We’ve all been there—you open the dryer, expecting soft, fresh sheets, but instead you find a damp, wrinkled ball of fabric in the corner. Sound familiar? Sheets balled up in the dryer are one of laundry’s most annoying surprises. But don’t worry, there’s a way to stop the madness, and it doesn’t involve buying a new dryer.

Why Do Sheets Tangle in the Dryer?

Let’s get to the root of the issue. Sheets tend to ball up for a few simple reasons:

• They’re large and flat – meaning they like to wrap around themselves or other items.
• Friction builds up during tumbling, causing twisting and tangling.
• Overloaded dryers reduce movement, trapping sheets in a knot.
• Static cling turns fabric into one giant sheet burrito.

Once this starts, it traps moisture inside and creates deep wrinkles that are tough to fix afterward. So let’s stop it before it starts.

Video: MUST-HAVE: How To Prevent Bedsheets From Balling Up In The Washer & Dryer!

Don’t Overstuff the Dryer

Want your sheets to dry evenly? Give them room to move! An overloaded dryer won’t give your bedding the airflow it needs. When there’s no space to tumble, your sheets will simply roll into a tight ball.

Tip: If you’re drying a full set, try drying just the fitted and flat sheets together—save the pillowcases for a smaller, separate load or toss them in with lighter clothes.

Toss in Some Dryer Balls (Or Tennis Balls)

Dryer balls aren’t just a gimmick—they actually work. They bounce around inside the drum, separating the fabric and reducing clumps. No dryer balls? Clean tennis balls do the trick, too.

Tip: Use two to three balls per load. Not only do they prevent tangling, but they also speed up drying time.

Shake It Out First

Before your sheets even enter the dryer, give them a good shake. It helps loosen up any twisted areas and creates airflow from the start.

Tip: Roll your sheets loosely instead of just wadding them up and throwing them in. Less chaos equals fewer wrinkles.

Low Heat Is Your Friend

High heat might seem like the faster option, but it actually makes tangling worse. The hotter the dryer, the more your sheets shrink, wrinkle, and cling.

Tip: Dry on a medium or low setting and remove sheets while they’re still a little damp. Then hang them to finish drying for that hotel-fresh crispness.

Add a Damp Towel for Static Control

Tossing in a small damp towel can act like a magic trick. The moisture reduces static, helping your sheets stay separate and tumble more freely.

Tip: Don’t overdo it. Just one damp (not soaking wet) towel is enough to get the job done.

Keep Fabrics of Similar Weight Together

Mixing sheets with heavy items like jeans, hoodies, or comforters? That’s a big no-no. Heavier items pin the sheets down and encourage them to twist.

Tip: Dry your sheets with other light items only—or better yet, let them have the dryer to themselves.

Use Dryer Sheets or Natural Alternatives

Dryer sheets help cut down on static, which is a big reason sheets cling together. If you’re going the natural route, try wool dryer balls or add a splash of vinegar to the rinse cycle during washing.

Tip: Be cautious with scented products if you have sensitive skin. Unscented dryer sheets or vinegar are gentle options that work just as well.

Remove Immediately and Fold

Video: Sheet Detanglers, Yay or Nay?

Leaving your sheets in the dryer long after the cycle ends invites wrinkles. The longer they sit, the more creases they’ll have.

Tip: Fold your sheets while they’re still warm. Or better yet—hang them up right away. Smooth sheets, zero effort.

Why These Tips Actually Work

Let’s be real—no one wants to spend their afternoon ironing a king-size sheet. These tips fight tangling at the source. By reducing friction, managing static, and giving your sheets room to breathe, you’re setting yourself up for success. The result? Fresher, flatter sheets that look and feel better.

Bonus Thought: Want Extra-Crisp Sheets?

Some folks like to line-dry their sheets outdoors for that sun-kissed, slightly stiff hotel feel. If you’ve got the space, it’s a great eco-friendly method that totally avoids dryer tangles.

Final Thoughts

Laundry doesn’t have to be a battle. With just a few simple tweaks—like tossing in dryer balls, avoiding overloads, and switching to low heat—you can keep your sheets soft, fresh, and smooth. The best part? You’ll save time, energy, and sanity.

So next time you throw in a load, try these tricks. Your future self will thank you when folding feels like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. Smooth sheets are just one cycle away.