How Long Do Dryer Balls Last? Tips to Keep Them Fresh

Dryer balls are a more modern addition to the world of laundry, but boast a wealth of benefits. Typically made from wool or rubber, the balls are placed in a dryer machine, absorbing heat while bouncing and rolling around. This action creates space in between the garments so that they dry more quickly, and prevents clothes from sticking together.

In other words? It leaves your laundry uber-soft and static-free. Plus, it doesn’t come with added fragrance (great for more sensitive noses) and typically rings in at just around $10 for a set.

The cherry on top? Dryer balls are a sustainable (and money-saving) alternative to dryer sheets since they can be reused for multiple loads. But, how many loads exactly? And how do you care for dryer balls to make sure they can truly last?

Ahead, we lay out everything you need to keep your dryer balls fresh, backed by pro tips and tricks from a laundry expert.

How Long Do Dryer Balls Last

In general, most wool dryer balls last for around 1,000 loads of laundry. Depending on how often you launder your items, this can mean they last for around two to five years—which is miles further than their dryer sheet counterparts, which are single-use.

If you’re working with dryer balls made from other materials, the lifespan can change. Rubber or silicone dryer balls hold their own against wool, for example.

“These can last over five years if they don’t crack or lose their shape,” Ocean Van, CEO of LA-based laundry service Coco Laundry, says. “They handle high heat well and are sturdier than wool.”

Plastic, velcro, or spiky dryer balls, on the other hand, tend to have a shorter lifespan.

“These tend to get brittle after a couple of years, especially with regular high heat,” Van explains.

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When to Replace Dryer Balls

While dryer balls can last for an impressively long amount of time, there are some instances where they may need replacing—to ensure your clothes stay dry and damage-free.

Wool dryer balls, the most common type, won’t cause harm to your clothes as they wear but can become less effective over time. Usually, a recharge every couple months does the trick to keep them fresh (see more on that ahead). But, a replacement can be needed in extreme cases.

“If they shrink, feel dense, or leave behind fuzz, it’s time to replace them,” Van advises. “Clothes taking longer to dry is another sign.”

If a wool dryer ball’s outer layer starts to shed or unravel, that’s also an indication that it needs replacement because once it becomes misshapen, recharging can’t fully bring it back to its original shape.

Rubber or silicone dryer balls are not made from organic, soft materials like wool, and therefore can cause damage to your dryer or clothes if not cared for properly. If your clothes are taking longer to dry, that’s one indication to get new dryer balls.

Otherwise, “replace them if they’re cracked or out of shape,” Van says. “Damaged [rubber or silicone] balls can snag clothes or stop working well.”

When it comes to plastic or velcro dryer balls, deterioration of the ball itself means it has to go, too.

“If they’re brittle, warped, or the velcro doesn’t stick anymore, swap them out,” Van recommends.

If more hair or lint is sticking to your clothes than usual, that also means it’s time to replace velcro balls.

When to Recharge Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls are the only types that can be recharged to extend their life. Rubber, plastic, or velcro don’t have the same characteristic, and have to be replaced once they are ineffective.

Recharging in this context doesn’t mean plugging your dryer balls in (which might be obvious!), but rather refreshing them using water.

Van recommends recharging wool balls every three to six months to help them bounce back.

“If they start feeling flat or less effective, that’s the time to recharge,” he adds.

How to Recharge Dryer Balls

Recharging can be done in two ways for wool dryer balls. Here are the steps you’ll want to follow for the first method:

• Start by using a lint roller to remove as much hair and lint from the ball as possible. You can also use a fabric shaver for this step.
• Place the dryer balls into a washing machine without detergent. They can be loose, or placed in a mesh bag to prevent excessive tumbling and noise.
• Run the washer on a gentle cycle, but use hot water so that any lingering lint gets removed.
• Transfer the balls to a dryer on high heat to firm up the fibers. You can also air-dry the wool balls.

For the second, more common method, you don’t need to use a washer. Here are the steps:

• Like the first method, start by removing the lint from the ball, either with a lint roller or fabric shaver.
• Fill a pot with water, add the dryer balls to the water, and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, turn off the heat. Let the dryer balls soak until the water is cool.
• Take the dryer balls out of the water and reshape them with your hands.
• Toss the balls into a dryer on high heat or let them air dry for a couple of days.

Tips for Keeping Dryer Balls Fresh

Dryer balls can last long on their own—but some regular care can keep them fresh even longer. It helps that they are pretty low-maintenance.

“Taking a few minutes to care for them keeps them going strong for years,” Van notes.

To start with the obvious, regularly washing dryer balls helps maintain their effectiveness.

“Wool balls can pick up lint and odors. Wash them on a gentle cycle or by hand every few months,” Van recommends. “For rubber and plastic balls, a quick wipe with soapy water works well.

It’s also important that dryer balls are completely dry before you store them away, “to avoid any mildew, especially for wool,” Van says.