Wool dryer balls are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. Conventional dryer sheets can contain harmful chemicals which make their way into your clothing! They work in the dryer by separating clothes in order to prevent static cling. The result are softer clothes!  Wool dryer balls even cut down on drying time. You can buy them unscented or infused with a scent like lavender.

Ready for the best part? You can re-use these…again..and again… as many times as you want!  The scent may only last for 60 loads or so (depending on who makes them) but the actual dryer ball will last much longer.  Etsy seller CleanSypria (below) says she has been using the same wool dryer ball for an incredible 8 years!
You will want to purchase a few of these as each dryer load requires more than one wool dryer ball in order for it to be truly effective. CleanSypria says a small load of delicates will require around 2 dryer balls but a very large one will require 5+. You can toss 10-12 of them in a large, heavy load (towels, jeans etc), if you’d like.  According to sloomb, 4 dryer balls used in a 90min cycle will cut a small load of laundry in 1/2 and a large load by 1/4, saving you around $.26 on a large load and $.51 on a small load of laundry. So when you purchase, check to see what that company/seller recommends as they do seem to vary.
I haven’t tried these but I’m very eager to!  I also think they’d make great gifts as they are something everyone could use… and they’re actually very cute/pretty!  They almost look like a piece of decor.  They are also safe for cats and dogs to play with, assuming they don’t actually eat them.

Bonanza. $20 for 4.
Amiq. $9 for 2.
Clean Sypria. $54 for 12. $20 for 4. (and more)

Sloomb. $7.95 ea.

Amazon.  $18.75 for 3.