Smart Sheep is a women-owned eco-friendly company that produces 100% wool dryer balls for laundry-drying efficiency. Smart Sheep follows fair-trade practices, employs women in the United States and Nepal, provides livable wages, and sources humanely obtained wool that does not contain bleach.
The dryer balls come in a package of six, with an information sheet describing the product, how to use it, information about the company, how the product distinguishes itself from regular dryer sheets, and in what ways the product is eco-friendly.
It is suggested that three balls are used for small laundry loads; six balls are suggested for large loads. The dryer balls bounce around the dryer and separate the clothing in the dryer to allow for an even and faster dry. In addition, the dryer balls soften the clothes and reduce static, completing all of the usual tasks of a typical single-use dryer sheet that contains chemical compounds.
In the first small load of laundry, with three dryer balls, I was able to cut the drying time in half and the clothes were thoroughly dried, softened, and static-free. With bedding, jackets, and other large loads of laundry, I was also able to reduce the drying time by half and still had dry, softened, and static-free laundry.
After one load the dryer balls did not have much or any fraying and for the most part, maintained their clean appearance despite some minor pieces of lint sticking to the ball. Despite these normal changes to the product, we were very happy with how well the dryer balls worked.
Cons:
One disadvantage of this product is the plastic packaging, although Smart Sheep does provide multiple messages on the packaging to encourage consumers to recycle it. One positive side of this plastic packaging is it allows for easy storage and protects the product from outside odors.
The fact that this product does not contain any scent may be a pro for some and a con to others. The smell of the laundry after drying was a pleasant one, since the laundry still absorbed the scent from the laundry detergent. However, Smart Sheep does offer all-natural essential oils for sale on their website. The fact that this product does not contain any artificial scents adds to its eco-friendliness as it does not contain any chemicals.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, we were really satisfied with this product. Smart Sheep 100% wool dryer balls are This Kind Planet approved.