DRYER BALLS—Friends, if you haven’t started using them, you’re missing out.
A month ago, during a facial appointment, I was complaining about persistent jawline acne. The facialist, Carolyn, from Spa Kingston, asked if I used dryer sheets. I proudly told her that I’m a big fan of dryer sheets, especially Mrs. Meyer’s lavender-scented ones, and have been for years. I love when my laundry comes out soft and fresh, to the point that I’ll rewash clothes if they don’t smell right. I always toss one or two sheets into the dryer, but Carolyn quickly advised me to stop and switch to dryer balls.
I had always assumed Mrs. Meyer’s was a clean brand, but it turns out dryer sheets and fabric softeners can contain harsh chemicals that not only harm your skin but could also worsen acne. It hit me—sleeping on my right side meant my face was in contact with these chemicals every night, leading to breakouts on that side of my face. I’m usually very careful about using chemical-free cleaning products, so realizing this made me quit dryer sheets completely.
So, what’s a dryer ball exactly? Picture a large wool tennis ball that’s free of chemicals and environmentally friendly. It softens clothes naturally and is very popular right now. I wish I’d discovered them sooner, not just for my skin’s sake, but because they are a superior alternative.
Using them is easy. Imagine you’re drying a big load of wet laundry. Without dryer balls, clothes often tangle, leaving some items damp and wrinkled. By adding six dryer balls to your dryer, they keep the clothes from clumping, cutting down drying time by over 25%, which saves energy. The wool acts as a natural fabric softener, and most importantly, your skin will thank you.
My only concern was missing the fresh scent. Carolyn’s advice was simple—add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls around 30 minutes before using them. I tried lavender essential oil to keep my chemical-free lavender-scented clothes, and I can’t wait to experiment with lemon next.
To wrap it up: if you’re looking to avoid harsh chemicals on your skin and care about the environment, head to Amazon to get a set of these amazing dryer balls.