I really don't like dryer sheets. They are full of chemicals. I'd rather everything stuck together than use them. I use those wool balls if I need to.

I wash in cold water and use a second rinse and I have no problem with static winter or summer. Seems the detergent was the cause of the static.

I use the store brand non scented fabric sheets for no static. They seem to be less expensive then aluminum foil. I only wash small loads at a time. DH did a spread sheet. Power cost to run the machine for small loads is less then water cost for large loads. He can tell you how much is saved over a year's time. I guess a few yards of fabric worth. LOL Makes no sense to me but he likes doing this stuff.

Interesting idea. I've not heard of this before. My mind doesn't wrap around how it could soften the fabric.

I find that the foil works.

I wouldn't put aluminum in my dryer. Why wouldn't it leave aluminum residue on the clothes - nano size, but unwanted. I don't need fabric softener with a water softener, but I do use the spiky balls. They seem to fluff the towels.

I made some felted wool dryer balls a few years back & gave them to co-workers for Christmas. I love mine & think they work very well.

I tries aluminum balls they made black scratches in my dryer. Husband got mad. I use alpaca balls now .

After reading this thread I may try it and the vinegar in the rinse. I use to wash diapers with vinegar and rinse the too with vinegar and they were soft and fresh. The aluminum foil I think I will stay away from. I will continue with my dryer sheet or the home made sponge dryer pops I make every year or so.

I made and use the wool balls--not so much noise as the spiked balls. what are sponge dryer pops ?