If you’ve ever pulled your freshly washed sheets out of the dryer only to find them in a damp, tangled ball, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with sheets twisting, trapping moisture, and taking forever to dry. Fortunately, there are simple tricks to keep your sheets from balling up in the dryer and ensure they come out fluffy, fresh, and fully dry.
Why Do Sheets Ball Up in the Dryer?
Sheets often get tangled in the dryer because of their large, flat surface area. As they tumble, the corners fold in and wrap around other items, creating a “laundry burrito.” This traps moisture inside, leaving you with damp spots even after a full drying cycle.
7 Proven Tips to Prevent Sheets From Tangling
Here are practical ways to stop your sheets from twisting and clumping in the dryer:
1. Don’t Overload the Dryer
Give your sheets enough space to move around. Overstuffing the dryer increases tangling and slows down the drying process.
2. Use Dryer Balls
Wool or rubber dryer balls help separate fabrics while tumbling, reducing static and preventing sheets from sticking together.
3. Dry Sheets Separately
Instead of mixing sheets with large loads of laundry, dry them on their own or with smaller, lightweight items like pillowcases.
4. Shake Out Before Drying
After washing, give your sheets a quick shake to untangle them before tossing them in the dryer. This small step helps prevent clumps.
5. Try the Tennis Ball Hack
If you don’t have dryer balls, throw in a couple of clean tennis balls. They’ll bounce around and keep sheets from twisting together.
6. Use the “Low Heat” or “Delicate” Setting
Lower heat and longer drying cycles allow fabrics to tumble more freely, reducing the chance of sheets balling up.
7. Pause and Fluff Mid-Cycle
Halfway through drying, open the dryer, pull apart the sheets, and then continue. This ensures more even drying.
Extra Hack: Safety Pin Trick
Some laundry pros recommend attaching safety pins to the corners of sheets. The metal helps discharge static and prevents fabrics from clumping together.
Final Thoughts
No one likes pulling out a heavy, damp ball of tangled sheets. By following these simple laundry hacks—like using dryer balls, shaking out sheets before drying, and avoiding overloading—you can enjoy perfectly dried, fluffy bedding every time.