It seems everyone is debating the merits of dryer sheets versus dryer balls. Appliance-repair experts aren’t too keen on liquid fabric softener used in the wash cycle, so these are the remaining logical choices for softening your laundry. The keys to the debate, however, are the other benefits that come from these fabric softener choices. Read on for a quick comparison of fabric-softener sheets and dryer balls and decide for yourself.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dryer Sheets

The most persuasive powers of commercial dryer sheets are their ability to reduce or eliminate static electricity in your clothes and to leave a pleasant, fresh scent. They do a great job of softening clothes and linens of course, but that’s a given. They are easy to use and they are multitaskers, doing duty as dusters, bug repellants, shoe fresheners, garbage-can deodorizers and as a way to keep thread tangle-free. Disadvantages include their disposable nature and use of chemicals, making them less than environmentally friendly. They can also be a bit pricier than their longer-lasting competitors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are made of all types of materials. Rubber balls with nubbins, wool balls and even balls made of aluminum foil are popular. Some consumers use regular tennis or racquet balls in the dryer. What these strange little tools do exceptionally well is soften and fluff your laundry. They last a long time, so they are cost-effective while not adding to the landfill. They don’t typically emit toxic chemicals and they won’t slow down the drying process by coating your clothes. Consumers report, however, that dryer balls are largely ineffective at fighting static electricity and they don’t leave behind a fresh scent.

How to Make Your Own

The Internet is rife with DIY suggestions for making your own dryer balls. Some users have had good luck making foil balls, claiming that these actually combat static cling. But others report the foil snags delicate clothing. One blogger swears by using tennis and foil balls together, reporting that the foil spheres soften with use, eliminating the risk of snags. However, they also lose their ability to reduce static with use as well. Try adding a drop or two of essential oil (lavender, jasmine and lemon are user favorites) to a handkerchief and adding it to the dryer for a fresh and lovely scent.

No matter what type of fabric softener you use, you’ll never get good laundry results if your washer and dryer aren’t in tip-top shape. Well-maintained laundry machines improve your results significantly and save you money on energy bills. Contact Complete Appliance Repair, serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities, for all your appliance repair and service needs. They may not help with the dryer-sheets-versus-dryer-balls debate, but they’ll keep your home appliances going strong.