Do Tumble Dryer Balls Work?

Plastic, wool or rubber – spiky, coloured, smooth: if you’ve got a tumble dryer, you’ll have heard of tumble dryer balls.

In fact, you probably already use them each time you put your tumble dryer on.

That’s because tumble dryer balls are a laundry must-have in many busy family homes – designed to help each load dry better, stop tangling and soften clothes.

But do tumble dryer balls work? Read our simple guide so you can decide for yourself.

What are tumble dryer balls?

Tumble dryer balls are a laundry aid that you pop into the drum.

Rubber and plastic tumble dryer balls are usually spiky.

Wool tumble dryer balls are smooth and sold as an eco-friendly alternative to other dryer balls. Because they’re softer, they absorb moisture and are quieter in the drum.

How do tumble dryer balls work?

Cue the ‘science’…

Tumble dryer balls work by helping to separate your clothes, bedding, and towels so the air and heat flows more evenly around the drum.

The result? Your laundry emerges really dry from the tumble dryer with no time wasted detangling damp sheets and running them through again.

Can I use tumble dryer balls in all types of tumble dryers?

Yes, absolutely.

Tumble dryer balls are safe in all tumble dryers – whether you rely on a condenser tumble dryer for your family laundry or have a more energy-efficient heat pump tumble dryer, like this Hotpoint 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer with Sensor Dry, Freshen Up Function and Active Care.

Check out our full range of AEG, Bosch, Hoover, Hotpoint, Miele and Beko condenser and heat pump tumble dryers.

Can I use tumble dryer balls in a washer dryer?

You can also use tumble dryer balls in a washing machine with a dryer, adding them during the drying cycle.

Explore our range of Beko, Bosch and Hotpoint washer dryers.

What are the benefits of using tumble dryer balls?

1. Tumble dryer balls help laundry dry faster by improving airflow around the drum.

2. Tumble dryer balls help clothes dry more evenly, reducing creasing (so less ironing after) and ‘crackly’ static cling.

3. Tumble dryer balls (especially wool ones) are a good alternative to fabric softener or tumble dryer sheets for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

4. Finally, if you have pets, you’ll know that – no matter how much you shake it out – laundering their bedding can leave pet fur in your washing machine or tumble dryer drum.

Using tumble dryer balls helps to send pet fur where it belongs – the lint trap. You love your pets, but you love them (even) more when their fur’s not covering your clean dry clothes…

How many tumble dryer balls should I use?

The general rule is three tumble dryer balls for a small to medium-sized load, five for medium-sized loads and six or more for a large family-sized load.

As a ‘natural’ product, wool tumble dryer balls will need to be replaced sooner, but all tumble dryer balls should last for at least 1,000 loads.

Are tumble dryer balls better than tumble dryer sheets?

This depends on what you want from your laundry routine.

Tumble dryer balls help dry your laundry faster and reduce creasing. But they won’t leave your clothes, towels and bedding as soft as tumble dryer sheets.

Plus, tumble dryer sheets contain specific ingredients to tackle static cling. If this is an issue for you, you’ll prefer them to dryer balls.

Finally, tumble dryer balls won’t scent your laundry (unless you add essential oils to wool dryer balls). However, tumble dryer balls are an obvious choice if you have allergies or sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for more information or advice about laundry, find your local store, or head on over to our laundry pages.