Putting a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer may seem like an unusual practice, but it can actually serve a few different purposes. In this article, we’ll explore the possible effects and benefits of tossing some crumbled up foil in with your laundry.
Can help reduce static
One of the main reasons people put aluminum foil balls in the dryer is to help reduce static cling. When clothes rub against each other in the hot, circulating air of the dryer, it causes static electricity to build up. This can result in clothes clinging to each other or sticking to the sides of the dryer when you go to take them out. It’s an annoying problem that many people experience after doing laundry.
Aluminum foil is conductive and helps dissipate electrical charge. When you throw a loose ball of foil in the dryer, it gets tumbled around with the clothes, helping to neutralize the static charge. This in turn reduces the amount of clinging and sticking caused by static buildup. The foil ball basically acts like a grounding agent for the static electricity produced in the dryer.
Can soften fabrics
In addition to reducing static, aluminum foil in the dryer may also help to soften clothes and fabrics. When foil is tumbling around and rubbing against the laundry, it can help break in and relax the fibers of items like sheets, towels, t-shirts, and more. This gives them a softer feel straight out of the dryer.
The friction from the foil is gentler than the friction between fabrics rubbing against each other. So putting a foil ball in allows clothes to get tumbled around in a more delicate manner, while still getting fully dried. The result is laundry that feels pleasantly soft and not stiff or rough.
Can extend life of dryer sheets
If you like to use dryer sheets when doing laundry, throwing in a ball of foil can help the sheets last longer. Rather than having the fabric softener sheet directly contact the laundry the entire time, the foil ball provides a barrier. It allows the dryer sheet scent and effects to still circulate in the dryer, but reduces direct contact and friction that can wear the sheet out faster.
By tossing the foil ball in along with a dryer sheet, it can protect the sheet from damage during the drying cycle. This allows you to get more uses out of each dryer sheet before needing to replace it. Essentially, the foil ball extends the life and effectiveness of dryer sheets.
Can help laundry dry faster
Some people also claim that putting aluminum foil in the dryer helps laundry dry more quickly and efficiently. The crumbled up foil takes up space between clothing items, allowing more airflow. This improves circulation and allows the hot air to reach all parts of the wet laundry evenly. With improved airflow, the moisture can evaporate faster, reducing overall drying time.
Foil balls are also very lightweight, so they can tumble freely and quickly in the dryer drum. This helps keep clothes mixed around and prevents them from clumping or balling up, which also improves drying. The constantly moving foil ball basically serves to “fluff” the laundry as it dries for faster results.
Can help with odor removal
Not only can aluminum foil balls soften fabrics and reduce static, but some people also use them specifically for odor removal benefits. The foil seems to help absorb and neutralize lingering smells in laundry. When you throw a foil ball in the dryer with clothes or towels that have an unpleasant or musty odor, it seems to help purge the smell from the fabric.
Some theories suggest that the aluminum oxide layer that forms on the surface of the foil may have deodorizing effects. Or that the static-reduction and increased airflow created by the foil allows odors to more easily escape from the laundry. Whatever the mechanism, a lot of people swear by foil in the dryer for freshening up smelly clothes and linens.
Can protect dryer parts
An added benefit of tossing aluminum foil in with your laundry is that it may provide some protection for the inner workings of your dryer. Small items like coins, buttons, snaps, nails, bobby pins, pens, etc. can sometimes get left in pockets and mixed in with clothes in the wash. These small objects can fall through clothes and get stuck in the dryer trap, vent hose, or other internal parts when the clothes are moved to the dryer.
Putting a foil ball in first creates a protective barrier that can catch these fallen objects before they have a chance to get stuck and cause damage. The foil ball tumbles around with the laundry, and small objects tend to collect in the foil rather than falling loose into the dryer workings. This prevents blockages and clogs, and reduces wear and tear on the dryer itself.
Potential risks and precautions
While balling up some foil and throwing it in the dryer is generally considered safe, there are a few potential risks and precautions to be aware of:
- Make sure foil balls are loose and not tightly wadded, which could tear clothes.
- Remove foil balls after each load to prevent clogs in dryer vent.
- Do not use foil balls if drying anything with loose buttons, snaps, rhinestones etc. that could catch on the foil.
- Avoid overloading the dryer when using foil, to allow proper tumbling action.
- Make sure foil does not get stuck near any electrical contacts or heating elements inside the dryer.
- Stop using foil balls if you notice any damage or scratching of the dryer drum surface.
As long as you use some care and common sense, aluminum foil balls can be safely used to provide helpful benefits in the dryer. But always monitor for problems and discontinue use if any occur.
Different methods for making foil balls
If you want to try using foil balls in your dryer, here are a couple easy methods for making them:
Method 1
- Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil approximately 10-12 inches long.
- Begin crumbling and wadding up the foil tightly into a ball shape.
- Once the entire sheet is wadded up, squeeze and shape the ball, tightening any loose spots.
- Make sure there are no sharp edges or points sticking out.
Method 2
- Use scissors to cut the aluminum foil into strips approximately 2 inches wide.
- Take 5-10 of the strips and wad them up together into a loose ball shape.
- Do not compress it too tightly – the strips allow airflow inside the ball.
- Use more strips for a larger ball or fewer for a smaller one.
The second method creates a ball that is less dense and allows more air circulation inside. Feel free to experiment to find the type of foil ball that works best for you.
Are foil balls reusable?
Aluminum foil balls can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. Over time however, the foil will become stretched, torn, and worn. Replacing balls periodically as needed will ensure best performance.
Here are some signs it’s time to swap in a fresh foil ball:
- Holes, tears, or unravelling of the foil
- Flattening or deformation of the original ball shape
- Pitting or corrosion appearing on the surface
- Lost effectiveness in reducing static or softening laundry
With regular laundry loads, a single foil ball can usually last for several months before needing to be replaced. Keep an eye on its condition and swap in a new one whenever wear becomes apparent.
Tips for maximum effectiveness
Follow these tips to get the most out of using aluminum foil balls in your dryer:
- Use a large enough ball to allow sufficient tumbling space for laundry items.
- Add the ball at the start of the drying cycle for full exposure.
- Let the dryer run 5-10 minutes before stopping to allow ball to mix in.
- Use high heat setting to maximize static reduction benefits.
- For odor removal, add a few drops of essential oil onto the foil ball.
- Replace balls that become worn out for best ongoing results.
Alternatives to foil balls
If you don’t have aluminum foil on hand, there are a few other items that can be used in place of foil balls to provide similar dryer benefits:
- Wool dryer balls – reduce static and soften fabrics.
- Old socks tied into balls – act as softening agitators.
- Tennis balls with holes – help increase airflow.
- Rubber sponges cut into chunks – dissipate static charge.
- Dryer sheets – impart fabric softener effects.
However, aluminum foil works better than most alternatives and provides all-around benefits for a very low cost.
The bottom line
Tossing an aluminum foil ball in the dryer is an easy free hack that offers several laundry benefits:
- Reduces annoying static cling in clothes
- Helps soften and relax fabric fibers
- Extends life of dryer sheets
- Can speed up drying time
- Helps remove odors from laundry
- Protects dryer from dropped items
With just some basic aluminum foil from your kitchen, you can make reusable balls to enjoy these handy perks and make your laundry routine that much better. Give it a try the next time you’re drying a load and see how well it works for you!