Nothing says "I love you" like a nice set of wool dryer balls for Christmas, right?

It's exactly what I asked for and received in my stocking this year. What a guy my hubby is. A stand-up desk andwool dryer balls. Okay, laugh if you want, but this girl couldn't be happier.

I am on a quest to reduce fragrances and other chemicals in our home, and while I like my clothes to come out of the dryer smelling fresh, I don't like the chemicals and artificial fragrances found in dryer sheets.

It is said fragrance is the new smoking (this includes expensive perfumes). I know personally I'm am growing more and more intolerant of artificial scents and perfumes preferring only to scent with essential oils.

Why use dryer balls you ask? Here are 5 reasons you should use them:

1. Energy efficient - 

Dryer balls reduce drying time by getting in between clothes in the dryer and helping to separate them as they tumble.  This promotes better air circulation within the dryer helping to rapidly evaporate moisture and draw it away.

2. No chemicals - 

As crazy as it seems, the current United States Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require dryer sheet manufacturers to list actual ingredients, including the chemicals used in fragrance blends.

In a 2016 study, it was found 12.5 percent of people blamed scented laundry products spewing from dryer vents for health issues. These include ailments like respiratory issues, runny noses, asthma attacks, skin issues, migraines, and even gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. You can scent to your preference with essential oils or use nothing at all - 

Right now I have our clothes in the dryer with 3 wool dryer balls scented with Ylang, Ylang and Wintergreen. Only use a few drops of your favorite essential oils to scent each ball. Caution:Use a low to medium dryer heat setting if using essential oils to scent. 

It is a good idea to let the essential oil soak on the dryer balls for 10-20 minutes before you use them.  The more the oils are absorbed into the dryer balls before use, the more slowly they will be dispersed in the dryer.

4.. Less Static -

Dryer balls reduce drying time and reduce static by getting in between items in our dryers and helping to separate them as they tumble. This promotes better air circulation within the dryer and less wrinkling too!

5. Long-lasting and economical - The average wool dryer ball can last up to 1000 laundry loads! Think of how many dryer sheets you would have to purchase and throw away. 

It is suggested you use 3-4 wool balls at a time for the best efficiency. 

My wool dryer balls were purchased here.