How Often to Replace Dryer Balls and the 3 Simple Tricks to Recharge Them

Making the switch from dryer sheets to dryer balls is a wise choice, not just for your wallet but also for the environment. Wool dryer balls can help your clothes dry faster, using less energy and, therefore, resulting in a lower electricity bill. Plus, unlike sheets, they’re reusable, so you don’t have to replace them continually.

While they last a reasonably long time, dryer balls aren’t designed to perform forever. But how do you know when they’ve reached the end of their life cycle—and can you extend it? We'll let you in on our laundry secrets, including how to "recharge" or refresh your dryer balls. Whatever type of dryer balls you choose to use, learn how to get the most out of this sustainable laundry solution. 

How Long Do Dryer Balls Last?

Several factors can impact the effectiveness of dryer balls, including the material they’re made of and the frequency of laundry in your household. Generally, dryer balls are designed to last approximately 1,000 loads. According to Energy Star, the average American family washes approximately 300 loads of laundry annually. Even if you use the dryer for every single load, dryer balls will still last for years. In our opinion, that’s certainly worth the small investment for a set of them. Here's what to know about each type.

Wool Dryer Balls: Felt wool dryer balls tend to be the most popular option, and for good reason. Their organic material makes them zero-waste products, and they tend to tackle static better and last longer than synthetic dryer balls. You’ll know it’s time to replace them when you notice the wool starting to shed or peel away from the ball. Additionally, the ball itself will become significantly misshapen to the point that using one of the recharging methods below can’t reverse it.

Plastic or Rubber Dryer Balls: While they’re still a more sustainable option than one-time-use dryer sheets, plastic or rubber dryer balls might only last a year or two (as opposed to over three years for the wool kind). Also, they’re less biodegradable or natural than wool and are usually noisier when they tumble around in the dryer. Some people still opt for these if they, or anyone else in the house, has a wool allergy or is sensitive to it. It can be harder to tell when these need to be replaced, but you can keep your eyes out for cracks in the material or if you notice your clothing or linens are taking longer to dry.

Velcro Dryer Balls: These are more commonly known as pet hair remover balls and are made of plastic with a nylon velcro surface. These, usually more petite dryer balls, are not meant to speed up the drying process but rather keep items lint-free by trapping pet hair. They last about as long as other synthetic dryer balls, and you’ll know they’ve run their course when the velcro begins to wear down, and your clothes show more hair than usual.

How to Recharge Dryer Balls

The only type of dryer balls that can be recharged are those made of wool. Although you can physically remove hair and debris from the pet hair removers (try cleaning them with a toothbrush!) to increase their effectiveness over time, there’s not much you can do to extend the lifespan of plastic or rubber dryer balls. This is something to consider when selecting the type for your laundry room.

There are several ways to recharge wool dryer balls, ensuring they remain effective and last as long as possible. Doing so will remove detergent residue, soften them, and refresh their natural oils. Try one of the following methods and repeat every other month or as needed, when the balls begin to look lumpy and matted.

Method 1: Clean Dryer Balls

Start by carefully removing pilling from the balls with a lint roller or, better yet, a fabric shaver. Toss the dryer balls into the washing machine (they can be loose or contained in a mesh laundry bag) and skip the detergent. Run a gentle or delicate cycle and use hot water to thoroughly clean any lingering lint. You can let them air dry or pop them in the dryer on high heat, which will firm up the fibers.

Method 2: Boil Dryer Balls

As with the last technique, remove as much lint as possible first. Then, add the dryer balls to a large pot filled with water on the stove. Bring it to a boil, then turn the burner off and allow the balls to soak. Once the water has completely cooled, remove the balls, reshape them with your hands, and either air-dry or run them through the dryer to refresh.

Method 3: Leave Dryer Balls in the Sun

Manually remove lint and set the balls outside in direct sunlight for the day. The sun has natural disinfecting properties and can also help remove any dark spots that appear on light-colored dryer balls.