Easy DIY Stocking Stuffer Gift: Wool Dryer Balls

Looking for a handmade gift that doesn’t cost a lot of money, doesn’t take very long, and is very green?

DIY Wool Dryer Balls are your answer! I have been wanting to try these for a long time and I am thrilled with how easy and fast they can be done.

First though, Why wool dryer balls?

Did you know that conventional dryer sheets and fabric softeners contain toxic chemicals?

Wool is used because of its incredible properties including the ability to: Help reduce static ~ wool fibers can absorb static cling Naturally soften clothes ~ friction of the balls against the fabric makes clothes fresher and smell cleaner ~ since wool has the ability to absorb toxins and odors.

The balls will move around with the clothes, absorb moisture (which means faster drying!) and gradually refund this moisture in the dryer.

Use them over and over! It willl reduce your drying time from 10-25%.

Save money too. Not only do you not have to buy dryer sheets, but no fabric softener either. The balls last for years and reduce the amount of time your clothes are in the dryer which saves energy costs.

How to make Wool Dryer Balls Start with 100% wool.

Twirl it around two of your fingers about 50 times. Slide it off and wrap the yarn around your stack the other way. Start forming a ball as it gets bigger and bigger. Once you get the hang of it, should take around 15 minutes to complete one ball about the size of a baseball. After you have four done, stick them in a pair of old panty hose. Tie a loose knot between each ball. Run in the washing machine and dryer on Hot. You’ll need to do this 2-3 times until the wool becomes felted together. I’ve heard of people boiling them instead, but have not tried this myself yet. That’s it! You’ll want 4-6 balls in your dryer at all times so I think a good set of four for a gift is perfect. Should take you about an hour of rolling. Fast and easy! Not bad for a homemade gift that will be used for a long time.

Have you used natural dryer balls before?

~Courtney – Crunchy Beach Mama

Courtney is an eco-friendly review blogger who loves showing off new products and ideas on how to Be Green and Live Healthy. She lives on the coast with her 3 boys who keep her busy and teach her how to live life to the fullest. Visit her at www.CrunchyBeachMama.com.