degree to figure that out. In this article, we’ll break down the not-so-secret formula for dryer ball success so your clothes come out fluffy and free from static.
How Many Dryer Balls Do You Need Per Load of Laundry?
The number of dryer balls you need depends on the size of your laundry load. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small/medium loads: 3 dryer balls
- Large loads: 4-5 dryer balls
- Extra-large loads: 6 dryer balls
Small or Medium Loads (5-7 lbs)
For your average laundry day, aim for three dryer balls. This will help maintain proper airflow and prevent clothes from tangling.
Large Loads (8-12 lbs)
If you're tackling a mountain of laundry, don't be shy—toss in four or five dryer balls. This will ensure that every nook and cranny of your dryer is put to good use. They'll help distribute heat evenly, reduce drying time, and leave your clothes feeling softer and less wrinkled.
Extra-Large Loads (13+ lbs)
If you've waited a bit too long between laundry sessions and are dealing with an epic-sized pile, go all in with six dryer balls. This mega-load needs extra help to keep clothes from balling up and making sure everything dries thoroughly.
Bottom line: the bigger the load, the more dryer balls you need.
Why Does the Amount of Dryer Balls Matter?
Dryer balls work by creating separation between the fabric to increase air circulation, absorb moisture, and speed up the drying process.
However, if you don’t use enough dryer balls, your clothes could get tangled in the dryer, especially with large loads. Put simply, less dryer balls means less airflow. This can cause a bunch of problems on laundry day, like:
- Uneven drying, leaving some clothes damp and others bone-dry.
- Premature wear and tear on fabric
- Static cling from friction
- Clumping and tangling
- Increased drying time, which means higher energy costs
Can You Use Too Many Dryer Balls?
Wool dryer balls are safe for most types of fabric, so it’s usually fine to use more than the suggested number of dryer balls per load. However, keep in mind that using extra dryer balls can make your clothes dry faster than normal.
How to Use Wool Dryer Balls
Using dryer balls is dummy proof:
- 1. Open your dryer
- 2. Add your wet clothes
- 3. Toss in three dryer balls (or more if you’re drying a larger load)
- 4. Start the drying cycle
Now all you have to do is sit back and watch those magic balls turn your dryer into a more efficient machine.
Pro tip: Since wool dryer balls can dry your clothes faster, you might need to shorten your dry cycle. Otherwise, your clothes could over-dry or overheat, causing them to wear out faster. If your dryer doesn’t have a sensor that automatically turns it off, make sure to keep an eye on them.
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Can You Use Dryer Balls and Dryer Sheets Together?
Yes, you can definitely use dryer balls and dryer sheets together. In fact, they work like a dynamic duo.
Dryer balls help your laundry dry faster, while dryer sheets infuse luxurious scents and add an extra layer of softness to your fabrics. Not to mention they both fight static and reduce wrinkles.
Just toss them in together and when the dry cycle is done you’ll be able to smell and feel the magic.
Dryer Balls Designed for Performance
If you hit up your good old friend Google, you’ll find plastic dryer balls, rubber dryer balls, and even DIY dryer balls made of yarn. But none of ‘em stack up to Laundry Sauce’s XL wool dryer balls.
These bad boys are handmade with 100% premium New Zealand wool fibers for a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly way to shorten dry time, soften your clothes, and stop static for good. Best of all, they’re durable enough to last for up to 1,000 loads so you can save money on laundry supplies and your energy bill—don’t take our word for it though.
“These wool balls noticeably cut my clothes-drying time in half,” says Geraldine, a proud Sauciety member. “I'll never dry clothes again without them…Can't wait to see how much I save on my energy bill.”
Grab a 6 pack today and see the difference for yourself!
