Dryer Sheets Vs. Dryer Balls for Quality and Lifespan

When it comes to not only appliance effectiveness but also long-term care, the kinds of products you use within the appliance are often very important. One great example here is the dryer, which has a few different products that might be used during its standard operating cycle – and might impact not just the way your clothes dry or how they smell, but also the long-term lifespan of the dryer itself.

At All Pro Appliance, we’re happy to provide dryer repair among our numerous appliance repair services – and you might be shocked at how many of the dryer issues we see result from improper product use or related areas. One common question we get from clients down these lines: Should I use dryer balls or dryer sheets? Today’s blog will go over the basics and pros and cons of each, both in terms of general quality and areas that relate to the long-term lifespan and quality of your dryer itself.

Dryer Sheet Basics, Pros and Cons

The more popular of these two products is the dryer sheet, which is meant to help with both drying and a fantastic smell for the clothes in the dryer. They are thin, rectangular polyester sheets coated in various fabric softeners or fragrances, which are released by the heat and humidity of the dryer and attach to clothes. Some of their basic benefits include:

• They’re generally the best product at softening clothes and reducing static, usually better than dryer balls.
• They’re extremely easy to use with no preparation required.
• They come at a low cost per load and do not strain the dryer in any way.
• They have several additional uses, such as cleaning vacuums, placing under upholstery areas for freshness and more.

There are also some potential downsides of dryer sheets depending on your needs:

• They do not reduce drying time, which is a big benefit of dryer balls that often impacts dryers positively.
• They may reduce the absorbency of towels over time.
• They produce more waste than dryer balls, as they are thrown out after each use.

Dryer Ball Basics, Pros and Cons

Dryer balls are a common alternative to dryer sheets, one that comes without chemicals. They’re usually made of plastic or wool, ranging in size and shape based on the manufacturer. They are meant to work in many of the same ways, however, separating items and preventing clumping or static. Some of their benefits include:

• They often help shorten drying time and static electricity involved in the dryer, which in turn brings a longer lifespan to the appliance.
• They are reusable, often for up to 1,000 loads, and are also environmentally friendly.
• They are free of chemicals or additives.

There are also a few potential downsides:

• Dryer balls can be noisy or annoying.
• They do not improve fragrance like dryer sheets, though fragrance can be added to many wool types.
• There’s a higher initial cost per load (though this is mitigated by how long they last).

For those who care most about appliance lifespan, dryer balls tend to be the better choice here. To learn more about these or other dryer products, or for information on any of our appliance repair services, speak to the staff at All Pro Appliance today.