The 5 Best Tumble Dryer Balls in the UK

If you’ve ever pulled a load of laundry out of the dryer only to find it still damp, full of static, or wrinkled like a crumpled receipt, you’re not alone.

But never fear! The 21st century has brought us a simple, affordable fix that doesn’t involve buying fancy gadgets or drowning your clothes in chemicals (yipeee!). They are called tumble dryer balls.

These little laundry heroes – whether made of wool, rubber, or plastic – can help you dry clothes faster, soften fabrics naturally, and even reduce static cling. But with so many options out there, how do you know which are the best tumble dryer balls you’re going to actually love?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know, from how they work to which ones are worth popping in your basket. I’ve included the TOP 5 Tumble Dryer Balls in the UK 🙂

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them – at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support 🙂

What Do Tumble Dryer Balls Do?

Tumble dryer balls are small, reusable balls that bounce around in your dryer drum during a cycle. Their movement helps separate clothes, allowing hot air to circulate more freely. This means:

• Faster drying times – Less waiting around for your jeans to dry.
• Softer clothes – No need for chemical-laden fabric softeners.
• Reduced wrinkles – Clothes come out smoother and easier to fold.
• Less static cling – Especially helpful in colder months.
• Eco-friendly laundry – Reusable and often made from natural materials.

In short, they’re a low-effort way to upgrade your laundry game. If you’ve ever wondered what do tumble dryer balls do, now you’ve got your answer.

Types of Laundry Dryer Balls

Not all balls for dryer use are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Wool Dryer Balls

These are the most popular – and for good reason.

• Made from 100% natural wool (often New Zealand wool – yep, only the good stuff!)
• Biodegradable and chemical-free
• Quiet in the dryer
• Great for reducing static and softening clothes
• Can be scented with essential oils

They’re often considered the best laundry dryer balls for eco-conscious households.

Plastic Dryer Balls

These usually have a spiky or textured surface.

• Durable and long-lasting
• Help fluff clothes and reduce wrinkles
• Can be noisy in the drum
• Not biodegradable

Rubber Dryer Balls

Softer than plastic, but still effective.

• Reusable and tough
• May have a slight odour when new
• Not as eco-friendly as wool
• Less noisy than plastic

Best 5 Tumble Dryer Balls UK

We’ve scoured the UK market to find the best tumble dryer balls shoppers rave about:

1. Nooril Wool Tumble Dryer Balls – Pack of 4

• Handmade from organic New Zealand wool
• Reduces drying time, static, and wrinkles
• Comes with a reusable cotton bag

Nooril Wool Tumble Dryer Balls are wool tumble dryer balls that are a hit with eco-conscious users. They’re unscented, quiet, and last for hundreds of loads.

2. Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls – Pack of 6

• Natural alternative to fabric softener
• Hypoallergenic and chemical-free
• Over 74,000 global reviews

Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls are among the best laundry dryer balls for families. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.

Want Spotless Floors without Lifting a Finger?

3. Ecozone Dryer Cubes – Pack of 2

• Made from soft rubber
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Approved by Allergy UK

Ecozone Dryer Cubes are cube-shaped dryer balls that are gentle on sensitive skin and help reduce drying time.

4. Wooly Heroes Dryer Balls – Penguin & Friends

• 100% organic wool
• Fun animal designs
• Eco-friendly and reusable

Wooly Heroes Dryer Balls – Penguin & Friends are perfect for adding a bit of joy to laundry day – they are the self-proclaimed “world’s cutest laundry balls”. These wool balls are especially popular with kids, but I’d be lying if I said they weren’t my favourite too! They also make great gifts 🙂

5. Sopito XL Wool Dryer Balls – Pack of 6

• Premium natural wool
• Ideal for large loads
• Quiet and effective

Sopito XL Wool Dryer Balls are extra-large wool dryer balls that are perfect for towels, bedding, and heavy fabrics.

How to Use Tumble Dryer Balls

Using laundry dryer balls is incredibly simple. Here’s how:

1. Toss 3-6 balls into the dryer with your wet clothes.
2. Use 3 balls for small loads, 5-6 for larger ones.
3. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil to the balls for fragrance.
4. Run your dryer as usual.

That’s it. No extra steps, no mess. If you’ve been wondering how to use tumble dryer balls, now you know – it’s as easy as pie.

Do They Actually Work?

Yes, they do – and not just in theory. Thousands of users report noticeable improvements in drying time and fabric softness. Here’s what people love:

• Wool dryer balls: Quiet, effective, and great for reducing static and wrinkles.
• Plastic and rubber dryer balls: Durable and good for fluffing clothes, but can be noisy.

If you’re sensitive to sound or want a more natural option, go for wool tumble dryer balls.

Care and Maintenance

Tumble dryer balls are low-maintenance, but here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:

• Wool balls: Recharge every few months by washing in hot water and drying on high heat.
• Plastic/rubber balls: Wipe clean occasionally to remove lint or residue.
• Storage: Keep them in a dry place between uses.

Bonus: Pet Hair Removal

Got pets? You’ll love this – dryer balls help lift pet hair off clothes during the drying cycle. Wool balls are especially good at this, and you can easily remove the hair from the balls afterwards.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your tumble dryer balls, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overload your dryer—balls need space to move.
• Use with natural fabrics for best results.
• Avoid using with heavily soiled items (they’re not a replacement for washing).
• Combine with essential oils for a fresh scent.
• Replace wool balls after 1000 loads or when they start to pill excessively.

Why Trust Us?

We’re a UK-based professional cleaning team with years of hands-on experience in homes of all shapes and sizes. From deep cleans in busy family kitchens to quick refreshes in rental flats, we’ve used more cleaning products and household tools than we can count. Some are brilliant. Others don’t live up to the hype.

This blog was created to share what actually works. Every recommendation is based on practical use, customer feedback, and what holds up in real homes. If a product doesn’t save time, improve results, or make life easier, it doesn’t make the cut.

We focus on tools that perform under pressure, not just ones that look good on the shelf. We only bring you the best, and that’s a promise 🙂

Final Thoughts on The Best Tumble Dryer Balls in the UK

Tumble dryer balls might seem like a small change, but they can make a big difference. Whether you’re trying to cut down on energy bills, reduce your environmental footprint, or just want softer clothes without the chemicals, they’re a smart addition to your laundry routine.

With so many highly rated options from the eco-friendly Nooril wool balls to the quirky Wooly Heroes, you’re bound to find a set that suits your needs and style.

So go on, give them a whirl. Your laundry (and your wallet) will thank you.