After doing laundry the same way for years, many people are surprised to learn about a simple trick that doesn’t involve expensive dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Placing a tightly crumpled ball of aluminum foil into the dryer has become a popular household hack, with many claiming it helps reduce static cling while leaving towels and clothing feeling softer.

As the dryer tumbles, the foil ball bounces around with the laundry and helps discharge the static electricity that naturally builds up as fabrics rub against one another. This can reduce the annoying cling that often causes towels, blankets, and synthetic fabrics to stick together after drying. Because the foil doesn’t contain fragrances or chemicals, it’s also an appealing option for people with sensitive skin.

Many users report that towels come out feeling fluffier and easier to separate, especially during colder months when static tends to be worse. A single foil ball can often be reused for multiple drying cycles before it becomes too compressed or begins to break apart, making it an inexpensive alternative to disposable dryer sheets.

However, the trick does have limitations. Aluminum foil won’t soften fabrics in the same way liquid fabric softeners do, nor will it add a fresh scent to your laundry. It also won’t solve problems caused by overloading the dryer or using the wrong drying settings. For the best results, the foil should be tightly crumpled into a smooth ball with no sharp edges that could snag delicate fabrics.

While it may sound unusual, using an aluminum foil ball in the dryer is a simple trick that many people find helpful for reducing static and making laundry easier to manage. It’s a low-cost household tip that takes only seconds to try and may become a useful addition to your regular laundry routine.