DIY Dryer Balls... A Safer Alternative
Three years ago I went over my home with a fine-tooth comb trying to find better options to throw-away items... Household goods such as paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, paper napkins, and in regards to this post, dryer sheets.
Dryer sheets are one of those household items that, in my mind, seemed like a necessity, it was something we used growing up and it was a part of everyday life, but after doing some research and looking into it, I learned that they aren't a necessity at all. In fact, I not only learned they aren't a necessity to doing laundry, but they are full of harmful chemicals that aren't good for my family or the earth.
According to an article published by CBS News a study was conducted that found cancer-causing carcinogens in dryer sheets including Benzene, which is known to cause blood cancers such as leukemia and Acetaldehyde, which is known to cause nasal and throat cancer. Another factor to consider is the artificial fragrances used in dryer sheets. These also come with their own band of detriments adding more toxins to our clothes, our skin, and the air we breathe. Aside from the chemicals found in dryer sheets it's a cost that adds up in its own small way. Dry sheets cost anywhere from seven cents per load for the mainstream (and probably more chemical laden) dryer sheets to as much as twenty-three scents per load for the more natural options. This may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but as I said earlier it all adds up.
The above information was enough to convince me to make the switch to a better alternative. I decided to give 100 percent wool dryer balls a try and I've been using them for three years and haven't regretted one load of laundry. These are simple to make and quite lovely sitting in a basket on your laundry room shelf.
Watch a video tutorial by clicking the video below.
DIY WOOL DRYER BALLS // HOW-TO
The only supplies needed to make these are one skein of 100 percent wool yarn, a pair of scissors, a safety pin, and one pair of pantyhose.
The first step is to find the loose end of the skein of yarn and loosely wrap the yarn around two to three fingers 10 to 12 times.
Next, slide the yarn off your fingers and wrap the yarn 10 to 12 times around the center of the bundle of yarn forming a bow.
From here continue wrapping the yarn around the bundle moving in a circular motion as you wrap the yarn around to form a ball. The final size should be roughly the size of a tennis ball.
Dryer sheets are one of those household items that, in my mind, seemed like a necessity, it was something we used growing up and it was a part of everyday life, but after doing some research and looking into it, I learned that they aren't a necessity at all. In fact, I not only learned they aren't a necessity to doing laundry, but they are full of harmful chemicals that aren't good for my family or the earth.
According to an article published by CBS News a study was conducted that found cancer-causing carcinogens in dryer sheets including Benzene, which is known to cause blood cancers such as leukemia and Acetaldehyde, which is known to cause nasal and throat cancer. Another factor to consider is the artificial fragrances used in dryer sheets. These also come with their own band of detriments adding more toxins to our clothes, our skin, and the air we breathe. Aside from the chemicals found in dryer sheets it's a cost that adds up in its own small way. Dry sheets cost anywhere from seven cents per load for the mainstream (and probably more chemical laden) dryer sheets to as much as twenty-three scents per load for the more natural options. This may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but as I said earlier it all adds up.
The above information was enough to convince me to make the switch to a better alternative. I decided to give 100 percent wool dryer balls a try and I've been using them for three years and haven't regretted one load of laundry. These are simple to make and quite lovely sitting in a basket on your laundry room shelf.
Watch a video tutorial by clicking the video below.
DIY WOOL DRYER BALLS // HOW-TO
The only supplies needed to make these are one skein of 100 percent wool yarn, a pair of scissors, a safety pin, and one pair of pantyhose.
The first step is to find the loose end of the skein of yarn and loosely wrap the yarn around two to three fingers 10 to 12 times.
Next, slide the yarn off your fingers and wrap the yarn 10 to 12 times around the center of the bundle of yarn forming a bow.
From here continue wrapping the yarn around the bundle moving in a circular motion as you wrap the yarn around to form a ball. The final size should be roughly the size of a tennis ball.
Once the ball is the appropriate size cut the yarn leaving a tail. At the far end of the tail, tie the yarn to the safety pin and fasten closed.
Once yarn is secured to the safety pin weave the safety pin under the yarn on the ball and continue weaving in and out until the tail disappears. Once you can no longer weave any more under the yarn, unlock the safety pin and slide the remaining yarn off. Tuck the last bit of loose yarn into the ball and secure.
Continue making dryer balls until the entire skein of yarn is used. An average of three dryer balls can be made with one skein of yarn. Once your dryer balls are made up take your pantyhose and slide each ball into the very bottom (the foot) of one of the legs of the pantyhose making sure to tie a knot in between each dryer ball.
Now that the dryer balls are secured inside the pantyhose its time to run them through the washer. Run the dryer balls through two to three loads with hot water. I did mine with a couple loads of towels and a load of sheets. Then run them through the dryer on medium-low heat to dry them out a bit.
Once this is complete it is now time to remove the dryer balls from the pantyhose. If you wish to save the pantyhose then untie the knots, otherwise if you do not wish to save them, remove the dryer balls by cutting the pantyhose open with a pair of scissors, but make sure you avoid snipping the dryer balls themselves.
And Viola! Your dryer balls are complete and ready to go!
The wool on the dryer balls should have a matted, worn look.
TO USE:
Place 2-3 wool dryer balls in the dryer with a load of wet clothes and dry according to what's best for the clothing.
PRO TIP: Add a few drops of essential oil to the outside of the dryer ball and toss in the dryer with clothes... Your clothing will come out smelling fresh and lovely!
Fragrance Suggestions: Lavender, Pink Grapefruit, Eucalyptus essential oil.
This activity is super easy and also fun to do with children. Let's make our homes safer, simpler, and leave the earth a little healthier than we found it.
REFERENCES:
Adams, Mike. (2004, December 5). https://www.naturalnews.com/002693_personal_care_products_dryer_sheets.html
Jaslow, Ryan. (2011, August 26).
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scented-laundry-products-release-carcinogens-study-finds/
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