Are Tennis Balls a Good Alternative to Wool Dryer Balls? Here’s What You Need to Know

Wool dryer balls help accelerate drying time in an automatic dryer by keeping items separated for better air circulation, lifting and fluffing fibers, and reducing static cling.

But do tennis balls in the dryer offer the same results, or even work better?

We spoke with a laundry expert to discuss the pros and cons of both wool dryer balls and tennis balls. Here’s what you need to know about using these laundry tools to enhance your routine.

Can You Use Tennis Balls in the Dryer?
Yes, tennis balls can be used in the dryer.

“We’re not fans of dryer sheets,” say Zach and Jerry Pozniak, owners of the luxury dry-cleaning service Jeeves New York. “While not perfect, we love dryer balls or tennis balls; [tennis balls] work especially well when drying down or feather-filled items like puffy jackets and pillows.”

However, they emphasize that the tennis balls should be new and completely clean, as you don’t want to add dirt or grime to freshly washed clothes.

Which Is Better for the Dryer?
Although both wool dryer balls and tennis balls serve the same purpose in the dryer, there are a few important differences to keep in mind.

Dryer Temperature:

Wool dryer balls can be used at any dryer temperature setting. Tennis balls, on the other hand, are best used on low or medium heat, as they aren’t designed to withstand high temperatures.

Cost:

Wool dryer balls tend to be more expensive than tennis balls, although you can make your own using wool yarn or fabric scraps. For an average-sized load, you’ll need three to four balls for effective results.

Durability:

Solid wool dryer balls can last up to 1,000 loads of laundry, which can translate to two to five years of use. Tennis balls, with their felt outer layer and rubber core, may start to show wear after about a year, with the rubber core eventually becoming exposed. This can result in a chemical odor on fabrics and cause cracking from heat exposure.

Color Transfer:

Most wool dryer balls are white, cream, or light gray and are undyed, so you don’t have to worry about color transfer. However, new neon-colored tennis balls could potentially transfer dye to wet clothes.

Fabric Performance:

Tennis balls are firmer than wool dryer balls and may cause damage to delicate fabrics, especially if the felt starts to wear. Wool dryer balls are softer and gentler on fabrics, but tennis balls work better for fluffing pillows and outerwear because they are firmer.

Noise Level:

Since tennis balls are firmer, they can create more noise during the drying cycle compared to the softer wool dryer balls.

The Verdict:
Wool dryer balls are the best overall option for drying clothes, but tennis balls are a very close second. Both are preferable to silicon-coated dryer sheets, which leave residue on fabrics and inside your dryer.