Drying Clothes and Saving the Environment

Posted on Fri Dec 7 2007

By: Katie Rawls in Environment

If you are like lots of other earth-friendly consumers out there, there always seems to be a good and more natural alternative to everything we do. I wondered this with dryer sheets.

Sure, I grew up with hanging our laundry out to dry on a clothes line outside. But as an adult, since I do not have a clothes line and given the fact that I have some allergy issues, that idea of repeating this tradition has not appealed to me and my family.

But I have found an alternative.

Dryer Ball

Sure, they have probably been around for a long time. I wouldn’t know, because I just recently discovered this great alternative to buying and using dryer sheets. So with the chance that there are unknowing others out there, I want to pass this information on.

The dryer ball looks like a dog toy at first glance. And they would probably make great dog toys if I didn’t have a better purpose for them in my dryer. They come in a pack of two, plastic balls with little stubby prongs all over them. And they are inexpensive, if you know where to go.

How Do They Work?

First, they work to cut down on your drying time by up to 25% by constantly separating clothes as they bounce around and creating space for air to get through and dry more efficiently.

Second, they make clothes softer by the small prongs that are all over the ball. The prongs massage the fibers and cause them to come out fluffy without using fabric softeners.

Third, this process also reduces static and lint, without the use of dryer sheets.

Where To Find Them

Check your local stores that you buy your detergents from. But they are also online, such as eBay. But make sure you don’t pay too much for them. They are a money saver, at only about $10 for a set of two.

I am not sure how many different kinds there are, but the picture shows what mine are like, so look for something similar.

What Else?

They are also hypoallergenic, since there are no chemicals used. And these balls last for years, without having to purchase anything else for drying clothes in my dryer.

And who knows? Maybe, when they are old and worn out, my dogs will get their dog toy use out of them after all.

Change your Laundry Routine

Showering Green

Comments

EviesEarth Says:

I saw these at the store today and almost bought them! Then I thought to myself, I need to read up on them first. Thank you, I will be purchasing next shopping trip!