Always have 2 in my dryer and come to think of it, don't have a problem with static cling.

Thanks Mimi! This was a set of 6 and it said to put all 6 in the dryer. But they do have sets of 3 so maybe I don't have to use all 6. Hmmm . . .

I tried the aluminum foil version, and they worked pretty well until the day one melted the binding on a blanket when the drier got hotter than usual.

I found a box of Woolzies at Home Goods last year and put them in the dryer. Honestly, I can't tell a difference, but it doesn't hurt anything to have them in there, so I'm still using them.

I use Loo-Hoos and i have noticed a reduction in static.

I use them -- bougth two smaller sets at Home Goods. I had a rubber rings I used to dry quilts and comforters break after many years. The balls are actually much quieter in the dryer and if I only used them for that I'd be happy. I don't know if they cut drying time, but the only time I have a problem with static is in the winter with certain manmae fbers that are always the worst about static. You don't use the balls with fabric softener inthe sryer, so you may want to take them out for certain loads.

Bt the way, you can make your own with wool yarn or buy them on Etsy too -- in case you want colors or variety.

I've used them in the past but found they did nothing to help with static in the winter. I still use unscented dryer sheets but have my DH cut the stack in half on his band saw - a half sheet is all I ever need. In addition to static, the biggest difference I find is that with a dryer sheet (or 1/2), there is more lint in the trap than with dryer balls. I don't understand why, but with dryer sheets, any hair that is clinging to clothes after washing ends up in the lint trap and without them, I'm picking hair off of clean dry clothes as I fold them. I never use them with towels though.

I have the rubbery porcupine balls. I use them on sheets and it helps prevent sheets from getting bunched up and causing damp areas. I also like them when I have a small load of lightweight items like shirts as those sometimes stick to the drum and get wrinkled. Basically it keeps everything moving, though I haven't seen any softening. Maybe the wool balls distribute lanolin onto the load. I really don't want sheep grease on any part of my body or clothing.

Lascatx, not sure what you meant about not using the balls and fabric softner? These woolzies, you can add essential oils to the balls - how neat is that? I've used essential oils in items that can get musty here in our humid summers (ie towels), but not in the dryer. DLM, I don't use dryer sheets because they can be a fire hazard. I always thought that was kind of a rumor, but the guy around here who cleans chimneys is also a fireman, and he confirmed. So no dryer sheets here. Mayflowers, I haven't had the problems you mentioned with our dryer, and the balls do not feel oily, so I don't think that's a problem. You can wash them. I've never heard of/seen the porcupine kind!

Sheep secrete oil into their wool, which we call lanolin. I'm just wondering if that is the softening ingredient. I don't like the thought of an animal product in lotion so I avoid it.

These are the type of dryer balls I got at Marshall's.

I made my own out of old wool scraps when I did cloth diapers for DD. I had to use the dryer balls especially foe the cloth inserts or they would not dry.

I stopped using them when she got out of diapers but should probably go back since I end up with something stuck in the corner of my king sheets.

Ok mayflowers - you had me wondering. I do know about wool and lanolin, but I did some searching online. From what read, the woolzies balls are actually made in Nepal (another plus to me). The wool is sent there and women who desperately need income wash the wool and felt the wool into the balls. Someone asked on the woolzies website about lanolin in the balls and how it would effect a person with a lanolin allergy. They say there is no lanolin in the balls. Funny - my pup used to have a ball very similar to your dryer balls! LOL But what I happened upon while looking for the lanolin info was this info about plastic/rubber balls:

"Rubber and plastic balls are made from harsh chemicals including PVCs,
which are released onto your laundry by the hot dryer air. Not only are
these types of dryer balls dangerous to your health, they are toxic to
the environment as well. Additionally, the harsh tumbling action of
rubber, plastic, and tennis balls can damage your dryer’s sensitive
electronic sensors. Finally, some of these types of balls may even melt
slightly and stain your laundry."

I used to have the rubber spike balls and switched to wool. No dryer sheets or fabric softener here; I don't like adding chemicals to my life because of allergies. The wool balls do work well for eliminating static cling. I never time my drying time, so I can't confirm they reduce it. They do NOT smell like lanolin.... and I'm not sure how they could soften clothes? From knocking at the fibers repeatedly? Anyway, I use about six since I wash full loads of laundry..... I'm a fan. :)

The package my wool balls came in instructed not to use fabric softener in the dryer because the fabric softener will coat the balls and keep them from working as intended.

Funny, I just ordered some wool balls the other day. They are wool, 3 to a package. I mainly wanted to try them and use them when I wash our down items and need something to tumble and fluff the down. And also when I just have a few items to keep them from flattening to the sides of the dryer. If it will work to keep static down in the winter, I'm all for it.

I only use unscented dryer sheets, cut in half, on a few things. I periodically use powdered borax or vinegar in the wash with towels or sheets to freshen.

Thanks for explaining lascatz. If you read above, you'll see I don't use dryer sheets. My package doesn't say that. It does say you can use essential oils on the balls, which I haven't tried yet. I've only used essential oil in the wash. It also states that balls can be washed.

And - I think we talked about how many balls above - in reading the woolzies website, it says 6 balls for regular/large loads and 3 for small loads.

Yes Outside! I read someone's comments (on the website) that the balls are great for down blankets/comforters, etc. Someone recommended using vinegar and baking soda in towels - and that does work. I've never tried borax.

I haven't tried essential oils either. Only read about that more recently. I use 3-5 in most loads (number varies as some get carried off in loads to be folded and then return -- and I may have lost a couple). I think I had 9, purchased in two sets, but have seen no more than 7 of late. I try to use as many as possible - placed top, bottom and tucked in a couple of center spots, when I dry a comforter or quilt -- even the king bedding. I do use a milder lavendar detergent with the comforter and linen bedding. I like the slight scent that remains -- not sure that I care to add any more scent in the dryer. Let us know if you do try it.

I thought borax was intended to boost cleaning. That is freshening -- but don't think it sfteens or reduces static, and I know it doesn't scent.

Lascatx, yes, primarily it is sold as a laundry booster, but on the back of the box it states it deodorizes and freshens laundry also. I use a half cup or so when I launder towels. Sometimes with other grubby clothes DH and I have worn doing yard/garden work. And with my stinky running clothes.

When I dry things like a comforter, I use an old clean running shoe. I may take the comforter out after 40 mins., snap it, then finish drying it on an outside clothes line.

I have a set of 6 wool type, and they help especially with larger items which do seem to dry a little faster. I leave 6 in the dryer all the time.