We’ve all experienced that annoying moment when you reach into the dryer, excited to pull out freshly dried sheets, only to find them clumped together in one giant, tangled ball. It’s the kind of frustration that can instantly ruin your laundry day. Instead of the soft, fluffy bedding you were hoping for, you’re stuck with a wrinkled, partially damp mess that feels more like a chore than a comfort.

The good news is that there are simple, effective ways to prevent your sheets from balling up in the dryer. With just a few changes to your routine, you can make sure your sheets come out perfectly dried, smooth, and ready to hit the bed. First things first, don’t underestimate the power of separation. Before you even toss your sheets into the dryer, take a moment to unfold them and make sure they’re not bunched together. Starting with properly separated sheets helps hot air circulate around each piece of fabric, allowing for even drying and minimizing the risk of tangling. Another helpful trick is to give each sheet a firm shake before placing it in the dryer. This helps release any folds or twists that may have formed in the washer. The more you shake out your sheets, the less likely they are to get tangled up during the drying cycle. One of the best tools to have on hand is a set of dryer balls.

These small, round balls—usually made of wool or rubber—are designed to move between layers of fabric, separating them as they tumble. Tossing a few dryer balls in with your sheets creates space between the items and allows air to flow more freely, which speeds up drying and reduces wrinkling and balling. They’re inexpensive, reusable, and super effective at keeping your laundry light and fluffy. Another important tip is to avoid overloading your dryer. Cramming in too many sheets or combining them with bulky items like towels can restrict movement inside the drum. When your sheets don’t have enough space to tumble freely, they’re much more likely to wrap around themselves and form a tight ball. Try sticking to smaller loads when drying sheets to give them the room they need to move and dry evenly. Adjusting your dryer’s heat setting is another easy way to improve your results.

High heat might dry your sheets faster, but it also increases the chances of shrinkage and wrinkling. A lower heat setting takes a bit more time but is gentler on your sheets and helps prevent them from sticking together. It’s worth the extra few minutes for a smoother, fluffier finish. Timing is key when it comes to removing sheets from the dryer. Letting them sit inside for too long after the cycle ends gives wrinkles time to set in and increases the likelihood of balling.

Try to take your sheets out promptly and either fold them or spread them out on the bed while they’re still warm. That warmth helps release wrinkles and makes folding much easier. Speaking of folding, doing it properly matters. Neatly folded sheets are less likely to wrinkle in storage and are always more pleasant to use when it’s time to change your bedding. Taking the time to fold them right can make a difference in how they look and feel later on. You might also want to consider using a fabric softener. A small amount can help reduce static, soften your sheets, and prevent them from sticking together. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much fabric softener can leave a residue that builds up over time and affects fabric texture. Lastly, investing in high-quality sheets made from natural fibers like cotton or linen can make a big difference. These materials tend to hold their shape better, resist wrinkling, and come out of the dryer in better condition overall. Good sheets don’t just feel better—they’re also easier to care for. So if you’re tired of dealing with balled-up sheets every time you do laundry, try putting these simple tips into practice. From separating and shaking out your sheets to using dryer balls, avoiding overstuffing, adjusting heat settings, and removing them promptly, a few small changes can lead to big improvements. Add in proper folding, a bit of fabric softener if you like, and some good-quality bedding, and you’ll be well on your way to sleeping in smooth, fresh sheets that feel like a dream.