Q: Will Dryerballs transfer color in my dryer?
A: No. Dryerballs will absorb dyes from your clothing but will not transfer dyes onto your clothing.

Q: Will Dryerballs eliminate static?
A: Dryerballs do not eliminate static; they only help to prevent it. Climate and over drying are the main causes for static. Additional things you can do to help reduce static are:

  • Decrease drying time
  • Use less detergent
  • Separate synthetics from the rest of your clothes

Q: Do Dryerballs cut down on drying time? And how?
A: Yes! Nellie’s Dryerballs cut your drying time anywhere from 15%-25%. As the Dryerballs tumble around in your dryer they lift and separate your clothes. This allows air to flow more efficiently throughout your dryer thus decreasing your drying time.

Q: Why have the tips on my Dryerballs turned color?
 A: The color change is due to the dyes from your clothes and dirt from your dryer.

Q: Will the color from the tips get on lighter fabrics in future loads?
A: No the color will not transfer off of the Dryerball to other fabric

Q: Have the Dryerballs been tested and proven to work?
 A: Laboratory Test Report
Report Number: 04-S-158926-1
Date Received: 08-Jun-04
Date Testing Commenced: 02-Jul-04
Date of this Report: 12-Jul-04
Date Testing Completed: 19-Jul-04

Sample Identification
The comments in the report are for guidance only and should not be used in isolation or without consideration of the results. In all circumstances, results of tests are implied as referring only to the samples supplied for analysis only and should not be construed or interpreted on any other basis.

Test Request
The samples supplied for testing are tumble dry balls which have been assessed to determine if a claim that when used, as recommended, the balls soften the fabric, reduce drying time, reduce creasing ‘wrinkles’, reduces ironing and static.

Comments on Test Results

A standard wash load of 4 single sheets, 3 pillowcases and 2 shirts were used for the trial. The total mass of the load was 2040g.

  • Bed sheets x 4, 50% cotton 50% polyester
  • Pillow cases x 2, 50% cotton 50% polyester
  • Pillow case x 1, 100% cotton (easy care)
  • Shirt x 1 100% cotton
  • Shirt x 1 50% cotton 50% polyester

Two identical loads were washed at 50°C according to BS EN 26330:1994 4A 50°C. One was then tumble dried in a moisture detecting tumble dryer set to Cupboard Dry, with two tumble dry balls and the other load without balls. The degree of creasing was assessed using method Appearance of Apparel after Domestic Laundering AATCC 143:1996 (2001). Only the base fabric was assessed. The softness was assessed subjectively by hand.

Conclusion
The tests indicate the balls slightly reduce creasing during tumble drying. On the items tested, it is unlikely the consumer would notice the difference unless they have one item dried with balls and one without to compare.

The softness was assessed by hand. The individuals carrying out the assessment have worked in dyeing and finishing and are used to assessing softness. It is our opinion that the items tumble dried with the balls are softer.

The test carried out shows that the drying rate with the balls is 15 to 25% faster if the load is taken to an even dryness.
The test results do substantiate the claims made on the packaging that the use of the balls in tumble drying soften the fabric, reduces drying time, and reduces creasing and ‘wrinkles’. The improvements are not significant but are real. It was not possible to assess the effect on static.