Wool Dryer Balls Are Back in Stock - Limited Time Only!

Check out my Etsy shop for my wool dryer balls that are now back in stock!  This is my last batch of dryer balls so make sure you stock up before they are GONE!  Perfect Christmas gifts!  Go to www.simpleisprettyshop.com

To learn about wool dryer balls, click here!

Organic Wool Dryer Ball SALE!

Check out the shop for my organic wool dryer ball stock currently on sale!  Just in time for Christmas!


The organic dryer balls are currently featured in my “Sale/Clearance” section in my Etsy shop.


Get them before they are gone!
For orders over $50 use code “FREESHIPPING2015” for free shipping and you will also receive a FREE GIFT with your purchase (for a limited time only)!

Sandra

Wool Dryer Ball Facts

 
Why Use Wool Dryer Balls?

* Decrease your laundry drying time and save money on electricity bills.

* No chemicals in wool dryer balls!

* Commercial dryer sheets can be expensive and are thrown away after each use. Reuse your wool dryer balls to save money and replace your disposable dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls last for years!

* Perfect for keeping your cloth diapers soft and chemical-free. Great for sensitive skin.

* Wool dryer balls won't affect the absorbency of your towels, kitchen cloths, or cloth diapers – but commercial fabric softeners will.

* 100 percent wool dryer balls reduce static and increase the fluffiness of your clothes as the dryer load tumbles.

* Soften your clothes naturally and reduce your impact on the environment by using wool which is a renewable resource.


How Do Wool Dryer Balls Work?

* Wool dryer balls absorb moisture and provide better air circulation by rotating and separating linens and clothes. As the balls bounce around they circulate, fluff and soften your clothes while reducing wrinkles.

* As they tumble in your dryer, the dryer balls work to dry your clothes so you can save money and run your dryer for less time.


How Do I Make My Wool Dryer Balls?

I use natural and organic 100% wool yarn to make my different types of dryer balls. The weight of wool yarn I use varies from fine to medium, which creates a denser dryer ball compared to a dryer ball made with wool roving yarn. Therefore, the dryer balls I create are better for drying your laundry because they wick the moisture away from the clothes better. Roving wool also pills regularly.

I triple felt the dryer balls so they will not unravel. I use unscented homemade laundry detergent to felt the dryer balls so each ball starts off as unscented. Learn how to make your own wool dryer balls, click here.


How to Use Wool Dryer Balls:

* Toss them in the dryer with your washed laundry, and let the dryer balls go to work!

* I recommend at least 4 of my dryer balls for a normal size load of laundry, but the more the better and the faster your laundry will dry.

* Store your dryer balls in the dryer when not in use or display them in a pretty basket in your laundry room.

* If you choose a scented option, I scent the dryer balls with essential oil right before shipping so they ship "wet". Please take them out of bag and allow the dryer balls to dry overnight before their first use so the essential oils can set. The scent lasts about a week, depending on use. Later, you can re-scent with a few drops of your favorite essential oil if desired. Check out my selection of essential oils, HERE.

Learn how to easily make your own wool dryer balls, click here!

Sandra

Free Shipping!

Use code "FREESHIPPING2015" at checkout in both of my shops for FREE shipping (Canada, US & International)!  For a limited time only!

www.simpleisprettyshop.etsy.com

How to Fight Static in Your Clothes

If you use store bought dryer sheets which eliminate static by coating clean laundry with a film, you will notice an increase in static when changing to a natural laundry alternative.  How can you fight static naturally and without chemicals?  Try these tips!

1) Separate your synthetic fiber clothes from your natural fiber clothes.

To reduce static, try hang drying your synthetic (artificial) fiber clothes.  Examples of synthetic fibers are polyester and acrylic.  If you are unable to hang dry these synthetic fiber clothes, try separating them from natural fiber fabrics like cotton before drying.  Usually synthetic fiber clothes need less time in the dryer than natural fibers.

Be careful not to over dry as over drying can create static cling.  Try adding a damp/almost wet wash cloth to your synthetic loads when tumble drying and the added moisture will help to distribute existing moisture and keep the clothes from over drying.  Alternatively, you can add a damp/almost wet with white vinegar cloth and it will have the same effect.

2) Use wool dryer balls and use less time to dry your clothes in the dryer.


With using wool dryer balls in your laundry, you can decrease your drying time.  The wool dryer balls absorb moisture and work to circulate and fluff your clothes as they dry.  If you use a timed dry setting, you will have to decrease your drying time.  When clothes are dried for less time in the dryer, they have less time to rub together and create less static electricity.

3) Use vinegar instead of fabric softener.

Try replacing your store bought fabric softener with vinegar.  Not only will you save yourself a ton of money as vinegar much less expensive than fabric softener, you will also see a reduction in static.  Don’t worry about the smell, the vinegar smell will be washed out by the time the washing machine cycle is complete.


I especially recommend using vinegar instead of fabric softener for bath towels, kitchen towels and dish cloths.  The vinegar will work to soften your towels without all the chemicals of store bought fabric softener.  If you choose to use fabric softener on your towels, it will leave behind a film.   This fabric softener film will make the fibers of your towels less absorbent, which is the exact opposite effect you want to happen.


Want to scent your laundry before hang drying it?  Try adding essential oil to vinegar in your fabric softener compartment.  For an energizing scent, try pink grapefruit essential oil.  If you would like a relaxing scent, try adding lavender essential oil.

Sandra

What Are Wool Dryer Balls?

In short, wool dryer balls are made of felted wool and work by absorbing moisture and providing better air circulation by rotating the clothes in your dryer.


Wool dryer balls reduce the amount of time and electricity used to dry your laundry.  Simply place your clean laundry in the dryer, add the wool dryer balls and dry as normal.  If you use the timed dry setting, you will need to reduce your drying time as the clothes will dry faster.  I recommend at least 4 dryer balls for a normal sized load of laundry, but the more the better!  I usually use between 4-6 dryer balls for loads of laundry in my house.  My wool dryer balls will last in between 1 to 2 years.  I just recently retired my first set after using them for 2 years!

Wool dryer balls work well for all types laundry.  Try them with bath towels, cloth baby diapers, sheets and linens.  You will no longer need to use chemical filled dryer sheets or fabric softener.  If you have sensitive skin, try using wool dryer balls and cut out harmful chemicals from your laundry routine.

If you want your clean laundry to have a scent, simply place a few drops of essential oil onto your wool dryer balls.  I usually use 2-3 drops per dryer ball.  I like to use essential oils that have a dropper cap, as this makes it easier to apply the oil to the dryer ball.


To scent wool dryer balls, I simply place the dryer ball touching the top of the opened essential oil bottle and tip them upside down together.  Then I tip them back together right side up, and remove the essential oil bottle from touching the dryer ball.  This way is less messy as the oil goes straight into to the dryer ball and does not run off.  I repeat this process in different areas of each dryer ball until each ball receives about 3 drops of essential oil.  Leave the dryer balls overnight to let the essential oils set, or wait at least one hour before using after you have re-scented them.


Some of my favorite scents for laundry are lavender, pink grapefruit and lemon essential oils.  Experiment and find a scent you like or try mixing a few and create your own scent!

Sandra

Style at Home Feature!

I’m so excited to share with you that products from my Simple is Pretty Shop are featured in the Style at Home, April 2015 issue!


Style at Home is the only magazine I subscribe to, so I was elated when I was asked by them to feature my product.   Not only are my products featured, but they are featured in my favorite section (the High/Low section)!


To me the High/Low section is the best part and I love to study the photos and learn from their staging.  I’ve spend countless hours lost in the pages of this great Canadian magazine!  Be sure to pick up a copy!

Sandra

A little update…

I'll start with, I'm still alive!  I've taken a little time away from the blog to concentrate on my Etsy shop.  I've enjoyed the time away.  I admit I had a little writer's block.  I've been doing a lot of thinking as to where and how blogging will fit into my future.  I want to get back to a place where my topics are what I'm passionate about and what I'm learning and creating.  Lately, my time has been devoted to my shop, which I love.  My shop is something I spend a lot of time on and I'm loving all the aspects of exploring my new adventure.  

 

Here is what I’ve been up to… Just a few days ago, I re-shot all the photos of my essential oils for the shop using my lastest background.  This week I'm doing some revamping and bringing in a cohesive look and feel to the shop.  I'd love your opinions or suggestions.  

Over the last few months, I've worked on bringing new products into the shop.  

I've expanded my essential oil line, created some gifts and gift baskets, listed new supplies, and wound a ton of dryer balls.

Currently, I'm working on a large order of dryer balls which are set to be sent to the east coast in the next month.  I'm very excited to work with this group, thank you for this opportunity!

I'm also hoping to restock lavender buds very soon.  I'm just waiting for my supplier to get them in.  I'll let you know when they are back in stock!  Be sure to follow me on Facebook for updates and behind the scenes - https://www.facebook.com/SimpleisPretty!

I also have a huge accomplishment that will soon be public and I can't wait to fill you in! 

Sandra

Lavender Essential Oil is Available in the Shop!

Today, I’m introducing my new line of essential oils!  Currently, I have 4 sizes of 100% pure lavender essential oil from France available.  I hope to have new scents available in the coming weeks, be sure to check back!

You can use essential oil to scent your wool dryer balls.  Lavender has a relaxing and calming aroma, perfect for laundry use!  I use lavender essential oil on my wool dryer balls and I usually rescent my dryer balls every couple of weeks.  A 10 ml bottle holds approximately 200 drops of essential oil.  Therefore, if you have 4 dryer balls and rescent using 2 drops per ball, you will have enough essential oil to rescent your dryer balls 25 times.  If you rescent them every 2 weeks, your bottle will last you almost a whole year!  So much cheaper than expensive dryer sheets and NO harsh chemicals!

You can also use my essential oils in homemade cleaning recipes, laundry detergents, and soaps.  CANADIAN ORDERS - No customs or duties charges to worry about because my shop is in Canada!


Here are a few essential oil safety tips:

Most essential oils should not be used undiluted or “neat” directly on the skin. Unless you know it is safe to use undiluted, you should dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as avocado, grapeseed, or sweet almond. To test if you are sensitive to a essential oil, add 1 or 2 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil in a small container and mix to combine. Test by placing a dab of the mixture on your wrist or the inside of your elbow and wait for 24 hours.

If you are pregnant or suffering from any medical condition, consult a health practitioner before use.  Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

To check out my essential oil collection, visit my Etsy shop –> www.simpleisprettyshop.etsy.com.  For $5 off your purchase, be sure to use the coupon code "SUMMER2014", expires September 23, 2014.

Sandra

Randomness

- Getting ready for school to start, I don’t know who is more nervous, me or the kids.

- Received my order for more organic wool and winding some new wool dryer balls for the shop.  My favorite color is my new indigo color, can’t wait to get them in the shop!  The dryer balls should be listed in the shop within the next few weeks.  Preview the indigo color on my Facebook page- now available for pre-order.

- Yesterday, I ordered new supplies to start my new line of essential oils for the shop.  Perfect for scenting wool dryer balls, adding to homemade cleaner recipes or using in diffusers.  I’ve been wanting to start this new line for years, finally taking the plunge!  Hoping to have the new line ready for the Christmas season.

- Making some new cleaners from Clean Mama’s book “The Organically Clean Home”- I can’t get enough of this book!  Easy recipes, with recognizable ingredients.  Just made the “Lavender and Orange Powdered Laundry Soap” and it is working GREAT!

- Sneaking in some more camping before school starts.  We are going to try out Geocaching for the first time.  Anyone try this before?

Sandra

Naturally Reduce Static in Your Laundry

Wool dryer balls are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to costly dryer sheets and fabric softener.  Commercial dryer sheets and fabric softeners often use harsh chemicals and coat your laundry which transfer to the clothes in your dryer.  These harsh chemicals eventually end up in contact with your skin as you wear your clothes.

I use wool dryer balls to reduce the static in my laundry. Wool dryer balls save time and money on your electricity bill by shortening the drying time.  The wool dryer balls work by wicking moisture away from your clothes and gently tumbling, circulating, and softening the clothes in your dryer.

Visit my Etsy shop to check out my selection of wool dryer balls: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimpleisPrettyShop

Here are a couple of helpful tips I've learned to reduce static in laundry naturally:

The most common cause of static is from over drying laundry.  If you use wool dryer balls in your dryer, you will notice your drying time can be reduced by as much as 30 - 40% in some loads of laundry.  You will need to adjust your drying times on your dryer to make sure your laundry is not over drying otherwise it will start to create static.  Also, try drying on a low heat setting so clothes dry more evenly.

Another solution to reduce static is to add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle dispenser.  Vinegar will also work to soften your laundry.  Another added advantage of adding vinegar to your rinse cycle is the vinegar works to clean your washer and prevent odors and mildew.

Synthetic materials and fabrics also contribute to static.  Try to separate these synthetic materials out of your laundry before drying.  Try hang drying your synthetic fabrics instead.

Another static fighter option is to put a ball of aluminium foil in the dryer with the wool dryer balls and laundry.  The aluminium foil ball will work to discharge the electricity that is built up.  The tin foil ball shrinks and hardens as it tumbles in the dryer which can be very noisy.  Be sure to keep away the aluminium foil balls away from children and pets as they pose a potential choking hazard.

If you are still having difficulty with static once you have your clothes on, try applying lotion to your skin where the clothes are sticking to you.  The lotion creates a barrier which will block the static.

What are your static solutions?

As Always,
Sandra

Updated:  Make your own wool dryer balls, check out my tutorial... Click here.