A few years ago, fabric softener and dryer sheets were considered essential tools in your cleaning routine.
However, there has been increasing evidence that these products contain toxic chemicals that can have devastating effects on you family’s health.
For example, dryer sheets often contain Dipalmitoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, a chemical substance known to cause allergic reactions, increase your likelihood of developing asthma and affect reproductive health (1).
Also, dryer sheets end up in landfills where they contaminate soil and underground water supply.
The fresh scent they give your clothes is sourced from “fragrance“, a cocktail of chemicals that can cause skin irritation, damage to the nervous and respiratory system and other health problems.
To protect yourself and your family without sacrificing your laundry routine, try these reusable dryer balls!
DIY Scented Dryer Balls
These dryer balls absorb moisture, rotate clothes, and provide better air circulation to dry your clothes quicker. In fact, they can decrease drying time by 30 to 50% (2).
Just like dryer sheets, they also fight wrinkles and statics, but unlike their toxic counterparts, these balls are safe of sensitive skin and contain no toxic ingredients! For an extra freshness, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the balls before use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzQZqHnnYbE
You’ll Need :
- One skein (120 yards) of 100% undyed wool
- A crochet hook
- One knee-high pair of pantyhose
- Scissors
Instructions :
- Wrap the yarn around a couple of fingers 10 times or so to make a small ball.
- Remove the yarn from your fingers and wrap tightly about 10 times around the middle.
- Continue wrapping the ball, changing direction continuously to build a round shape. Make sure to wrap tightly to get a solid ball.
- Once your ball is about the size of a golf ball,cut the yarn and pull the end through the ball with your crochet hook.
- Repeat Steps 1-4 to make 2 more balls.
- Place your wool balls in your pantyhose, knotting the pantyhose between the balls.
- Run your wool dryer balls through the hot cycle in washer and dryer. This will help them “felt” and become solid balls.
- Take your balls and wrap them with more yarn until they become the size of tennis balls.
- Repeat steps 6-7.
- Remove balls from pantyhose and use in the dryer in place of dryer sheets.