The Kikkerland Cactus Dryer Buddies are a set of two laundry agitators made from a rigid thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Their design features a series of spines and nodules intended to "loft" fabric, which helps air circulate and reduces drying time by about 15% in smaller loads. As a hypoallergenic alternative to dryer sheets, they offer a way to soften clothes without using chemical surfactants.
The build quality involves a hollow chassis with a wall thickness of 2.2mm. However, the practical reality of using rigid TPE is that the spine-like protrusions can become brittle after approximately 50 high-heat cycles. This can lead to the tips snapping off, which may eventually clog a lint trap. Additionally, because the material is relatively hard, these "Buddies" produce a significant amount of noise—often exceeding 75 decibels—when tumbling in a metal dryer drum.
These units are best suited for light synthetic loads, as they lack the mass required to effectively separate heavy wet denim or large towels. While they are a fun visual addition to the laundry room, they require monitoring for material degradation over time. Avoiding the highest "Sanitize" heat settings will help prolong the life of the polymer and prevent premature cracking.
- Effective for reducing static in polyester and nylon blends.
- Helps prevent wrinkles by keeping clothes from clumping.
- Best used in small to medium-sized loads.
For a more durable, quieter alternative that handles heavy loads better, the Molly's Suds Wool set is highly recommended.
You can find a variety of laundry and fabric care tools in our wool dryer balls and lint catchers category.
