Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Dryer balls are a new thing for me, and I looked at quite a few (comparing cost to reviews) before choosing these ones (a 6-pack ZG-Home XL by BEASTRON for about $10). Although I have not used other wool balls, and so cannot compare, I can compare them to dryer sheets. The hype: 1. Dryer balls really do make my clothes feel softer. I've especially found this to be true with jeans, sheets, towels, and basic Ts. 2. I don't like lots of perfumes, and my TIDE pods are smelly enough, so not having another scent added to the dryer is a plus for me (If you like extra scent, I hear you can add essential oils to the balls). 3. My research also said using the balls would shorten drying times. Although I have not timed it, it certainly feels that way. The overhype: 1. It was fun finding hidden balls in pants legs and such for a few days, but now it's just "meh." My laundry room is down two flights of stairs, so getting the balls back to the basket takes some of the fun out of finding them. 2. Over a year's time, the balls will save me $ compared to dryer sheets, but not TONS of money like some reviews say. A few hints: If my load of clothes is all cotton (sheets, towels, etc.), using the dryer balls makes no noticable static (and I live in the one of the most arid places in the world). However, if my load has polyester or acrylic in it, there will still be static. I've helped this by pinning a safety pin to one of the six drier balls. It doesn't take care of all of the static, but lessens it tremendously. Lastly, I really like that dryer balls don't leave a clear "film" on your lint catcher like dryer sheets can. This film can restrict air flow, so I really like the dryer balls better and will purchase more in the future. Note: I still clear my lint catcher of lint before each load, I'm just referring to residue film here. Summary: I like the wool balls. They are a happy change for my laundry.