Wool dryer balls are better for softness, faster drying and cost, since one set lasts about 1,000 loads. Dryer sheets are better for scent and for stopping static. For most homes the best setup is both: dryer balls in every load, with a dryer sheet added when you want scent or the load is full of fleece and synthetics.
We make wool dryer balls and dryer sheets, and they do different jobs. Which one you need depends mostly on what's going in the dryer.
What dryer balls do
Dryer balls bounce around between your clothes and stop them clumping, so hot air gets to the whole load. Laundry dries faster and comes out softer with fewer wrinkles, and nothing gets added to your clothes. You use the same set over and over for about 1,000 loads. There's more on how they work in what do dryer balls do.
"My laundry is as soft as using dryer sheets and a lot cheaper in the long run."
Cyn, verified buyer, wool dryer balls
What dryer sheets do
A dryer sheet carries fabric softener and, usually, fragrance. The heat in the dryer releases them onto your clothes, which softens the fabric, stops static cling and leaves everything smelling fresh. You use 1 to 3 per load and then throw them away.
Most dryer sheets are made of polyester. HeySunday dryer sheets use a biodegradable cellulose sheet instead and come in Ocean Breeze or Fragrance Free.
"These dryer sheets are fragrance free and also STATIC free. I don’t brace myself for a shock when I unload my dryer."
Paula K., verified buyer, Fragrance Free dryer sheets
Dryer balls vs dryer sheets compared
| Wool dryer balls | Dryer sheets | |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Fluffs up fibers as they tumble, nothing added | Softener coats the fabric |
| Static | Cuts it down, though synthetic loads can still cling | Stops it, even in fleece and polyester |
| Wrinkles | Fewer, because clothes keep moving | A little help from the softener |
| Scent | None, unless you add essential oil | Built in, or pick fragrance free |
| Drying time | Up to 25% faster with HeySunday's | No change |
| Cost per load | About 2¢ ($17.95 for a set of 3 that lasts about 1,000 loads) | HeySunday's are 40¢ a sheet with Subscribe & Save, and you use 1 to 3 a load |
| Waste | One set lasts years, and wool is biodegradable | Single use (HeySunday's are biodegradable) |
| Noise | A soft thump | Silent |
| Sensitive skin | Nothing added to clothes | Go for a fragrance free sheet |
Pros and cons of dryer balls
Dryer balls are good because:
- a set lasts about 1,000 loads, so they cost a couple of cents a load
- laundry dries faster, so cycles are shorter
- towels come out softer and clothes less creased, with nothing coated on them
- there's nothing to throw away after each load
The downsides are that they don't add any scent unless you put essential oil on them, loads that are mostly synthetic can still have some static, and you'll hear a soft thump while the dryer runs.
Pros and cons of dryer sheets
Dryer sheets are the best thing for static, even on fleece and athletic wear, and they make your laundry smell fresh at the same time. They're silent, and HeySunday's also pick up pet hair in the dryer.
"Love the smell!! They really help with releasing fur from the clothes as well."
Wendy, verified buyer, Ocean Breeze dryer sheets
But you use a new one every load, so you keep buying them, and they don't make anything dry any faster.
Which one should you use?
- For towels, bedding and big family loads, use dryer balls. These are the loads that clump the most, and 5 to 6 balls cut the drying time and leave them fluffier.
- For fleece, leggings and gym clothes, add a dryer sheet, because synthetic fabrics build up the most static.
- If you love laundry that smells fresh, use Ocean Breeze dryer sheets or put a few drops of essential oil on your dryer balls.
- If someone at home is sensitive to fragrance, use dryer balls on their own or Fragrance Free dryer sheets, which are a favorite with our customers who have sensitive skin.
- If you want the lowest cost per load, it's dryer balls, at about 2¢ a load.
- If pet hair is the problem, put a dryer sheet in each load.
"i’m very sensitive to things nowadays and this is one of the only dryer sheets that is truly FRAGRANCE FREE."
sherri, verified buyer, Fragrance Free dryer sheets
Using dryer balls and dryer sheets together
You can use both, and for most homes it's what we'd suggest. Put 3 dryer balls in every load, or 5 to 6 for big ones, and add a dryer sheet when you want scent or the load is mostly synthetics. The balls do the softening and speed up drying, and you'll get through far fewer sheets than you would using them on their own.
When not to use dryer balls
Leave them out of loads of delicates you'd normally hang up to dry, like lace or silk. Anything else that goes in the dryer is fine with them, on any heat setting.
Alternatives to dryer balls
People use tennis balls, balls of aluminum foil or a pair of clean sneakers. Tennis balls are loud and can leave rubber and dye on light clothes. Foil balls help with static but don't soften anything, and they fall apart after a while. Sneakers bang around and are hard on the drum.
Try them for yourself
HeySunday Wool Dryer Balls are 100% New Zealand wool, last about 1,000 loads per set and cut drying time by up to 25%. $17.95 for 3.
HeySunday Dryer Sheets are non-toxic and made with biodegradable cellulose fibers, in Ocean Breeze or Fragrance Free. 30 sheets a pack, and 40% off with Subscribe & Save.
Free shipping on every order.
Dryer balls vs dryer sheets FAQs
Do dryer balls replace dryer sheets?
For most loads, yes. They soften, cut down static and speed up drying. Keep some dryer sheets for when you want scent and for static-heavy loads like fleece.
Which is cheaper, dryer balls or dryer sheets?
Dryer balls are cheaper. A $17.95 set of HeySunday Wool Dryer Balls lasts about 1,000 loads, so it works out to about 2¢ a load. With dryer sheets you use a new one every load.
Are dryer balls better for the environment?
They create less waste, because one set covers about 1,000 loads and the wool is biodegradable. If you'd rather use sheets, pick biodegradable ones like HeySunday's.
How many dryer balls should I use?
Use 3 for a small or medium load and 5 to 6 for large or heavy loads like towels and bedding. There's a full guide in how many dryer balls per load.
How often should you replace dryer balls?
About every 1,000 loads, or sooner if they've shrunk, started to come apart or your loads are taking longer to dry.
