It might seem harmless—just tossing a load of laundry into the machine and hitting start—but tucked inside that spin cycle is a quiet contributor to one of the biggest pollution problems we rarely see: microfibers.
These tiny threads, often shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester (which appear in everything from activewear to dryer sheets), don’t disappear after a wash. Many slips through wastewater treatment systems during laundering and eventually enter rivers, oceans, and even farmland when treated sludge is used as fertilizer. And those polyester dryer sheets? They add to the problem in a different way—by coating clothes with synthetic chemicals and shedding microplastics into the air during drying.
Synthetic textiles are one of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution, responsible for nearly 35% of the microplastics in our oceans. A single load of laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers. Between 1950 and 2016, 5.6 million metric tons of synthetic microfibers were estimated to be released into the environment through clothes washing. That’s like dumping over 28 billion T-shirts into nature.1
What’s the eco-friendly way to soften clothes without contributing to pollution? Try wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
What Do Dryer Balls Do?
Dryer balls may seem simple, but they work wonders to make your laundry routine more efficient and eco-friendly. When added to the dryer, they tumble around with your clothes, creating gaps that allow warm air to circulate more effectively. This boosts drying efficiency, reducing both drying time and energy consumption. The result? Lower utility bills, softer clothes straight from the dryer, and a smaller environmental footprint from your appliances.
Now, not all dryer balls are created equal. If you aim for a low-waste, microplastic-free laundry routine, wool dryer balls are the way to go. Unlike plastic or synthetic options, wool dryer balls are made from natural fibers that won’t shed harmful microplastics into your home or the environment.
Wool dryer balls also double as natural fabric softeners. As they bounce around, wool dryer balls gently fluff your clothes, helping to reduce static and soften fabric—all without the synthetic fragrances and questionable chemicals found in many dryer sheets. So, if you’re looking for a more sustainable, plastic-free swap that actually works, wool dryer balls are the better choice for both your laundry and the planet.
How They Help Reduce Microplastics
Here’s where dryer balls shine in the battle against microplastic pollution. Unlike dryer sheets, which are made of synthetic materials that shed tiny plastic fibers into the air and onto your clothes, dryer balls are typically made from natural materials like wool. These natural dryer balls don’t shed any synthetic fibers as they tumble in the dryer. You won’t release more microplastics into your laundry, home, or environment.
Using dryer balls can help prevent the shedding of microplastics that typically come from synthetic fabrics. When clothes are tumble-dried with dryer balls, they create less friction, which helps reduce the number of microfibers that break off during the drying process. So, dryer balls are a more sustainable alternative to dryer sheets and help keep those harmful microplastics from finding their way into your laundry and out into the world.
Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets: Key Differences
What’s Inside Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets are typically made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, which are often coated with fragrances and chemicals. These synthetic materials can shed microplastics during drying, adding to the pollution in our air and water. On the other hand, dryer balls are crafted from natural materials like wool or rubber, offering a plastic-free, chemical-free alternative.
The Environmental Toll of Dryer Sheets
One of the major environmental concerns with dryer sheets is their contribution to microplastic pollution. Each use releases synthetic fibers that can end up in the air, your clothes, and eventually our waterways, harming marine life and ecosystems. Dryer balls, however, have a minimal environmental footprint. They are reusable, which helps reduce waste, and since they’re made from natural, biodegradable materials, they don’t shed microplastics or release harmful chemicals.
Effectiveness and Performance: Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets
When it comes to softening clothes and speeding up drying time, both dryer sheets and dryer balls get the job done—but how they work (and what they leave behind) makes all the difference.
Softening Power Without Chemicals
Dryer sheets coat fabrics with synthetic softeners to reduce static and create that smooth, soft feel. In contrast, wool dryer balls provide chemical-free softening by bouncing around the dryer, physically separating fabrics to fluff them naturally. This mechanical action is gentle on fabric integrity and doesn’t leave behind any chemical residue.
Reducing Static and Removing Lint or Pet Hair
Dryer balls help reduce static by minimizing friction and increasing airflow. They’re especially useful for those who prefer fragrance-free or hypoallergenic laundry routines. While dryer sheets can also reduce static, they often rely on artificial additives and may leave a waxy film on clothes.
For homes with pets, dryer balls can help remove pet hair by loosening fur during tumbling. Adding more balls (or a damp washcloth) can boost this effect. Some people still prefer dryer sheets for lint reduction, but the plastic-free tradeoff with wool balls often outweighs it for those focused on sustainability.
Drying Time and Energy Efficiency
Wool dryer balls improve air circulation in the dryer, leading to shorter drying time—typically 20–40% faster, depending on load size. That translates directly into energy efficiency, which lowers utility bills and reduces the carbon footprint. Dryer sheets don’t offer this benefit.
Scent Options
Dryer sheets come pre-scented with synthetic fragrance blends, which can linger on clothes and contribute to indoor air pollution. With dryer balls, you have full control—use them as-is for a scent-free load or add a few drops of essential oil for a light, natural fragrance.
Reusable vs. Single-Use
Dryer sheets are single-use and must be replaced with every load, adding to landfill waste and increasing the ongoing cost. Wool dryer balls are reusable for up to 1,000 loads, making them a better long-term option for your wallet and the environment.
The Cost of Convenience
While dryer sheets need to be replaced after every load, adding to the ongoing cost and waste, dryer balls are a long-term investment. A single set of dryer balls can last for years, making them a more sustainable option in the long run. Since they are reusable and free from plastic, they also help reduce landfill waste.
Health and Safety Considerations: What’s Lurking in Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets might leave laundry feeling soft and smelling fresh, but they come with hidden risks. Most are made with synthetic materials like polyester or PVC and are coated in artificial fragrances and softeners. When exposed to heat in the dryer, these coatings can release chemical emissionsinto your home, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Some of the chemicals commonly found in dryer sheets include:
- Benzyl acetate – linked to irritation of the respiratory system
- Benzyl alcohol – known to irritate the skin and eyes
- Chloroform – a suspected carcinogen that can also depress the central nervous system
- Dichlorobenzene – associated with liver and kidney damage and often used as a solvent
- Methylisothiazolinone – a preservative that may cause skin allergies and contact dermatitis
- Synthetic fragrances – made from undisclosed chemical blends, many of which can trigger headaches, asthma, or skin sensitivities
These synthetic chemicals don’t just vanish after the drying cycle. They linger on your clothes, mix into your indoor air, and can be particularly irritating for anyone with sensitive skin, allergies, or asthma. And since dryer sheets are single-use, the exposure builds up with every load.
Wool dryer balls offer a safer, cleaner option. They’re made from natural fibers without added chemicals or fragrances. That means no VOCs, no chemical emissions, and nothing left behind but soft, static-free clothes. They’re especially helpful for households trying to avoid synthetic ingredients and protect sensitive skin—without sacrificing laundry performance.
Where to Buy Dryer Balls
Ready to switch to wool dryer balls? Finding the right ones for your laundry routine is easy! In this section, we’ll explore some of the best places to buy high-quality, eco-friendly dryer balls so you can start reducing microplastics and energy use with every load.
Friendsheep’s Eco Dryer Balls
I absolutely love the clever name and how cute Friendsheep’s dryer balls are! These handmade gems are crafted from 100% premium New Zealand wool, offering a charming and eco-friendly alternative to disposable dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners. They naturally soften and fluff your laundry, cut drying time by 20% to 40%, reduce wrinkles and static cling, and last for over 1,000 loads. Plus, they’re as adorable as they are effective!
Crafted in Nepal under fair trade conditions, Friendsheep ensures ethical production practices and supports artisans with fair wages. Additionally, for every item sold, the company plants a tree, with the goal of planting one million trees by 2025.
Smart Sheep
If you’re looking for a natural, effective, and budget-friendly way to ditch the synthetic stuff in your laundry routine, Smart Sheep has you covered. Their 100% wool dryer balls are lovingly handmade from premium New Zealand wool, designed to replace those single-use dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners—without any artificial fragrances or chemical residue. It’s an easy, eco-friendly swap that your laundry (and the planet) will thank you for!
They naturally soften clothes, reduce wrinkles, and help cut drying time by up to 25%, which can translate into actual energy savings over time. Each ball lasts over 1,000 loads, making it a durable choice for anyone looking to reduce waste in the laundry room.
Smart Sheep’s commitment goes beyond clean laundry. Their dryer balls are handmade in Nepal through fair trade practices, providing meaningful employment to women in underserved communities. Once the products arrive in the U.S., they’re inspected and packaged by mothers working flexible hours—supporting families and work-life balance on both ends of the production line.
Nellie’s Flyerballs
Nellie’s Flyerballs are a delightful twist on traditional wool dryer balls, combining functionality with a touch of whimsy. Crafted from 100% pure New Zealand wool, these dryer balls are designed to naturally soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, and decrease drying time without the use of chemicals.
What sets the Flyerballs apart is their unique design. Each ball is adorned with felted wings, allowing them to “fly” through your dryer, effectively separating fabrics and minimizing static cling. This innovative feature enhances air circulation, leading to more efficient drying cycles.
Nellie’s emphasizes that their dryer balls are made from humanely harvested wool, aligning with their dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Dirty Labs
Dirty Labs’ 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls offer an eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets. They naturally soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, and shorten drying time by improving air circulation in the drum. Made from responsibly sourced, RWS-certified wool, they’re nontoxic, biodegradable, and free of added dyes, fragrances, and synthetic chemicals.
Dirty Labs emphasizes sustainability not only through their product materials but also in their packaging. The dryer balls come in recyclable packaging, aligning with the company’s dedication to reducing environmental impact.
Handy Laundry Sheep Tumble Dryer Wool Balls
Handy Laundry’s Wool Dryer Balls present a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners. Crafted from 100% premium New Zealand wool, these dryer balls are designed to soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, and decrease drying time. By gently tumbling with your laundry, they help separate clothes, enhancing air circulation and leading to more efficient drying cycles.
How to Use Dryer Balls
Just toss ’em in with your laundry and let them do their thing! As they bounce around, dryer balls help separate your clothes, which boosts airflow and cuts down drying time—hello energy savings. Bonus: they naturally reduce wrinkles and static, so your laundry comes out soft, fluffy, and chemical-free. No effort, no fuss, just better laundry.
How Many Dryer Balls Per Load
For optimal performance, use 3 to 6 dryer balls per load. Smaller loads work well with 3 dryer balls, while larger or bulkier items like towels or bedding benefit from using more. The increased number of dryer balls helps separate fabrics more effectively, improving airflow, reducing drying time, and ensuring that clothes dry evenly.
How Long Do Dryer Balls Last
Dryer balls aren’t just a one-hit wonder—they’re in it for the long haul. Wool ones can last for around 1,000 loads. With a little care, they’ll keep your laundry routine eco-friendly for years. Just keep an eye out for signs of wear, but otherwise, toss and tumble away.
How to Clean Dryer Balls
Cleaning your dryer balls is straightforward. For wool dryer balls, toss them in the washing machine inside a mesh bag or wash them by hand. After washing, let them air dry. Regular cleaning ensures they continue to work effectively and stay in top shape.
How to Dispose of Wool Dryer Balls
Compost Them (Yes, really!)
If your wool dryer balls are 100% natural wool and haven’t been treated with synthetic fragrances or chemicals, they’re compostable. Simply cut them up into smaller pieces (this helps them break down faster) and toss them into your home compost bin. They’ll eventually return to the earth.
Repurpose Around the House
Old dryer balls still have plenty of life outside the laundry room. You can:
- Use them as natural air fresheners—just add a few drops of essential oil and tuck them into drawers or closets.
- Add them to your pet’s toy stash (if they’re not too chewed up).
- Use them as stuffing for homemade pillows or crafts.
Use Them in the Garden
Got old wool dryer balls past their prime? Don’t toss them—repurpose them! Cut them up and use the pieces to line the bottom of plant pots. They help improve drainage while still holding onto a bit of moisture, giving your plant roots a happy, balanced environment. Over time, the wool naturally breaks down in the soil and can even add a touch of nitrogen, giving your plants a slow-release nutrient boost. It’s like compost with a side hustle!
Recycle as a Last Resort
Recycling isn’t the most sustainable path here, but it’s better than sending them straight to the landfill. Regarding sustainability, the goal is always to reduce waste at every step—and even our laundry tools deserve a thoughtful sendoff.
DIY and Natural Alternatives to Dryer Sheets
Want to skip store-bought solutions altogether? There are simple, effective DIY options and natural swaps that can soften your clothes, reduce static, and keep synthetic chemicals out of your laundry routine.
DIY Essential Oil Dryer Sheets
If you’re not quite ready to commit to wool dryer balls, you can make your own reusable dryer sheets with items you already have at home.
You’ll need:
- Small squares of cotton fabric or old T-shirts
- A jar with a lid
- ½ cup vinegar
- 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)
How to use:
Mix the vinegar and essential oil in the jar, then soak the fabric squares. Wring one out and toss it in with your laundry. These DIY sheets are compostable, fragrance-free (unless you add essential oils), and safe for most sensitive skin types.
Natural Fabric Softener Alternatives
- Vinegar rinse: Add ¼ to ½ cups of white vinegar to your washer’s fabric softener compartment. Vinegar naturally softens fabrics and helps remove detergent residue.
- Baking soda boost: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda during the wash cycle to soften fabrics and reduce odor.
- Line drying synthetics: Air drying synthetic fabrics instead of tumble drying can reduce static cling and prevent microfiber shedding.
Laundry Detergent & Bleach Alternatives
If you’re trying to clean up your entire laundry routine:
- Look for fragrance-free products with naturally derived ingredients
- Try human-safe bleach alternatives like hydrogen peroxide or oxygen boosters
- Skip unnecessary chemicals with DIY laundry stripping methods (using washing soda, borax, and detergent) to refresh old clothes naturally
Scent Boosters, Naturally
Want a fresh scent without synthetic fragrance? Just add a few drops of essential oil to your wool dryer balls or reusable fabric squares before tossing them in the dryer. Lavender, orange, tea tree, and peppermint are all popular, refreshing choices.
This Has Been About Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets
Laundry might not seem like a source of plastic pollution, but those tiny choices—like using dryer sheets—add up. Swapping them out for wool dryer balls is an easy, effective way to reduce microplastics, save energy, and skip unnecessary chemicals.
Pair that with a few mindful laundry habits—like washing less often, using a microfiber filter, or choosing natural fabrics—and you’re making a real difference.
Want to take your laundry routine even further? Check out my guide to eco-friendly laundry detergent for another simple swap that supports a cleaner home and planet.
References
- Ocean Conservancy. (2024, June). Fibers to filters: A toolkit for microfiber solutions. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/take-deep-dive/fiberstofilters/ ↩︎
