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Say goodbye to your iron – this £5 editor-approved laundry accessory will soften and remove wrinkles from your clothes
One of my least favourite household chores is laundry. Firstly, because it never ends and secondly, because my tumble dryer spits out wrinkled, static clothes after taking ages to dry. But this is no longer a problem because I’ve found a simple, eco-friendly alternative that reduces drying time and leaves clothes wrinkle and static-free – dryer balls that are £5.95 on Amazon.
Laundry never feels like it’s finished, which is why I’m always looking for helpful ways that make the task a little easier. And if you don’t have one of the best irons, investing in affordable dryer balls can eliminate your need for one.
It’s a product that our Senior Editor and laundry expert Jenny McFarlane swears by, but if you need any more convincing, I’ve asked the experts exactly why you should be adding dryer balls to your laundry routine.
What are dryer balls?
Dryer balls are designed to bounce off the inside of your tumble dryer drum, increasing the air flow in your machine, reducing the drying time in the process. It can cost a lot to run a tumble dryer, so investing in dryer balls is a great way to save energy and money as you cut back the time the machine is in use.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
‘The bouncing action of these balls helps to separate clothes, preventing them from clumping together. This allows hot air to circulate better, resulting in a quicker drying time. Not only that, but your clothes will come out less creased, eliminating the need for ironing,’ says Gwil Snook, laundry expert at AO.
‘This trick works in all types of tumble dryers and is especially handy for bulky items like duvets or towels. Plus, the quicker drying time means you’ll use less energy, which is great for your wallet and the planet.’
Amazon’s Wool Tumble Dryer Balls are the dryer balls that Ideal Home’s Jenny MacFarlane uses. They’re made from soft, hypoallergenic wool and can last up to 1,000 washes. ‘Wool dryer balls have made drying laundry so much speedier in our house!’ she says.
‘Plus, your clothes come out softer without the need for dryer sheets or softener. They’re also natural and reusable, so I’m feeling smug about being more eco-friendly.’’
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Wool is highly absorbent and durable, which makes it a far more sustainable option than dryer sheets.
‘Unlike dryer sheets, wool dryer balls are reusable, making them a more sustainable option. They’re expected to last around 1000 washing loads and should be replaced when the outer layer of felt has started to come apart,’ explains Matt Ayers, Appliance Expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances.
‘If you’re looking to add a fragrance to your dryer balls, it’s safe to add a few drops of essential oils to them. Make sure the fragrance isn’t alcohol based as this is a potential fire hazard.’
Swan
Lynsey’s Cleaning Range Wool Dryer Balls – 6 Pack
Dunelm
Pack of 2 Silicon Drying Balls
BARYAH
Baryah Wool Dryer Balls Xl Pack of 6
Of course, you could also invest in one of the best heated airers (a good idea ahead of autumn) if you’re looking to save energy, but dryer balls are a brilliant option if you have a busy family or simply can’t fulfil your laundry routine without your tumble dryer.
Sustainable Zero Waste Alternatives To Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are a commonly used laundry solution, but they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. For those who are looking for an option that’s sustainable and zero waste, there are alternatives you could find right in your home.
These dryer sheet alternatives are affordable, get the job done, and help reduce your carbon footprint.
We’ve rounded up a few options that will keep your clothes feeling fresh while also honoring the environment.
From essential oils to aluminum foil, you’d be surprised what you can do to spruce up your loads of laundry.
Why Use Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets are used for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common uses include reducing static in clothing, releasing wrinkles, softening fabric, and adding a clean, fresh scent.
They’re quick and convenient, offering noticeable results with little effort. They work by transferring a solution (fabric softening agents, for instance) found on the sheets to clothing as they heat in the dryer, and voila, fluffy clothes that smell great!
Are Alternatives Better?
Many of us want are clothes to feel and smell fresh after washing, but at what cost?
Traditional dryer sheets are often filled with toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Sure, these chemicals quickly make your clothes feel soft and smell like roses, but they also transfer those same chemicals onto your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, sensitivities to harsh chemicals, or simply prefer to be more environmentally conscious, traditional dryer sheets may not be the best option for you.
Beyond personal health, single-use dryer sheets aren’t biodegradable, meaning once they’re used they go straight to a landfill.
Switching to dryer sheet alternatives allows you to cut back on chemical exposure and environmental impact. Many of the available options are cost-effective (or free) and already availabe in your home.
So, how what dryer sheet alternatives will help you toss the chemicals and embrace the natural? Keep reading!
Vinegar
Whenever we think of natural all-purpose cleaning solutions, vinegar is usually at the top of the list. Plus, it’s something you can easily find right in your kitchen.
To make this dryer sheet alternative, apply a mix of 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup water to a rag or cloth, then add it to clothes during the drying cycle.
Using vinegar will help your clothes feel clean and soft and minimize static.
And if you are worried about a strong vinegar smell, there’s nothing to fear – there’s no lingering scent, but a little essential oil can naturally offer a nice scent boost.
Note: Be sure to avoid using vinegar if you’ve used bleach in your clothes due to any potential chemical reactions.
Baking soda
Baking soda isn’t just for neutralizing smells in your refrigerator; it also works on clothes!
It naturally adjusts to your water’s pH levels, working to eliminate odor, bacteria, and helping clothes feel softer. We recommend adding 1/2 or 1/4 cup (depending on load size) to the laundry before adding detergent, then proceeding with your usual wash settings.
This alternative is a great option for those extra smelly laundry loads, especially thanks to its bacteria-busting power. Just make sure not to mix with vinegar, or else your laundry will turn into a science project!
Ice cubes
This is probably one of the easiest dryer sheet alternatives on the list since it’s using the most readily available item in your home: water.
Just freeze up some ice cubes to get this idea going and add them during the last 15-20 minutes of your dryer cycle.
It probably seems counterintuitive to use ice cubes for all the reasons you could think, but it works. The steam from the ice cubes works to reduce wrinkles and static.
Just a couple of ice cubes will do for a small to medium-sized load.
Aluminum foil balls
Foil as a zero waste dryer sheet option may be the most surprising on the list. But before you skip ahead, here’s why it works.
The negative ions from the aluminum foil discharge static electricity which releases which works to make your clothes static-free.
You’ll want to add two or three small balls of foil to your dryer with your wet clothing. Remember foil won’t soften your clothes or boost scents – but other options on the list will do the trick.
Wool dryer balls
Dryer balls made from wool are a great, eco-friendly option because they reduce static and soften clothes.
This natural fabric softener is loved for being so sustainable because they made with natural fibers and is designed to be reusable with multiple loads. Adding them to your dryer can also reduce drying time and increase airflow as the balls work to soak up extra moisture in fabrics.
Wool balls are also great for sensitive skin because they are free from synthetic fabrics and dyes.
Give them an extra boost by adding your favorite drops of essential oil (like lavender or citrus) to help naturally improve the scent of your clothes without harmful chemicals.
Soap nuts
Soap nuts, or dried berries, are made from saponin-containing trees. They serve multiple purposes: you can use them by adding them to the washer, dryer, or on their own.
Saponin contained in soap nuts helps remove dirt from clothing during the washing process and releases a fresh scent during drying.
Simply add a few soap nuts to a muslin or cotton drawstring bag to use for washing and transfer the same bag to the dryer.
After use, remove the bag and let it completely dry – soap nuts can be reused for several more wash cycles.
Special note: Soap nuts are also compostable and can be added to your garden after you’re done using them.
DIY Dryer Sheets
Feeling ambitious? Try making your dryer sheets.
This is an especially useful option if you’d prefer an alternative that closely matches traditional dryer sheets. All you need is an old cloth – think a worn-out t-shirt or some old hand towels – and cut a few squares to size.
Place them in an airtight container, adding a little vinegar (until damp) and essential oils. Next time you have a load of laundry to dry, you can toss one of these in without any extra prep.
One of the simplest DIY options is just hanging your sheets out to dry. Yes, it’s very traditional, but the sun naturally sanitizes. Make sure to shake your clothes before hanging, and if you have allergies, consider hanging to dry indoors.
Dryer sheets are a commonly used to keep laundry fresh and fluffy post-dryer, but the harmful ingredients may give you pause. If you have sensitive skin or just prefer a more sustainable zero waste option, there are plenty to choose from vinegar to aluminum foil. Here’s to happy washing (with less worry).
Other household tips & tricks you’ll love:
I tried a crease release spray on my crumpled bedding – it’s safe to say that I won’t be ironing my sheets any time soon
Few things in life compare to the feeling of getting into fresh bedding after a long day, in my opinion. But my one gripe after I’ve changed the sheets is how creased they look. Even with the luxury of drying bedding outdoors, they still come off the line with a multitude of wrinkles.
While I’ve tried to embrace the crumpled sheet look for many years now – I’m just not one for ironing the bedding, and I don’t think I ever will be – I’ve always felt a little frustrated with how it made the bed set-up look. But after discovering the Lenor Crease Release Spray (available on Amazon) during my bid to get wrinkles out of clothes without an iron, I wondered: could this product work the same magic on my sheets?
After putting it to the test, it’s safe to say that I’m a fan of using a crease spray on bedding.
You can pick up a bottle of the same Lenor Crease Release in Summer Breeze from Amazon
(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
I used the Lenor Crease Releaser in the Summer Breeze scent, and from the moment I gave it a spritz, I was sold on the smell alone. It filled the whole bedroom with a fresh, just-cleaned scent that made the chore feel instantly more enjoyable.
After popping my fitted sheet over the mattress, I decided to test the crease spray on this first. As you can see, it’s heavily wrinkled – and this is after leaving the sheet to dry naturally outside.
My bedding before spraying it with the crease release
(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
I spritzed the crease spray generously over the sheet, then used my hand to smooth over the fabric in quick, sweeping motions. Because of how creased the sheet was, I felt like the spray needed a helping hand to be effective.
Bedding after being sprayed with the Lenor crease release
(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
It’s fair to say that I was impressed. After a few minutes, the sheet looked noticeably better, and smelled more fresh to boot. While the spray hadn’t worked out every single crease (that would require a serious bit of power), there was no denying the difference it made.
Next, I repeated the process on the duvet cover, and I was equally impressed. I do think using your hand to really press the spray into the bedding makes a big difference – but I doubt I would have got the same results by just smoothing over the sheets without adding the spray first.
Image 1 of 2
The bed looked far less rumpled and instantly fresher after using the crease spray on it, which in turn made it look even more inviting than usual.
Suffice to say that I’ll definitely be using Lenor’s Crease Releaser on my bedding going forward. It’s a quick, low-effort solution for anyone who can’t be bothered to iron the sheets but still wants their bed to have that crisp, hotel-esque look.
Lenor
Crease Releaser Spray, Summer Breeze Scent, Twin Pack, 2 X 500ml
Lenor
Crease Releaser Spring Awakening Twin Pack 2 X 500ml
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