Dryer balls are an easy-to-use sustainable laundry product that have been on the shelves for years. They're toted by some as a replacement for dryer sheets—but what exactly do they do, and how many are you supposed to use? Hannah Yokoji, head of marketing at The Laundress, is sharing everything you need to know about these little laundry helpers. She shares the best way to use them, and how many you should put in each load of laundry for ideal results. Plus, find out whether these products are actually a comparable swap for traditional dryer sheets.

"Wool dryer balls are the perfect tool to help reduce static on clothing and linens while making your drying cycle more efficient," Yokoji says. "They can help prevent fabrics—especially bedding—from clumping in the dryer, stopping frustrating tangles and improving air circulation." By agitating the clothes and creating space between them, dryer balls lead to soft, fluffy laundry that dries on time. To achieve this result, you need at least three dryer balls (most packages come with three). "They’re designed to work together, so be sure to use at least three when completing your dry cycle," Yokoji says.

There are cases when you'll want to use more than three dryer balls. Use up to six dryer balls when drying large or bulky items to improve the efficiency of your dry cycle. This might include coats, duvets, blankets, or rugs.