Dryer Balls Wool Vs. Plastic: What’s the Difference?

About Dryer Balls Wool Vs. Plastic, With the invention of dryer balls, the regular dryer sheets formerly used for faster laundry can’t help but pale in comparison.

Dryer balls appear in various forms and sizes, with the most popular types being plastic and wool.

Knowing the difference between Dryer balls and wool vs. plastic is important.

As both dryer balls are very common, people often need clarification on the best one.

As we advance, this article will focus on the two types of dryer balls while highlighting their main features.

The article outlines the distinctions and similarities between plastic dryer balls vs. wool below.

Table of Contents

Wool Vs. Plastic Dryer Balls Compared

Lady inserting plastic dryer balls into the dryer

(Lady inserting plastic dryer balls into the dryer)

Most Effective

In terms of effectiveness, both dryer balls are very advantageous during laundry.

However, wool dryer balls have proven to be heavier and, as such, break up fabrics faster.

Furthermore, wool dryer balls tend to soak moisture from the fabrics quicker than their plastic counterpart due to their texture.

Thus, though both balls are ideal, most people rate the wool type to be more effective.

Cheapest

In terms of affordability, both dryer balls are pocket friendly.

While plastic balls are relatively cheaper than wool, they often come in smaller sizes that would require a larger quantity during the drying process.

So, concerning price, the plastic version saves you more on cost than its wool counterpart.

Longest Lasting

As for the durability of dryer balls, it is common knowledge that both balls are very long-lasting.

Typically, the wool balls are sustainable for up to a thousand times usage before their fibers start coming loose.

In other words, the wool dryer balls can last about two to five years, depending on their usage.

Although you can replenish the wool dryer balls by washing them, you will need a replacement once wear and tear starts.

Plastic balls last longer, so some companies give guarantees of up to ten years of usage.

Best for Environment

Close-up of wool dryer balls

(Close-up of wool dryer balls)

Both dryer balls are reusable, which makes them a safer option for the environment than dryer sheets.

Yet, the wool type is more environmentally competent as it contains biodegradable materials.

It is effortless to make dryer balls at home.

The biodegradable substance in the wool balls can decompose faster when disposed of. 

Conversely, plastic is non-biodegradable and could take ages before breakdown takes place.

Therefore, if using the plastic type, ensure it is recyclable for environmental safety.

Most Ethical

Although the wool dryer balls appear safer for environmental purposes, they involve the sheep shearing process, which is not ideal.

In contrast, you can manufacture the plastic counterparts from plastic material obtained from natural gas and petroleum substance.

So in terms of ethics, plastic dryer balls that are not harmful to any species are ideal.

Quietest

Most people living in small apartments tend to get extra cranky with any additional noise to the dryer.

Plastic dryer balls generate more noise than their wool counterpart due to their physical form.

However, for a more quiet drying experience with either of the balls, layer them within your clothes in the dryer.

By so doing, you can reduce the noise level to an acceptable range.

Best fragrance

Bottles of essential oil and medical flowers

(Bottles of essential oil and medical flowers)

Wool dryer balls are products sold as 100% natural and fragrance-free.

Still, you can add a tiny amount of any essential oil.

This addition can help to enhance your clothes’ fragrance.

But there is no room for an additional fragrance for the plastic dryer balls.

So a wool dryer ball is the best option for fragrance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Type Of Dryer Balls Are Best?

For this, in our wool vs. plastic dryer balls comparison, wool dryer balls seem to be the better option.

They enhance a faster drying time, are more suitable for the environment’s safety, are quieter, and can give your clothes a better fragrance.

Still, some people will also prefer plastic dryer balls as they are cheaper, more ethical, and tend to last longer.

Dryer Balls Seem To Work for Some Individuals And Don’t For Several Others; Why?

Depending on what you intend on drying, dryer balls can be effective for some people and ineffective for others.

Different people have their differences when it comes to laundry.

Some loads have heavy materials like blankets and bedsheets that will likely clump.

Others have loads like underpants and socks that can move freely without additional help from dryer balls.

So, the effectiveness of dryer balls depends on their usage.

Conclusion

A lady's hand holding a few dryer sheets

(A lady’s hand holding a few dryer sheets)

While the plastic and wool dryer balls have distinct unique qualities and characteristics, they are better off than the single-use dryer sheets.

Ultimately, the wool dryer balls are better than the plastic ones. It is subject to preference at the end of the day. 

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