They say these are better for the environment than dryer sheets. Have you read all the chemicals in those things? Sometimes, dryer sheets are just a little too strong for me.
You start with a skein of wool yarn, I bought this on-line for about $7, and you just wind it around to make yarn balls. This skein was about 8 oz. It made 4, 2 oz balls. You could make them larger if you'd like. Tennis ball size is ideal.
After the balls are made you put them in pantyhose (I used a trouser sock) and tie it tightly between each ball either in a knot or I used some cotton yarn. Do not use wool yarn to tie it as it will felt!
Let your dog roll around on the floor with it. This step is optional.
Wash the balls in HOT water and dry in the dryer. I washed and dried mine twice then cut the ties on the sock. They did shrink some. Now you add them to your dryer in place of dryer sheets but, you don't wash them. Some folks I know just leave them in their dryer.
You can do colors as well. I didn't want to do a special load to wash these and I use hot water for my whites and didn't want a colored yarn to bleed. I may scent them with a few drops of essential oil. I made 10 at cost of about $20. That's about the same as four boxes of dyer sheets. I'm unsure how long these balls last. I've read a year, 5 years, 100's of loads, and a lifetime. One thing I do know, no more dryer sheets in my pant legs!
Okay, yup, I'm totally making these! I've considered buying them more than once, but never even thought about making my own. I stopped using drying sheets awhile ago because of all the chemicals and now anything laundry related with a scent gives me a headache. Thanks so much for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love the "let your dog roll around with them step"!