100% wool dryer balls are growing in popularity to the point where I have even seen them at my local dollar store, and for good reason. They can save you money in laundry costs.
If you are someone who uses dryer sheets, these wool balls are a great alternative that removes static from your clothes and can decrease drying time by around 30-50%. So, you save money by not having to buy dryer sheets, as well as on electricity. All you do is toss them into the dryer with your clothes!
"Per Toner, “Dryer balls excel in reducing drying time due to their ability to create space between clothes. This separation facilitates better air circulation, leading to faster drying and potential energy savings.” | bobvila
I have had mine for many many years now, and they are still in great shape. When or if they do ever break down to the point of being unable to use, the wool is biodegradable.
Just make sure that what you buy is 100% wool. If you are crafty (and have access to wool) you can also make your own fairly easily.
Do these help prevent piling?
I could be wrong, but I believe pilling is most commonly caused by friction (for example, where your legs rub when you walk), so one thing that would help is not washing clothes that tend to pill with clothes that have hard things like zippers or buttons. The balls might help by cutting down on the time the clothes rub together with the air-gaps they create, but I am not sure.
I have been told before that you can remove pilling with a razor, but please look it up before you try haha.
Depending on material, I get piling all over some of my shirts. One could use a safety razor or something to address piling, but they also make an application-specific piling “shaver”. I should get one haha
They're pretty good. I have one and it's super quick to shave off the fuzz. There's a little collection chamber for it and everything so it doesn't get all over my couch.
Turn your clothes inside out and button / zipper them up fully before washing should help.