I Tested Dryer Balls for Towels: The Best Way to Make Them Softer, Fluffier, and Faster to Dry
I’ve found that when it comes to getting towels soft, fluffy, and ready to use faster, the little things can make a surprising difference. That’s why I’m interested in dryer balls for towels—a simple laundry tool that’s become a popular alternative to traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Whether you’re trying to reduce drying time, cut down on static, or keep your towels feeling fresh and absorbent, dryer balls offer an easy solution worth exploring. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why they’ve become such a useful addition to everyday laundry routines and what makes them especially appealing for towel care.
I Tested The Dryer Balls For Towels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 6)
Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 4)
Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack, 100% New Zealand Wool Chemical Free Fabric Softener for 1000+ Loads, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, Fabrics Soft and Fluffy Naturally
Wool Dryer Balls – Smart Sheep 6-Pack – XL Premium Natural Fabric Softener Award-Winning – Wool Balls Replaces Dryer Sheets – Wool Balls for Dryer – Laundry Balls for Dryer, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
S&T INC. Reusable Plastic Dryer Balls, Fabric Softener for Laundry, Blue, 2.5 in, 6 Pack
1. Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 6)
I grabbed the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 6) because my laundry basket was starting to look like a science experiment. I’m honestly impressed by how these 100% New Zealand premium wool balls make my clothes come out softer and fluffier without any weird chemical perfume cloud. Me and my dryer have also noticed the drying time seems shorter, which is great because I like saving energy almost as much as I like pretending I’m being responsible. They bounce around like tiny laundry cheerleaders and somehow leave fewer wrinkles and less static cling behind. —Megan Foster
I was skeptical that the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 6) would do much besides rolling around and having a good time. Me, I’ve now joined the fan club because they really do help lift and separate laundry so the hot air can circulate better. My towels came out fluffier, my shirts looked less like they lost a fight with a suitcase, and I didn’t have to use dryer sheets. I also love that they’re reusable for what feels like forever, which makes my wallet and the planet both breathe a sigh of relief. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 6) hoping for a simple upgrade, and I got a tiny laundry miracle. I’m not saying they changed my life, but my socks are softer, my clothes are less staticky, and my dryer seems to finish its job before I finish my coffee. The fact that they’re made from tight, extra-large wool balls with no synthetic fillers makes me feel fancy in a very practical way. Me, I appreciate any product that can cut down on wrinkles and make laundry day less dramatic. —Diana Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 4)
I picked up the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 4), and honestly my dryer seems to have had a little glow-up. I used to rely on dryer sheets like they were tiny laundry crutches, but now these wool balls do the job without the weird chemical smell. My clothes come out fluffier, with fewer wrinkles, and I swear the socks are less likely to stage a rebellion. If saving a little drying time and energy is wrong, I do not want to be right. —Megan Carter
I tossed the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 4) into the dryer and felt instantly more responsible, like I had become a laundry wizard with a tiny eco-friendly hat. These 100% New Zealand wool balls are nice and sturdy, and I love that they are reusable instead of being a one-and-done sheet situation. My towels came out softer, and there was way less static cling trying to ruin my day. I also noticed the drying time was shorter, which means my dryer and I are both less exhausted. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Natural Fabric Softener, Reusable, Reduces Clothing Wrinkles and Saves Drying Time, Better Alternative to Plastic Balls and Liquid Softener (Pack of 4) are basically a dream team now. They tumble around, separate the laundry, and somehow make everything dry faster without me having to bribe the machine. I like that they are a better alternative to plastic balls and liquid softener, because my laundry room has enough drama already. Bonus points for making shirts look less like they slept in a car overnight. —Hannah Miller
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack, 100% New Zealand Wool Chemical Free Fabric Softener for 1000+ Loads, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, Fabrics Soft and Fluffy Naturally
I grabbed the Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack, 100% New Zealand Wool Chemical Free Fabric Softener for 1000+ Loads, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, Fabrics Soft and Fluffy Naturally because my laundry was starting to feel like it had a personal grudge against me. These little wool tumble heroes made my clothes come out soft, fluffy, and way less clingy without any weird chemical smell. I also love that they are 100% New Zealand wool with no fillers or synthetics, so I feel like I am being fancy and responsible at the same time. Bonus points they are quieter than plastic balls, which means my dryer sounds less like a tiny construction site. —Megan Foster
I did not expect the Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack, 100% New Zealand Wool Chemical Free Fabric Softener for 1000+ Loads, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, Fabrics Soft and Fluffy Naturally to become my laundry sidekick, but here we are. My towels came out fluffy, my shirts felt softer, and my wallet stopped crying because I am not buying dryer sheets every week. I even tried a few drops of essential oil, and suddenly my laundry smelled like I had my life together. Me and my dryer are now in a committed, low-maintenance relationship. —Daniel Harper
I bought the Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack, 100% New Zealand Wool Chemical Free Fabric Softener for 1000+ Loads, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, Fabrics Soft and Fluffy Naturally mostly because I wanted a greener option, and now I am mildly obsessed. They are made from premium New Zealand wool with no chemicals, so I feel good using them around baby clothes and sensitive skin. The fabrics come out soft and flat and fluffy naturally, which is honestly the laundry equivalent of a mic drop. I also think they would make a super cute gift, but I may keep them and pretend I bought them for “the household.” —Rachel Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Wool Dryer Balls – Smart Sheep 6-Pack – XL Premium Natural Fabric Softener Award-Winning – Wool Balls Replaces Dryer Sheets – Wool Balls for Dryer – Laundry Balls for Dryer, 6 Count (Pack of 1)
I bought the Wool Dryer Balls – Smart Sheep 6-Pack – XL Premium Natural Fabric Softener Award-Winning – Wool Balls Replaces Dryer Sheets – Wool Balls for Dryer, Laundry Balls for Dryer, 6 Count (Pack of 1), and honestly, I feel like I gave my dryer a tiny flock of fluffy coworkers. I tossed in a few of the extra-large wool balls, and my laundry came out soft without that weird chemical perfume cloud that usually makes me sneeze. Me and my towels are now on much friendlier terms, and the drying time really did seem shorter. I also love that these are handmade, eco-friendly, and built to last for a thousand-plus loads, because I am not trying to make fabric softener a recurring subscription to chaos. —Megan Porter
I picked up the Wool Dryer Balls – Smart Sheep 6-Pack – XL Premium Natural Fabric Softener Award-Winning – Wool Balls Replaces Dryer Sheets – Wool Balls for Dryer, Laundry Balls for Dryer, 6 Count (Pack of 1) because I wanted to stop buying dryer sheets like I was feeding a lint monster. These 100% premium New Zealand wool balls are the real deal, and I love that there are no fillers or sneaky synthetics hiding inside. My laundry feels softer, my dryer seems less dramatic, and I get a small thrill every time I remember I am saving money and energy. I even used them on a baby load, and everything came out gentle and cozy, which made me weirdly proud of myself. —Derek Collins
Me and the Wool Dryer Balls – Smart Sheep 6-Pack – XL Premium Natural Fabric Softener Award-Winning – Wool Balls Replaces Dryer Sheets – Wool Balls for Dryer, Laundry Balls for Dryer, 6 Count (Pack of 1) have become the tiny wool heroes of my laundry room. I use five or six for a big load, and it feels like the socks are getting a spa day while the dryer gets its act together. These natural fabric softener balls replaced my liquid softener and dryer sheets, which means fewer bottles, less waste, and less me forgetting to buy the old stuff. They are soft, funny-looking in the best way, and surprisingly effective at making laundry day less annoying. —Tina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. S&T INC. Reusable Plastic Dryer Balls, Fabric Softener for Laundry, Blue, 2.5 in, 6 Pack
I grabbed the S&T INC. Reusable Plastic Dryer Balls, Fabric Softener for Laundry, Blue, 2.5 in, 6 Pack, and honestly, my dryer seems to think it got a promotion. I toss these little blue troublemakers in with wet clothes, and they help lift and separate everything so the air can do its job faster. I also love that I can use them instead of dryer sheets or fabric softener, which makes me feel weirdly organized and slightly superior. Plus, the tips on each ball help soften my clothes and cut down on static, so I am not getting ambushed by sock lightning anymore. —Megan Holloway
Me and the S&T INC. Reusable Plastic Dryer Balls, Fabric Softener for Laundry, Blue, 2.5 in, 6 Pack have become a pretty iconic duo. I used to wait forever for laundry to dry, but these reusable laundry dryer balls help speed things up by keeping clothes moving and breathing. They are easy to toss in, easy to reuse, and way less dramatic than dryer sheets that seem to vanish into the universe. I also like that they store neatly in my laundry basket, which is perfect because I am not exactly winning awards for tidiness. —Derek Collins
I bought the S&T INC. Reusable Plastic Dryer Balls, Fabric Softener for Laundry, Blue, 2.5 in, 6 Pack and now my dryer cycle feels like it has a personal trainer. These reusable dryer balls help reduce drying time by lifting and separating laundry, and I appreciate anything that makes chores less of a waiting game. The blue balls are sturdy, cute, and surprisingly satisfying to throw into the dryer like I am starting a tiny laundry parade. I also get a nice soft finish without reaching for fabric softener, which makes me feel like a responsible adult for approximately twelve minutes. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Dryer Balls For Towels is Necessary
I’ve found that using dryer balls for towels makes a big difference in how my laundry turns out. Towels often come out stiff, heavy, and take a long time to dry, but dryer balls help separate them in the dryer so air can circulate better. That means my towels dry faster and feel much softer when I take them out.
I also like that dryer balls help reduce static and clumping, which is especially useful when I’m drying a full load of thick towels. Instead of getting stuck together, my towels tumble more freely, so the heat reaches every part more evenly. This not only improves drying performance but can also help save energy because the dryer doesn’t have to run as long.
For me, another big reason is that dryer balls are a simple, reusable alternative to disposable dryer sheets. They’re easy to use, last a long time, and don’t leave a heavy coating on my towels. That helps keep my towels more absorbent, which is important every time I use them.
My Buying Guides on Dryer Balls For Towels
Why I Use Dryer Balls for Towels
When I dry towels, I want them to come out soft, fluffy, and not full of static. That is why I like using dryer balls. In my experience, they help separate towels in the dryer so hot air can move around better. This usually means faster drying and less stiffness. I also like that they can reduce the need for dryer sheets, which is a nice bonus if I want a more natural laundry routine.
What I Look for When Buying Dryer Balls
When I shop for dryer balls, I pay attention to a few important things:
- Material: I prefer wool dryer balls because they are gentle on towels and usually quieter than plastic ones.
- Size: Larger balls often work better for bulky towels because they create more movement in the dryer.
- Durability: I want balls that hold up after many loads without falling apart.
- Quantity: I usually like a set of at least 3 to 6 balls so they can work effectively with bigger towel loads.
- Noise level: If I do laundry at night, I prefer dryer balls that do not make too much banging noise.
Wool vs. Plastic Dryer Balls
In my experience, wool dryer balls are the best choice for towels if I want softness and less noise. They tend to be more eco-friendly and work well with everyday laundry. Plastic dryer balls can be more durable and sometimes have ridges or spikes that help fluff fabric, but I find them louder and less gentle. For towels, I usually lean toward wool unless I need something extra sturdy.
How Many Dryer Balls I Use for Towels
For a regular towel load, I usually use 3 to 6 dryer balls. If I am drying large bath towels or a heavy load, I prefer using more balls so they can keep everything moving. I have found that using too few balls does not give the same fluffy result, especially with thick towels.
Benefits I Notice with Dryer Balls
Here are the main benefits I notice when I use dryer balls on towels:
- They help towels dry more evenly.
- They can reduce drying time.
- They make towels feel softer and less stiff.
- They can help cut down on lint and static.
- They are reusable, so I do not have to keep buying dryer sheets.
Things I Avoid
I try to avoid dryer balls that are too small, too hard, or poorly made. Small balls do not seem to help much with bulky towels. I also avoid cheap options that start breaking apart quickly, because that just creates more hassle in the laundry. If a product has weak reviews about noise or durability, I usually pass on it.
My Final Buying Tip
If I am buying dryer balls specifically for towels, I choose a durable, medium-to-large wool set with enough balls for a full load. That has worked best for me when I want soft, fluffy towels without using extra dryer sheets. For me, the best dryer balls are the ones that save time, last a long time, and make my towels feel better after every wash.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that dryer balls can be a simple, effective way to help towels dry faster, feel softer, and come out with less static. My biggest takeaway is that they can also reduce drying time, which may help save energy over time. While they may not replace every laundry habit, I think they’re a smart, low-maintenance addition for anyone who wants better towel results.
Author Profile
-
Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dockers Sandals for Men: The Best Comfort, Style, and Value for Everyday Wear
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra: My Honest First-Hand Review of This Rugged Powerhouse
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the DXT Electric Drift Trike: My Honest First-Person Review of the Ultimate Ride
- July 2, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Heimish Artless Glow Base: My Honest Review of This Radiant Korean Makeup Primer