When I first started cloth diapering, I knew I wasn't supposed to use dryer sheets. In fact, I stopped using those well before even getting pregnant since I found out some of the nasty things they had in them. When I found out, however, that fabric softener wasn't safe for the cloth diapers, I was at a loss. What would I do?
I decided to test some things out with our regular laundry. I wasn't about to use something in our washer that couldn't be used with my fluff, too. Residue, etc etc. If it wasn't good for the diapers, it probably wasn't good for us, right? I ran a load without softener and dried it in the dryer. Not too pleasant feeling, and lots of static. I then ran a load of wash sans fabric softener and hung it out on the line. No static, but boy if I dropped something from the line I swear it was going to shatter like glass. Stiff as can be!
After this, my husband said there was no way we would NOT use fabric softener... but then I heard about LooHoo wool dryer balls (then known as Wooly Rounds). I decided to purchase 8 of them and try them out. I got 8 since all the reading and researching I did said the more you have, the better.
Our next load of laundry tested (after receiving the wool balls) was impressive. The laundry wasn't full of static, and it was soft as can be. My husband grabbed something out of the dryer and said something about how we just have to have fabric softener because of the huge difference in softness.... he thought I had used fabric softener on that load! Well, that was a win in my book!
I've used my dryer balls every time since they arrived. Sure, sometimes there are less than 8 because one sneaks into the laundry basket (and then into Bobble's hands!), but they are always being used.
LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls are HANDMADE in Maine with 100% domestic wool. Each one is approximately the size of a
baseball, ~9 inches in circumference and weighs ~ 2oz. They are sold individually or in packs, so you can get as many or as few as you like! Being all-natural, there are no harmful chemicals or toxins, so you don't have to worry about what you are drying them with. They are safe for everything! Another perk? They cut down on the drying time! The more you have in the dryer the better!
Worried about how noisy they would be in the dryer? Don't be! They aren't noisy at all! Yes, you can hear something is in the dryer with your laundry, but it is nowhere near as loud as, say, shoes. I was worried about how loud they would be at first, but my washer makes more noise when it is running than my dryer with the wool dryer balls in it!
Have a wool sensitivity? I don't, but I have read that even people with wool sensitivities are fine using wool dryer balls. How fantastic is that?!
LooHoo Dryer Balls have a life span of approximately 1-2 years. That's a LOT of laundry! We have had our Wooly Rounds Dryer Balls (that's how long ago I got them!) for about 2 years now, and they show signs of wear, but still work great.
You can purchase LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls from various retailers both in store and online. Some natural parenting stores carry them (which is how I first learned about them!), or you can get them directly from LooHoo on their website store!
Disclosure: The product
mentioned above was purchased by me. My opinions are my own
and may differ from those of your own.
We use plastic dryer balls but I should probably try wool.
ReplyDeleteooooohhhh! I bought some locally made ones but 2 of the 3 fell apart after 2 loads :( I will have to try these!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to try wool dryer balls, they just look so cool and the fabric softener we use is causing my hubby problems lately
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing item! I was wondering what I was going to use on LO's clothes & diapered when she got here. I never use softener with my towels because it ruins their absorbency, but I think these might do the trick to keep towels absorbent AND soft!
ReplyDeleteI could definitely use some of these, I love dryer balls.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with these loohoo dryer balls! They come in such gorgeous shades! I am dieing to try some, but am hoping to win some someday as they are a bit pricey. But, if I don't win any before the baby comes (due in October with our first), then I'm definitely buying some! I'm so glad you mentioned about the noise... Because I thought about baseballs clinking around in my dryer lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear these have lasted you 2 years and are still working great! They seem kind of pricy to me so that makes me feel better about making the initial plunge :)
ReplyDeleteI keep wanting to try these! And so cool that they've lasted so long.
ReplyDeleteWe mostly hang dry, but sometimes that is not an option. I want to try these so bad! I HATE static and we don't use sheets. Someday (if I don't win them) I will give in and buy some.
ReplyDeleteWe love our dryer balls! They help dry clothes faster and keep static out. And my kiddos love to play with them! Win-win!
ReplyDeleteWe use dryer balls. They work well and yes, they are a fun toy for babies too!
ReplyDeleteI love dryer balls, they make my laundry dry so much faster and softer, if only I could keep my dogs from getting them.
ReplyDeleteWool dryer balls are awesome! We also have the problem of our dogs and my daughter being very interested in them so I try to pick them out and throw them back in the dryer before I bring up laundry or diapers!
ReplyDeleteI have some wool dryer balls, but they are plain white. I love the colors of these ones.
ReplyDeleteJust learning of these. Awesome!
ReplyDeletewe have 3 loohoo dryer balls and they are by FAR the best we've ever tried. they are perfectly felted, and solid as a rock. they are sooo worth the money
ReplyDeleteMy tenants dog chewed up a few of my wool dryer balls, so I need more. Maybe I'll try LooHoo ones!
ReplyDeleteI have successfully used other wool dryer balls- I love how safe and effective they are. My son also likes to play with them and the dog. I like how these came in different colours and last 1-2 years.
ReplyDeleteI love that they are colorful! Not just white like all the others :)
ReplyDeleteI've never tried wool dryer balls before. and I don't really need them right now as I have to hand wash and hand my diapers to dry. But I am moving soon, to a place where I can have a washer and dryer i'm pretty excited and nervous. i haven't used a washer/dyer in over a year! I have to learn how to wash diapers with one, too.
ReplyDeleteI also love that they are colorful, too!
I love my wool dryer balls. I may have to purchase some of these too. I really like that they are made in Maine. I grew up there, and would love to support a company from my home state.
ReplyDelete- Patricia B-
I love all the pretty colors these come in! Most are just plain white.
ReplyDeleteI love my dryer balls! I just made 4 more and now I have 8 as well. I'm so glad we don't have buy dryer sheets and laundry softener any more. Sometimes, if I want the clothes to smell like they were fluffed with a dryer sheet, I will use a spray bottle with vinegar, water and essential oil to spray the clothes before I dry them. (the vinegar softens the clothes and the smell goes away after drying). My favorite scents are orange & lavender (for my clothes) or orange & cedarwood (for my husbands clothes)
ReplyDelete