DIY Wet Felted Wool Dryer Balls: A Simple Guide

If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to store-bought dryer balls, consider making your own wet felted wool dryer balls. Not only are they a budget-friendly option, but they also offer a nice, non-slip surface that can help reduce wrinkles and save energy in your dryer.

Materials Needed

100% wool yarn (or unspun wool called roving) Non-slip (superwash) not recommended as it won’t felt well Light colors, avoiding white or off white as sometimes they don’t felt well Old pantyhose (only the leg portion) Top loader washer (front loaders may not have sufficient agitation) Dishwashing liquid (like Dawn) Old jeans or gym shoes for weight A few teaspoons of dishwashing liquid Towels (not recommended for weight; too much lint)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Wool Ball

Wind the wool yarn into a ball about the size of a medium orange. Try to maintain a consistent thickness for even felting. If desired, use acrylic yarn for the center third to save on wool and make the process easier. Secure the end of the pantyhose leg and insert the wool ball. Secure the end tightly with another knot. Cut the pantyhose leg and make several more balls and secure them in pieces of hose to form individual balls.

2. Felting Process

Place the nylon-wrapped wool balls into a top loader washer. Make sure the machine is set to a minimal water level with cold water. Add weight for agitation; old jeans or gym shoes are a good choice. Add a few teaspoons of dishwashing liquid (like Dawn) to the wash to strip and rough up the fibers. Avoid adding any fabric softeners, as they can interfere with the felting process. Choose the hottest water setting and a cold rinse cycle. Run a full cycle. Check the balls after the cycle. They should be smooth with no individual strands of yarn showing. Repeat the felting process until the balls are completely felted. This may take several cycles.

Alternatives and Tips

For those looking for a quicker solution, you can also try using cheap tennis balls instead of making them yourself. These work just as well in the dryer, although they might be a bit noisier. YouTube videos offer step-by-step tutorials for those interested in more options.

Another option is to make felted wool dryer balls using yarn from recycled wool sweaters. This not only saves money but also reduces waste. Just choose a light color to prevent staining and make sure the sweater is 100% wool.

Additional Uses and Considerations

Some people also add essential oils to their dryer balls for a pleasant aroma in their clothes. However, if you have sensitive family members or pets, such as cats or dogs, avoid using fragrances. Cats particularly love playing with the balls, and one of my friends had to make smaller ones for her cat and keep the dryer balls out of reach.

Though rare, there have been cases where dogs have ingested part of a dryer ball. The best way to prevent this is to keep the balls away from pets that might be tempted to chew on them.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create your own wet felted wool dryer balls. These not only reduce energy consumption, but they also offer a natural and low-maintenance way to keep your clothes fluffy and wrinkle-free. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast or looking for a practical addition to your laundry routine, making your own dryer balls is a meaningful and cost-effective choice.