Dryer Balls?

Jeff Corey · 31st October 2006, 08:19 AM

Not a typo, but two rubber balls that supposedly eliminate the need for fabric softener and reduce drying time when put into a clothes dryer.
The trouble and strife bought these "As seen on TV" things and I can't find any proof that they work as claimed.

fls · 31st October 2006, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Jeff Corey

Not a typo, but two rubber balls that supposedly eliminate the need for fabric softener and reduce drying time when put into a clothes dryer.
The trouble and strife bought these "As seen on TV" things and I can't find any proof that they work as claimed.

Do you have any proof that fabric softener works?

Linda

ChristineR · 31st October 2006, 08:46 AM

They basically stir the clothes. Simply stirring the clothes while they dry will make them dry "softer." If you dry something on a hanger it comes out stiff and flat, after you shake it around it starts to look more normal. Stirring the clothes will also distribute the heat more evenly, which may decreased drying time in some cases.

I have no doubt that somewhere there is a clothes dryer and a pile of wet laundry that would dry faster and "softer" with these balls. I can only guess how well they do in practice.

Anyhow, it's a very easy test. Dry the same pile of towels repeatedly and flip a coin to decide whether to use the balls. Put the towels on the bed and tell spouse to fold them. Spouse records her opinions.

Advantages:

Practical lesson in scientific thinking. Excellent if you have children!
Good reason to buy a dozen identical new towels.
Husband does the laundry!

MortFurd · 31st October 2006, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by fls

Do you have any proof that fabric softener works?

Linda

I have proof that fabric softener leaves an effin mess on the laundry. Towels treated with fabric softener leave a smeary film on my glasses when I dry them with said towels.

Spektator · 31st October 2006, 08:56 AM

Oh, I thought this thread was about...um...see, I play golf, and if the balls get wet...um...never mind.

Cuddles · 31st October 2006, 09:43 AM

Rubber balls? That's just silly, they should be magnetic. Or possibly quantum.

azazal · 31st October 2006, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Cuddles

Rubber balls? That's just silly, they should be magnetic. Or possibly quantum.

How about quantum magnetic balls made with Atlantian crystals?

You know if I didn't have morals, I could be rich..... hmmmmm

Crowbot · 31st October 2006, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by fls

Do you have any proof that fabric softener works?

Linda

I'd love to see some. I buy fabric softener sheets because of the scent they leave on my clothes, which is the only noticeable difference to me - the smell.

Anyone have evidence to support fabric softeners actually softening fabric?

ChristineR · 31st October 2006, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Crowbot

I'd love to see some. I buy fabric softener sheets because of the scent they leave on my clothes, which is the only noticeable difference to me - the smell.

Anyone have evidence to support fabric softeners actually softening fabric?

They contain chemicals which reduce the build-up of static electricity. Since static makes fabric bunch and twist, the same principle of maximizing movement of the fabric while it dries applies.

slipknotmcfadden · 31st October 2006, 10:13 AM

Fabric softeners (both the sheets and the liquid that goes in the washer) are simply wax and/or oils. That's how they make clothes "feel" softer. But since "soft" is simply a feeling, then "feeling" softer is the same thing as actually being softer.

Side note - same with detergent that "brightens colors". It does it by adding blue dye, which makes the colors "appear" brighter. But then again, since "brighter" is a matter of appearance, something that "appears" brighter really is brighter. So in both cases, you feel like you're being cheated, but are you really?

MortFurd - your mom was supposed to tell you not to use fabric softener with towels when she taught you how to do laundry.

That's how I found out anyway. I also like my sheets crisp, so I don't use fabric softener with them either.

Anyway, part of the "softening" that's getting done in the dryer is not from the oils and wax from the sheet, but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier.

Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words.

luchog · 31st October 2006, 10:13 AM

Personally, I prefer the fuzzy plastic balls. They pick up all the hairs that normally get stuck to my socks.

Timble · 31st October 2006, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden

... but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier.

Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words.

A bit off thread, but why's the fluff that collects on the filter screen of the tumble always grey irrespective of what colour the majority of your laundry is?

slipknotmcfadden · 31st October 2006, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Timble

A bit off thread, but why's the fluff that collects on the filter screen of the tumble always grey irrespective of what colour the majority of your laundry is?

Good question. Unabashedly curious people who ask questions like this are automatically entered into the "cool" section of my book. And it's not just because they have eye-catching avatars.

The lint color does change according to what clothes are in there - lighter gray for my white loads, slightly yellow when I wash my yellow towel, dark blue when I wash my jeans. They probably average out to gray just like when you mix a bunch of paints together.

slipknotmcfadden · 31st October 2006, 10:42 AM

Ah-ha! From Wikipedia's "Navel lint" entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navel_lint):

Quote:

Navel lint's characteristic blue-gray tint is likely the averaging of the colors of fibres present in clothing; the same color as clothes dryer lint.

And yes, there's a citation to The Incredible World of Navel Fluff (my god, this is getting bizarre - http://www.feargod.net/fluff.html):

Quote:

[Michael Biesecker] observes that the colour of navel fluff varies amongst different people, and that those who habitually wear clothes of a similar colour tend to produce fluff related to that colour. However, those who wear a variety of colours usually end up with fluff of a grayish blue colour similar to the lint found in the lint filters of clothes driers. This colour is most likely an average of all clothing colours worn.

I really need to get some work done today.

MortFurd · 31st October 2006, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden

MortFurd - your mom was supposed to tell you not to use fabric softener with towels when she taught you how to do laundry.

That's how I found out anyway. I also like my sheets crisp, so I don't use fabric softener with them either.

I don't. That's experience from a time when I was single and lived in an apartment that didn't have any place to put a clothes washer or dryer. I took my stuff to be washed once a week, and the woman who ran the place put softener on everything. I finally convinced her to stop doing that.

My wife doesn't use fabric softener on our wash.

Zygar · 31st October 2006, 11:27 AM

I am allergic to fabric softener. Makes me break out in a horrible rash. As a result I only use dryer sheets, and only for soft cotton such as T-shirts and boxers.

Katana · 31st October 2006, 12:56 PM

I had never heard of the dryer balls until I saw a package in Linens & Things, I believe. I read the claims, I was intrigued, so I bought them. I used to use fabric softener before switching to the balls, so my opinion on them is based on that comparison.

They seem to be doing a really good job. As ChristineR surmised, they do seem to create much faster drying. That has been the biggest change. Every load, no matter how big (and I push it), is done after the first cycle. I used to have to run loads for another 20 minutes here, another 30 minutes there. My towels also seem fluffier, but that one is more subjective. The laundry is certainly no less soft since switching to the balls. The drying time, though, is, without a doubt, a huge improvement. Given the amount of energy that dryers consume, I'd say that that counts for something.

So there you go. My take on dryer balls.

Beleth · 31st October 2006, 01:24 PM

I hardly even know 'er!

Someone had to say it.

supercorgi · 31st October 2006, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Katana

I had never heard of the dryer balls until I saw a package in Linens & Things, I believe. I read the claims, I was intrigued, so I bought them. I used to use fabric softener before switching to the balls, so my opinion on them is based on that comparison.

Well, my mother always taught me that when drying large things like quilts to throw some tennis balls or a sneaker into the dryer. The object would help agitate the quilt causing it to dry faster and fluff up (nobody wants an unfluffy quilt).

bjb · 31st October 2006, 02:41 PM

I used to have a pair of dryer balls. Some calamine lotion cleared it right up.

RSLancastr · 31st October 2006, 05:39 PM

If you use dryer sheets, it can build up a waxy film on the lint trap, causing the trap to not work effectively. To see if you have this problem, take out the lint trap and try to pour some water through it. The waxy buildup will slow (if not stop) the water from travelling through.

Scrubbing the mesh with hot water, a detergent and a toothbrush every few months will keep the buildup from being a problem.

casebro · 31st October 2006, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

If you use dryer sheets, it can build up a waxy film on the lint trap, causing the trap to not work effectively. To see if you have this problem, take out the lint trap and try to pour some water through it. The waxy buildup will slow (if not stop) the water from travelling through.

Scrubbing the mesh with hot water, a detergent and a toothbrush every few months will keep the buildup from being a problem.

Too bad we don't care about trapping water in the lint screen, only about trapping lint.

Trapping water with the waxy screen is a little different than trapping air, which is only 1/10,000 times as viscous.

How about trying a before/after test by holding the screen out the window of a moving car, to see if you can feel the difference in air drag? A waxy screen might be better, not worse.

casebro · 31st October 2006, 06:16 PM

Besides, drier balls don't pick up yeast infections as easily. Do you think baby powder would help the laundry too?

schplurg · 1st November 2006, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by bjb

I used to have a pair of dryer balls. Some calamine lotion cleared it right up.

Seems like that would make them even dryer...?

Tamazon · 1st November 2006, 01:42 AM

I once used the vanilla scented dryer sheets and my hubby said the bed sheets smelled like cookies.

Thanks for the tip RSL I shall try the water thing tomorrow as I always use the sheets.

My mom bought some of the balls. Not sure if she's using them. I'll ask her tomorrow.

Ryan O'Dine · 1st November 2006, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by casebro

How about trying a before/after test by holding the screen out the window of a moving car, to see if you can feel the difference in air drag? A waxy screen might be better, not worse.

At minimum, a lint trap blocked by the build-up from fabric softener sheets will shorten the life of the dryer. At worse, it may potentially represent a fire hazard.

The following are selected quotes from an online Frigidaire Dryer owner’s guide.

Quote:

Do not operate the dryer if the lint screen is blocked, damaged or
missing. Fire hazard, overheating and damage to fabrics can occur. If your dryer has
a drying rack, always replace the lint screen when finished using the drying rack.

Quote:

Occasionally a waxy build-up may form on the lint screen from using dryer-
added fabric softener sheets. To remove this build-up, wash the lint screen in
warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly and replace. Do not operate the dryer
without the lint screen in place.

More info can be found here.

joobz · 1st November 2006, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden

Anyway, part of the "softening" that's getting done in the dryer is not from the oils and wax from the sheet, but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier.

Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words.

great word!
Fluffification is by far superior than the alternatives:
Fluffication (the extra if, really makes it flow)
Flufflorination (Which i guess is adding fluoride to fluff things)
Flufficilitation (facilitating the fluffing process)
Fluffinitronic (an electric fluffy machine?)
Flufferinating (I don't want to think what this might mean)

briandunning · 1st November 2006, 01:00 PM

I don't see why regular fabric softener couldn't be put into hard rubber form. Would be pleasant to listen to.

fuelair · 1st November 2006, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by Spektator

Oh, I thought this thread was about...um...see, I play golf, and if the balls get wet...um...never mind.

And some years back a golf pros' wife mentioned on national television the she always rubbed her husbands' balls before a match.

joobz · 1st November 2006, 04:28 PM

Laundry Detergent??

"I wanna dip my balls in it!"

ysabella · 1st November 2006, 05:35 PM

Are the dryer balls special? Could you just use racquetballs?

Libertarian · 1st November 2006, 07:57 PM

Thought someone would have mentioned this by now, but..........hasn't anyone seen the plastic, donut-shaped things (actually, they're about the size of a donut, too) that supposedly, if put into the washer, make it possible to wash clothes with hardly any detergent?

I had a relative who used one and said it worked (I was, to put it mildly, skeptical) but I don't think she uses it anymore. My guess is that you can probably do a few loads of clothes with little or no detergent and imagine that they're just as clean, but after a while, well..............

Anyone else seen these?

casebro · 1st November 2006, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Libertarian

Thought someone would have mentioned this by now, but..........hasn't anyone seen the plastic, donut-shaped things (actually, they're about the size of a donut, too) that supposedly, if put into the washer, make it possible to wash clothes with hardly any detergent?

I had a relative who used one and said it worked (I was, to put it mildly, skeptical) but I don't think she uses it anymore. My guess is that you can probably do a few loads of clothes with little or no detergent and imagine that they're just as clean, but after a while, well..............

Anyone else seen these?

I did have a guy who owned a laundry tell me that over time, enough detergent builds up in clothes that you can wash them withou adding any additional. I suppose it's that buildup, not the donuts, that cleans. Only for a couple times though.

bluess · 2nd November 2006, 11:39 AM

I tried the dryer balls with a sheet softener and without. The clothes came out as fluffy with just the dryer balls, but the static -- oy!

grayman · 2nd November 2006, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by joobz

great word!
Fluffification is by far superior than the alternatives:
Fluffication (the extra if, really makes it flow)
Flufflorination (Which i guess is adding fluoride to fluff things)
Flufficilitation (facilitating the fluffing process)
Fluffinitronic (an electric fluffy machine?)
Flufferinating (I don't want to think what this might mean)

Don't forget fluffernutter, mmmmmmm.

grayman · 2nd November 2006, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Spektator

Oh, I thought this thread was about...um...see, I play golf, and if the balls get wet...um...never mind.

I sprained my ankle playing golf one time when I fell off the ball washer.

bluess · 2nd November 2006, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by grayman

I sprained my ankle playing golf one time when I fell off the ball washer.

Let's hear it for Grayman! He'll be here all week.

Don't forget to tip your waitron!

PeterB · 2nd November 2006, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Timble

A bit off thread, but why's the fluff that collects on the filter screen of the tumble always grey irrespective of what colour the majority of your laundry is?

It's related to the well-known fact that dark clothes ony attract light-coloured dirt and vice versa.

slipknotmcfadden · 2nd November 2006, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by PeterB

It's related to the well-known fact that dark clothes ony attract light-coloured dirt and vice versa.

My clothes attract everything but women and money.

Soapy Sam · 4th November 2006, 05:55 AM

Never used fabric softener. How soft does fabric have to be?
I have put a nylon laundry bag, containing whole stalks of lavender, into a washer / dryer just before the dry cycle starts. I only do it with sheets, which are big (king size), or bath towels . It stops them adhering to the drum. They dry faster and more uniformly and come out smelling nice.
Should I apply for a patent?

31st October 2006, 08:19 AM	#1
Jeff Corey New York Skeptic Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,731	Dryer Balls? Not a typo, but two rubber balls that supposedly eliminate the need for fabric softener and reduce drying time when put into a clothes dryer. The trouble and strife bought these "As seen on TV" things and I can't find any proof that they work as claimed.

31st October 2006, 08:24 AM	#2
fls Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,052	Originally Posted by Jeff Corey Not a typo, but two rubber balls that supposedly eliminate the need for fabric softener and reduce drying time when put into a clothes dryer. The trouble and strife bought these "As seen on TV" things and I can't find any proof that they work as claimed. Do you have any proof that fabric softener works? Linda
fls Philosopher Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,052

31st October 2006, 08:46 AM	#3
ChristineR Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,071	They basically stir the clothes. Simply stirring the clothes while they dry will make them dry "softer." If you dry something on a hanger it comes out stiff and flat, after you shake it around it starts to look more normal. Stirring the clothes will also distribute the heat more evenly, which may decreased drying time in some cases. I have no doubt that somewhere there is a clothes dryer and a pile of wet laundry that would dry faster and "softer" with these balls. I can only guess how well they do in practice. Anyhow, it's a very easy test. Dry the same pile of towels repeatedly and flip a coin to decide whether to use the balls. Put the towels on the bed and tell spouse to fold them. Spouse records her opinions. Advantages: Practical lesson in scientific thinking. Excellent if you have children! Good reason to buy a dozen identical new towels. Husband does the laundry!
ChristineR Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,071	__________________ Avatar (c) Neopets.com

31st October 2006, 08:56 AM	#5
Spektator Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 962	Oh, I thought this thread was about...um...see, I play golf, and if the balls get wet...um...never mind.
Spektator Muse Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 962

31st October 2006, 09:43 AM	#6
Cuddles Decoy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: A magical land full of pink fluffy sheeps and bunnies Posts: 10,322	Rubber balls? That's just silly, they should be magnetic. Or possibly quantum.
	__________________ This space not left unintentionally blank.

31st October 2006, 08:48 AM	#4
MortFurd Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: An American in Germany Posts: 1,580	Originally Posted by fls Do you have any proof that fabric softener works? Linda I have proof that fabric softener leaves an effin mess on the laundry. Towels treated with fabric softener leave a smeary film on my glasses when I dry them with said towels.

31st October 2006, 09:53 AM	#7
azazal Ninja Wave: Techno Ninja Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 371	Originally Posted by Cuddles Rubber balls? That's just silly, they should be magnetic. Or possibly quantum. How about quantum magnetic balls made with Atlantian crystals? You know if I didn't have morals, I could be rich..... hmmmmm
	__________________ _____________________________________________ My gun collection has killed 5 fewer people than the Kennedy clan has with cars, airplanes and golf clubs. - Ranb

31st October 2006, 10:01 AM	#8
Crowbot Thinker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 146	Originally Posted by fls Do you have any proof that fabric softener works? Linda I'd love to see some. I buy fabric softener sheets because of the scent they leave on my clothes, which is the only noticeable difference to me - the smell. Anyone have evidence to support fabric softeners actually softening fabric?
	__________________ I've noticed that there are two types of applicants; those who cannot do what they claim and those who cannot claim what they do.

31st October 2006, 10:06 AM	#9
ChristineR Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,071	Originally Posted by Crowbot I'd love to see some. I buy fabric softener sheets because of the scent they leave on my clothes, which is the only noticeable difference to me - the smell. Anyone have evidence to support fabric softeners actually softening fabric? They contain chemicals which reduce the build-up of static electricity. Since static makes fabric bunch and twist, the same principle of maximizing movement of the fabric while it dries applies.
ChristineR Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,071	__________________ Avatar (c) Neopets.com

31st October 2006, 10:13 AM	#10
slipknotmcfadden Scholar Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Frederick, MD, USA Posts: 77	Fabric softeners (both the sheets and the liquid that goes in the washer) are simply wax and/or oils. That's how they make clothes "feel" softer. But since "soft" is simply a feeling, then "feeling" softer is the same thing as actually being softer. Side note - same with detergent that "brightens colors". It does it by adding blue dye, which makes the colors "appear" brighter. But then again, since "brighter" is a matter of appearance, something that "appears" brighter really is brighter. So in both cases, you feel like you're being cheated, but are you really? MortFurd - your mom was supposed to tell you not to use fabric softener with towels when she taught you how to do laundry. That's how I found out anyway. I also like my sheets crisp, so I don't use fabric softener with them either. Anyway, part of the "softening" that's getting done in the dryer is not from the oils and wax from the sheet, but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier. Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words.

31st October 2006, 10:13 AM	#11
luchog Neo-Post-Retro-Revivalist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Emerald City Posts: 5,966	Personally, I prefer the fuzzy plastic balls. They pick up all the hairs that normally get stuck to my socks.
	__________________ "All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others." -- Douglas Adams "The absence of evidence might indeed not be evidence of absence, but it's a pretty good start." -- PhantomWolf

31st October 2006, 10:21 AM	#12
Timble Muse Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wisteria Avenue, Huntingdon Posts: 934	Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden ... but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier. Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words. A bit off thread, but why's the fluff that collects on the filter screen of the tumble always grey irrespective of what colour the majority of your laundry is?
	__________________ We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.

31st October 2006, 10:32 AM	#13
slipknotmcfadden Scholar Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Frederick, MD, USA Posts: 77	Originally Posted by Timble A bit off thread, but why's the fluff that collects on the filter screen of the tumble always grey irrespective of what colour the majority of your laundry is? Good question. Unabashedly curious people who ask questions like this are automatically entered into the "cool" section of my book. And it's not just because they have eye-catching avatars. The lint color does change according to what clothes are in there - lighter gray for my white loads, slightly yellow when I wash my yellow towel, dark blue when I wash my jeans. They probably average out to gray just like when you mix a bunch of paints together.

31st October 2006, 10:42 AM	#14
slipknotmcfadden Scholar Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Frederick, MD, USA Posts: 77	Ah-ha! From Wikipedia's "Navel lint" entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navel_lint): Quote: Navel lint's characteristic blue-gray tint is likely the averaging of the colors of fibres present in clothing; the same color as clothes dryer lint. And yes, there's a citation to The Incredible World of Navel Fluff (my god, this is getting bizarre - http://www.feargod.net/fluff.html): Quote: [Michael Biesecker] observes that the colour of navel fluff varies amongst different people, and that those who habitually wear clothes of a similar colour tend to produce fluff related to that colour. However, those who wear a variety of colours usually end up with fluff of a grayish blue colour similar to the lint found in the lint filters of clothes driers. This colour is most likely an average of all clothing colours worn. I really need to get some work done today.

31st October 2006, 10:55 AM	#15
MortFurd Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: An American in Germany Posts: 1,580	Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden MortFurd - your mom was supposed to tell you not to use fabric softener with towels when she taught you how to do laundry. That's how I found out anyway. I also like my sheets crisp, so I don't use fabric softener with them either. I don't. That's experience from a time when I was single and lived in an apartment that didn't have any place to put a clothes washer or dryer. I took my stuff to be washed once a week, and the woman who ran the place put softener on everything. I finally convinced her to stop doing that. My wife doesn't use fabric softener on our wash.

31st October 2006, 11:27 AM	#16
Zygar Lex Luthor's Evil Twin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 2,583	I am allergic to fabric softener. Makes me break out in a horrible rash. As a result I only use dryer sheets, and only for soft cotton such as T-shirts and boxers.

31st October 2006, 12:56 PM	#17
Katana Illuminator Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 4,894	I had never heard of the dryer balls until I saw a package in Linens & Things, I believe. I read the claims, I was intrigued, so I bought them. I used to use fabric softener before switching to the balls, so my opinion on them is based on that comparison. They seem to be doing a really good job. As ChristineR surmised, they do seem to create much faster drying. That has been the biggest change. Every load, no matter how big (and I push it), is done after the first cycle. I used to have to run loads for another 20 minutes here, another 30 minutes there. My towels also seem fluffier, but that one is more subjective. The laundry is certainly no less soft since switching to the balls. The drying time, though, is, without a doubt, a huge improvement. Given the amount of energy that dryers consume, I'd say that that counts for something. So there you go. My take on dryer balls.
Katana Illuminator Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 4,894	__________________ "I think Katana is as big of a perv as the rest of us." - Dragonrock "The rationality was there, and clear and concise. The condescention was hinted at and was like french onion dip on the perfect potato chip. Tasted like woo smackdown." - Fowlsound (aka Ducky, darnit) "Katana is one quick shut-yo-mouth!" - JonnyFive StopSylviaBrowne

31st October 2006, 01:24 PM	#18
Beleth FAQ Creator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Not in a cave Posts: 4,133	I hardly even know 'er! Someone had to say it.
	__________________ Moderator, Skeptic's Guide to the Universe Big Fan, Stop Sylvia Browne

31st October 2006, 01:48 PM	#19
supercorgi Dog Everlasting Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: State of Confusion, Massachusetts, USA Posts: 2,485	Originally Posted by Katana I had never heard of the dryer balls until I saw a package in Linens & Things, I believe. I read the claims, I was intrigued, so I bought them. I used to use fabric softener before switching to the balls, so my opinion on them is based on that comparison. Well, my mother always taught me that when drying large things like quilts to throw some tennis balls or a sneaker into the dryer. The object would help agitate the quilt causing it to dry faster and fluff up (nobody wants an unfluffy quilt).
	__________________

31st October 2006, 02:41 PM	#20
bjb Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,079	I used to have a pair of dryer balls. Some calamine lotion cleared it right up.
bjb Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,079

31st October 2006, 05:39 PM	#21
RSLancastr Philosopher www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Los Angeles Area Posts: 8,572	If you use dryer sheets, it can build up a waxy film on the lint trap, causing the trap to not work effectively. To see if you have this problem, take out the lint trap and try to pour some water through it. The waxy buildup will slow (if not stop) the water from travelling through. Scrubbing the mesh with hot water, a detergent and a toothbrush every few months will keep the buildup from being a problem.
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

31st October 2006, 06:13 PM	#22
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	Originally Posted by RSLancastr If you use dryer sheets, it can build up a waxy film on the lint trap, causing the trap to not work effectively. To see if you have this problem, take out the lint trap and try to pour some water through it. The waxy buildup will slow (if not stop) the water from travelling through. Scrubbing the mesh with hot water, a detergent and a toothbrush every few months will keep the buildup from being a problem. Too bad we don't care about trapping water in the lint screen, only about trapping lint. Trapping water with the waxy screen is a little different than trapping air, which is only 1/10,000 times as viscous. How about trying a before/after test by holding the screen out the window of a moving car, to see if you can feel the difference in air drag? A waxy screen might be better, not worse.
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	__________________ Please pardon me for having ideas, not facts. Some have called me cynical, but I don't believe them. It's not how many breaths you take. It's how many times you have been breathless that counts.

31st October 2006, 06:16 PM	#23
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	Besides, drier balls don't pick up yeast infections as easily. Do you think baby powder would help the laundry too?
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	__________________ Please pardon me for having ideas, not facts. Some have called me cynical, but I don't believe them. It's not how many breaths you take. It's how many times you have been breathless that counts.

1st November 2006, 12:33 AM	#24
schplurg Muse Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: California, USA Posts: 787	Originally Posted by bjb I used to have a pair of dryer balls. Some calamine lotion cleared it right up. Seems like that would make them even dryer...?
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1st November 2006, 01:42 AM	#25
Tamazon Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 424	I once used the vanilla scented dryer sheets and my hubby said the bed sheets smelled like cookies. Thanks for the tip RSL I shall try the water thing tomorrow as I always use the sheets. My mom bought some of the balls. Not sure if she's using them. I'll ask her tomorrow.
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1st November 2006, 12:36 PM	#26
Ryan O'Dine OD’ing on Damitol Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Walk in an ever expanding Archimedean spiral and you’ll find me eventually Posts: 1,033	Originally Posted by casebro How about trying a before/after test by holding the screen out the window of a moving car, to see if you can feel the difference in air drag? A waxy screen might be better, not worse. At minimum, a lint trap blocked by the build-up from fabric softener sheets will shorten the life of the dryer. At worse, it may potentially represent a fire hazard. The following are selected quotes from an online Frigidaire Dryer owner’s guide. Quote: Do not operate the dryer if the lint screen is blocked, damaged or missing. Fire hazard, overheating and damage to fabrics can occur. If your dryer has a drying rack, always replace the lint screen when finished using the drying rack. Quote: Occasionally a waxy build-up may form on the lint screen from using dryer- added fabric softener sheets. To remove this build-up, wash the lint screen in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly and replace. Do not operate the dryer without the lint screen in place. More info can be found here.
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1st November 2006, 12:54 PM	#27
joobz Tergiversator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Inside the Magical Murder Bag Posts: 11,813	Originally Posted by slipknotmcfadden Anyway, part of the "softening" that's getting done in the dryer is not from the oils and wax from the sheet, but also from the fluffification of the clothes by the tumbling action. The rubber balls may increase the fluffification, but I expect they also increase the lintification of the screenifier. Sorry, got carried away with makifying new words. great word! Fluffification is by far superior than the alternatives: Fluffication (the extra if, really makes it flow) Flufflorination (Which i guess is adding fluoride to fluff things) Flufficilitation (facilitating the fluffing process) Fluffinitronic (an electric fluffy machine?) Flufferinating (I don't want to think what this might mean)
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1st November 2006, 01:00 PM	#28
briandunning Thinker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Laguna Niguel (in the OC!) Posts: 174	I don't see why regular fabric softener couldn't be put into hard rubber form. Would be pleasant to listen to.
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1st November 2006, 04:20 PM	#29
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 16,733	Originally Posted by Spektator Oh, I thought this thread was about...um...see, I play golf, and if the balls get wet...um...never mind. And some years back a golf pros' wife mentioned on national television the she always rubbed her husbands' balls before a match.
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 16,733

1st November 2006, 04:28 PM	#30
joobz Tergiversator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Inside the Magical Murder Bag Posts: 11,813	Laundry Detergent?? "I wanna dip my balls in it!"
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1st November 2006, 05:35 PM	#31
ysabella Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Auburn, WA Posts: 652	Are the dryer balls special? Could you just use racquetballs?
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1st November 2006, 07:57 PM	#32
Libertarian Thinker Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 248	Thought someone would have mentioned this by now, but..........hasn't anyone seen the plastic, donut-shaped things (actually, they're about the size of a donut, too) that supposedly, if put into the washer, make it possible to wash clothes with hardly any detergent? I had a relative who used one and said it worked (I was, to put it mildly, skeptical) but I don't think she uses it anymore. My guess is that you can probably do a few loads of clothes with little or no detergent and imagine that they're just as clean, but after a while, well.............. Anyone else seen these?
Libertarian Thinker Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 248	__________________ "Making fun of born-again christians is like hunting dairy cows with a high powered rifle and scope." -- P. J. O'Rourke "I don't want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." -- G. Norquist

1st November 2006, 09:48 PM	#33
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	Originally Posted by Libertarian Thought someone would have mentioned this by now, but..........hasn't anyone seen the plastic, donut-shaped things (actually, they're about the size of a donut, too) that supposedly, if put into the washer, make it possible to wash clothes with hardly any detergent? I had a relative who used one and said it worked (I was, to put it mildly, skeptical) but I don't think she uses it anymore. My guess is that you can probably do a few loads of clothes with little or no detergent and imagine that they're just as clean, but after a while, well.............. Anyone else seen these? I did have a guy who owned a laundry tell me that over time, enough detergent builds up in clothes that you can wash them withou adding any additional. I suppose it's that buildup, not the donuts, that cleans. Only for a couple times though.
casebro Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,729	__________________ Please pardon me for having ideas, not facts. Some have called me cynical, but I don't believe them. It's not how many breaths you take. It's how many times you have been breathless that counts.

2nd November 2006, 11:39 AM	#34
bluess Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Dithering between book choices in a shop somewhere. Posts: 3,279	I tried the dryer balls with a sheet softener and without. The clothes came out as fluffy with just the dryer balls, but the static -- oy!
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2nd November 2006, 11:56 AM	#35
grayman Happy-go-lucky Heretic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Casa del Whacko Posts: 5,650	Originally Posted by joobz great word! Fluffification is by far superior than the alternatives: Fluffication (the extra if, really makes it flow) Flufflorination (Which i guess is adding fluoride to fluff things) Flufficilitation (facilitating the fluffing process) Fluffinitronic (an electric fluffy machine?) Flufferinating (I don't want to think what this might mean) Don't forget fluffernutter, mmmmmmm.
	__________________ Stupidity is a condition. Ignorance is a choice. - Wiley All great truths begin as blasphemies. - George Bernard Shaw The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. - George Bernard Shaw