How to Use Wool Dryer Balls With Fragrance Oils
Wool dryer balls are a simple, reusable addition to your laundry routine. Place them in the tumble dryer with your wet washing and allow them to move between the fabrics as the load dries.
They can be used unscented or paired with a small amount of fragrance oil when you would like to add a soft, familiar scent to towels, bedding and everyday clothing.
Little Brown Goose Wool Dryer Balls come as a set of six XL balls made from New Zealand wool. They are an easy option for Australian households looking for a practical natural fabric softener alternative without making laundry day more complicated.
What are wool dryer balls?
Wool dryer balls are firm balls of felted wool designed to be used inside a tumble dryer.
As the dryer turns, the balls move through the load and help separate clothing, towels and bedding. This allows the items to tumble more freely rather than staying tightly bundled together.
They may help:
- Reduce tangling and twisting
- Minimise some wrinkles
- Support more even drying
- Create a softer-feeling load
- Reduce the need for single-use dryer sheets
Unlike a liquid laundry product, dryer balls do not go into the washing machine. They are added only when the clean, wet laundry is transferred to the tumble dryer.
They are also naturally unscented, so you can use them as they are or add an optional fragrance oil when desired.
How many wool dryer balls should you use?
For most loads, use between three and six wool dryer balls.
As a simple guide:
- Use three balls for a small or lightly filled dryer load
- Use four to five balls for an average family load
- Use all six for larger loads such as towels or bedding
The right number can depend on the size of your dryer and how full the load is. The balls need enough room to move between the fabrics, so avoid overloading your appliance.
Little Brown Goose Wool Dryer Balls come in a set of six, allowing you to adjust the number depending on what you are drying.
Always follow your dryer manufacturer’s directions, including its recommended load size and fabric-care settings.
How to use wool dryer balls
Using reusable dryer balls does not require a separate cycle or special dryer setting.
Step 1: Wash your laundry
Wash your clothing, towels or bedding as normal.
You can use your usual detergent or try Little Brown Goose Washing Powder, a lemon myrtle laundry powder handmade by our family business in Geelong, Victoria.
For additional laundry fragrance, Laundry Crystals can be added to the wash according to their individual directions.
Step 2: Transfer the wet washing
Move the clean, wet laundry from the washing machine into the tumble dryer.
Check garment labels before drying. Some fabrics and clothing items should not be placed in a tumble dryer.
Step 3: Add the dryer balls
Place three to six Wool Dryer Balls loosely throughout the load.
There is no need to place them inside a bag during use. The cotton bag supplied with the set is for storage between loads.
Step 4: Dry as normal
Choose the appropriate dryer setting for your fabrics and start the cycle.
The dryer balls will move through the load while the drum turns. Some gentle tapping inside the dryer is normal.
Step 5: Store them for next time
Remove the dryer balls when unloading your washing. Allow them to air if they feel damp, then keep them in their reusable cotton storage bag until your next load.
How to add fragrance oil to wool dryer balls
Fragrance oil is optional. Unscented wool dryer balls can be used on their own whenever you prefer fragrance-free washing.
When you would like to add scent, follow these steps.
1. Remove the balls from the dryer
Apply fragrance oil before placing the balls into the dryer. Do not attempt to add oil while the dryer is operating.
2. Add only a few drops
Apply a few drops of your chosen Little Brown Goose Fragrance Oil directly to one or two dryer balls.
Begin with a small amount. Adding more oil does not always produce a better result and may create a stronger fragrance than expected.
3. Let the oil absorb
Allow the fragrance oil to soak fully into the wool before placing the balls near your clothing.
The surface of the ball should not feel wet or oily. Allowing the oil to absorb helps reduce the chance of direct oil contact with fabrics.
4. Add the balls to the load
Once the oil has absorbed, place the scented balls into the dryer with the wet washing and dry according to the appliance and garment instructions.
5. Adjust next time if needed
Fragrance strength can vary depending on the scent, load size, fabrics and dryer cycle.
Start lightly and adjust the number of drops during a future load rather than applying a large amount at once.
Important fragrance oil care instructions
Fragrance oils are concentrated home-fragrance products and should always be used carefully.
When scenting dryer balls:
- Use only a few drops at a time
- Allow the oil to absorb completely
- Never pour fragrance oil directly onto clothing
- Do not add fragrance oil directly inside the dryer
- Keep the oil away from eyes and skin
- Do not ingest
- Keep bottles away from children and pets
- Store upright in a cool, dry place
- Follow the dryer manufacturer’s instructions
Do not use a fragrance oil on dryer balls when drying clothing or fabrics that must remain fragrance-free.
How dryer balls fit into a low-tox laundry routine
A low-tox laundry routine does not need to involve replacing every product at once. It can begin with small, practical changes that suit your household.
A simple routine may include:
- Washing your clothes with an appropriate amount of Washing Powder.
- Adding Laundry Crystals during the wash when you would like added fragrance and a fabric softener alternative.
- Transferring suitable items to the dryer.
- Adding three to six reusable dryer balls.
- Using a few drops of fragrance oil only when you would like additional scent.
Laundry Crystals and dryer balls perform different roles. Laundry Crystals are used during the wash, while wool dryer balls are used in the tumble dryer. They may be used separately or together as part of the same laundry routine.
You can explore these options in the Little Brown Goose Laundry & Cleaning collection.
What can you dry with wool dryer balls?
Wool dryer balls can be used with many common tumble-dryer loads, including:
- Everyday clothing
- Towels
- Sheets and quilt covers
- School and work clothing
- Suitable baby clothing
- Suitable pet blankets
Always read the garment-care label first. Delicate fabrics, wool garments and items marked “do not tumble dry” should be cared for according to their individual instructions.
Dryer balls do not replace correct temperature selection or proper fabric care.
Why choose Little Brown Goose?
Little Brown Goose is an Australian family-owned business based in Geelong, Victoria. We create handmade low-tox laundry, home fragrance, bath and body favourites designed for practical everyday routines.
Our Wool Dryer Ball set includes six XL balls made from New Zealand wool and a reusable cotton storage bag. They can be used unscented or paired with your favourite Little Brown Goose Fragrance Oil.
The set is a simple choice for households looking for:
- Reusable dryer balls
- An alternative to single-use dryer sheets
- Flexible scented or unscented laundry
- A practical housewarming gift
- An easy addition to a low-tox laundry routine
Create a laundry routine that suits your home
Some loads may only need unscented dryer balls. For others, a few carefully absorbed drops of Fresh Linen, Egyptian Musk, Japanese Honeysuckle or another favourite fragrance can make folding towels and bedding feel a little more enjoyable.
Shop Little Brown Goose Wool Dryer Balls, explore our Fragrance Oils, or browse the complete Laundry & Cleaning collection to build a routine that works for your family.
Frequently asked questions
How many wool dryer balls should I use per load?
Use three for a smaller load and up to all six for larger loads such as towels or bedding. Make sure there is enough room in the dryer for the balls and washing to tumble freely.
Can you put fragrance oil on wool dryer balls?
Yes. Add only a few drops and allow the fragrance oil to absorb completely before placing the balls into the dryer.
Can I pour fragrance oil directly onto my washing?
No. Never pour fragrance oil directly onto clothing, towels, bedding or the inside of the dryer. Apply a small amount to the dryer balls and allow it to absorb first.
Do wool dryer balls have to be scented?
No. Wool dryer balls are naturally unscented and work perfectly well without fragrance oil.
Can wool dryer balls replace fabric softener?
They are a reusable natural fabric softener alternative designed to help separate laundry as it tumbles and support a softer-feeling load. Results can vary by fabric and dryer cycle.
How long do Little Brown Goose Wool Dryer Balls last?
The current product information states that they can be reused for more than 1,000 loads when correctly used and cared for.
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