I love my wool–not plastic!–dryer balls so much I want to give more as gifts, but it seems we aren’t carrying them at WF any more, so I checked online. I didn’t see exactly the ones I wanted so I read some reviews. A surprising number of people who have purchased dryer balls claim the balls melt in the dryer.

What spell is this?! However, dryers are hot, and heat can melt some things. Don’t try to dry butter, for instance. If the balls go into the dryer, then don’t emerge, and your clothes aren’t visibly covered with dryer ball debris, and you don’t believe in small black holes lurking in your home, you might feel you are being logical to conclude that melting occurred.

Sadly, this is not how it feels to be logical. Personally, I think the small black holes are real. Dryers lose socks all the time, so the dryer is clearly a prime locale, though I also seem to have one that tracks my keys.

JK! Socks and dryer balls are cleverly hiding among your fresh laundry, though not at the same time, since the balls reduce the static cling that often adheres the socks to your other clothes. Dryer balls are quite skilled at sneaking into pant legs and shirt sleeves, as well as wrapping themselves securely inside linens. But they are there! You can find them! It is your quest!

Just one more reason to use a chest, rather than a laundry basket, for clothing storage.

Knowing that the dryer balls did NOT melt is just one of many happy things we can think about when the air itself seems filled with bad news. Odds are, everyone got home safely after the ball, the stove is off and the door is locked, the snow will (eventually) melt, the kids are ok, and your keys are somewhere in the house, though they may be in the refrigerator.