Make Your Own Nontoxic Dryer Balls
Ditch the dryer sheets and get soft, fresh-smelling clothes with these 100% natural, reusable wool dryer balls.
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Step 8
Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil blend to each of the dryer balls before use. Use all 4 balls per load.
Step 3
Begin to wrap the yarn around the little ball, alternating directions as you wrap, until you form a round ball that’s slightly larger than a tennis ball.
Step 1
Make a peace sign with your index and middle finger on your non-dominant hand. Find the end of your yarn and wrap it around your fingers about 15 times.
Step 5
Place 1 wool ball into the toe of pantyhose leg and tie a knot or use an elastic band to create separation. Add the next ball and tie another knot. Repeat until all 4 balls are secured in the length of pantyhose.
Step 7
Mix your essential oil blend and store in a dark container with a tight-sealing lid.
Step 2
Remove your fingers from the loop of yarn and then pinch the middle of your loop together; wrap your yarn around the pinched middle another 15 times.
Step 6
Add pantyhose filled with balls to a hot load of laundry and then to a hot dryer cycle. Repeat this 2 times, until the wool has reached the texture of felt. Remove the balls from the pantyhose.
Step 4
Cut yarn, leaving several inches. Use a felting needle or sewing needle to weave the loose end of the yarn into the ball by wrapping it under a thread of yarn and pulling it through. Repeat a few times until the loose end is securely wrapped into the ball. Repeat this whole process until you have 4 balls.
Most conventional dryer sheets contain synthetic fragrances and heat-activated fabric softeners that can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Additionally, dryer sheets are a disposable product usually made with non-recyclable polyester fibers. A fantastic natural alternative is to make your own felted wool dryer balls. Wool dryer balls help clothes dry faster by separating fabrics and helping air to circulate more efficiently. They also prevent static cling and naturally soften clothing. Best of all, wool balls can be reused hundreds of times and will last for up to five years!
NOTE: If you’re drying extra-large loads, you may need to use 6 to 8 balls per load.
Mountain Air Dryer Balls
Makes 4 balls.
25 drops each tea tree, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils
15 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Equipment:
2 skeins 100% wool yarn
1 felting needle or large sewing needle
1 leg from 1 pair of pantyhose (or a long sock)