Nowadays, most people are looking for ways to make their lives eco-friendly while saving money. Washing with balls is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to wash clothes. Not only is laundry detergent expensive, it is also harmful to the environment and human skin. These activity balls eliminate the problems associated with traditional detergents while still getting the job done effectively. But many will ask: what are these, magnetic balls for the washing machine? How to use them? How often should I change them? A little patience, everything is in order.
What are magnetic balls used for?
If many have never heard of this ball before, it is necessary to start with the basics. There are many different types of balls, but they all have their own similarities.
Magnetic balls are small in size. They are often made of rubber or plastic. Magnets take part in softening water, influencing the random movement of insoluble salt molecules.
Technically, they contain magnets, "minerals", and some even contain a little detergent.
There are other ways to save money on laundry, such as making your own laundry detergent. Of course, making homemade laundry detergent is a good alternative to buying it. It's cheaper and healthier. However, to make your own detergent, you need to grind bars of soap, rinse with baking soda, etc. Laundry balls are an easier way to achieve the same end result.
Balls are an excellent alternative to traditional laundry detergent because:
- they save money;
- they help to use less water;
- They are eco-friendly, all natural and organic;
- they are antibacterial;
- they do not cause allergies;
- they are easy to use;
- they work on all types of clothing.
Types of laundry balls
Laundry balls differ in both their operating principle and their action. Its design, price and method of use depend on the purpose of the device.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline balls are the most expensive among their “brothers”, but this price is justified. They are so called because they contain granules of the mineral tourmaline, as well as quartz and silver ions. There is a special porous stone in the rubber body. It has a similar texture to regular foot pumice, but has a different chemical composition and can foam up water.
The effectiveness of the tourmaline ball is due to special ionizing granules located inside
The tourmaline ball is used as a replacement for washing powder and fabric softener. It is hypoallergenic, so it is suitable for washing children's clothes and can be used by people prone to allergies. Cleaning and softening of laundry occurs due to the ionization of water due to the filler of the ball and foaming from porous stones.
Manufacturers of tourmaline balls also promise the following effects:
- preservation and restoration of fabric color;
- antibacterial effect;
- fresh aroma of laundry after washing.
The cost of a tourmaline ball starts from 900 rubles per piece in retail stores and from 400 rubles in online stores. The service life of this accessory is 3 years.
Before buying it, I read the reviews and realized that all this is made in China, and who sells it for how much, you can buy it for 2000 rubles, but the essence is the same. I took 2 tourmaline balls from Aliexpress to try - I paid about 900 rubles for both. I wasn't disappointed. They wash really well. There were no super expectations, things were not very dirty, but required “refreshing”, roughly speaking, bed linen, towels, diapers were clean, odorless, and nothing more was needed. Reusable diapers are very good. Bath towels, it seems to me, are even better than washing them with powder! And there is no smell, just the smell of clean, damp laundry.
Savannah
https://irecommend.ru/content/effektivnaya-ekostirka
Tourmaline ball - an expensive but multifunctional laundry assistant
How to use a tourmaline ball
The tourmaline ball is suitable for all types of linen, except natural silk and wool. The device is loaded into the drum along with the laundry (it doesn’t matter whether it’s on top, bottom or in the bulk) and washed without adding detergents. To ensure the ball lasts as long as possible, adhere to the following operating rules:
- set the water temperature no higher than 60°C;
- for washing items weighing less than 5 kg, one ball is enough, for larger weights - two;
- Dry the ball after each wash.
Magnetic
Weighty rubber or plastic laundry balls containing magnets inside can soften water and reduce the chaotic movement of insoluble salts. This improves the quality of washing, softens the laundry, and also prevents the accumulation of scale in the washing machine. This device is most often sold in a set of 6 pieces. The cost of one set starts from 2000 rubles. The service life of the device is up to 10 years.
Due to the fact that there are magnets inside the balls, they have a lot of weight.
A ball loaded into the drum along with the laundry improves the foaming of the washing powder and therefore reduces its consumption. This device also has disadvantages - the ball is ineffective when washing large items: down jackets, blankets, curtains. Due to its relatively large weight, the magnetic ball hits the drum walls quite loudly. This does not harm the machine in any way, but it can disturb the silence in the house.
This disadvantage is especially noticeable when used in a machine with the “Silent Wash” function. For example, my LG F1296ND3 machine without balls washes so quietly that you can’t hear it at all in the next room. But if you load balls into it, you definitely can’t run the wash at night—it’s scary that I’ll wake up the neighbors.
How to use a magnetic ball
Magnetic balls are loaded into the drum along with the laundry:
- 12 pieces for washing cotton;
- no more than 6 pieces for delicate fabrics;
- up to 4 pieces when washing wool.
Add half the usual amount of laundry detergent and conditioner. Wash as usual - magnetic balls are not afraid of rapid rotation of the drum or hot water.
Anti-pilling polypropylene accessories
Regular washing can sometimes cause pilling to form on clothes. They can be removed on clean and dry clothes (using a razor or a special trimmer) or during the washing process. Polypropylene balls will help you with this. They are covered with small hooks, similar to those seen on Velcro. Hooks catch protruding spools and remove them as the washing machine drum rotates. During the washing process, the accessory also collects hair, animal fur, and dust. The price of such a device starts from 300 rubles per piece.
Polypropylene laundry balls come in a variety of sizes and designs
Despite the promising assurances of the manufacturers, most housewives did not appreciate this accessory, considering it practically useless in the fight against pellets and animal hair.
As for the pellets, they haven’t gone anywhere, just like the wool, they only collect hair, and they don’t collect my short ones, they wind up my daughter’s long ones and threads. I can’t say anything about the appearance of new pills, because I try not to buy cheap knitwear anymore.
mamaolya
https://irecommend.ru/content/effekt-minimalnyi-0
Method of using the ball against pellets
Two balls are loaded into the drum along with the laundry, after which they are washed as usual with the addition of detergents. The washing temperature can be any - the polypropylene ball can withstand even 90°C. After washing, the accessory must be dried and the collected wool and hair removed from it.
Rubber hedgehogs
Rubber balls with peculiar pimples on the surface were popularly nicknamed “hedgehogs” for their appearance. They are designed to soften laundry, partially replacing air conditioner. In addition, a rubber washing ball reduces drying time, since the fabric softened by it absorbs significantly less water. The principle of operation is simple: during washing, the “hedgehog” rolls in the drum, kneading the fabric with protruding elements and thus softening it. They are made from cheap raw materials, and therefore their cost is quite low - about 100–200 rubles for a set of two balls. A set of two “hedgehogs” can be found in almost any hardware store.
I usually use these balls in conjunction with the anti-crease function of my washing machine. As a result, the laundry becomes as if “loose”, almost does not wrinkle and dries very quickly. According to my observations, the effect of this accessory is best seen on knitwear.
The laundry ball, nicknamed the “hedgehog,” softens laundry and speeds up drying
According to some manufacturers, a cheap rubber ball can also improve the quality of washing. However, most reviews say the opposite - such a device does not improve stain removal.
I noticed additional softness. Especially on knitted items. Even though I use fabric softener every time I wash it, knitted items, especially cotton ones, still become somewhat rough and stiff after drying. But if you use a ball when washing, then things become much softer.
Ferenika
https://otzovik.com/review_5851613.html
Using "hedgehogs"
Laundry is loaded into the washing drum, after which two balls are placed in the middle. Wash as usual using detergent. After use, the balls must be cleaned of collected contaminants and dried thoroughly. These devices can accumulate moisture inside, which, if not dried sufficiently, gives the laundry an unpleasant musty smell.
Ball for washing down products
There is a separate category of accessories for washing down products. The ball, designed for caring for down, feathers, and holofiber, looks a little like a sea mine - its entire surface has round protrusions with beveled edges. Such a ball is usually made from polyurethane and PVC. The most popular among buyers of accessories from the Paterra company. Its cost is about 350 rubles.
The device is loaded into the drum of the machine while washing down jackets, pillows, blankets and other down products. During washing, the ball bounces off the walls of the drum and fluffs up fluff, feathers or holofiber, preventing it from forming a lump. The method of using such a device is similar to using “hedgehogs” for washing.
A ball for washing down jackets is an inexpensive and necessary accessory that preserves the quality of clothes
I have already tried washing a down jacket with this ball. Everything turned out fine, this ball prevents the product from crumpling, it actively shakes the product, prevents the filler (down, feather, holofiber) from settling.
Yulyasha18
https://otzovik.com/review_1549834.html
How to use magnetic balls
The laundry balls are attached to the washing machine. Moreover, there is no need to sprinkle powder. To wash normal size clothes you need to throw one ball. A large number of things require two pieces. They are safe and suitable for all types of washing machines.
Unfortunately, laundry balls do not remove stains. It's worth pre-treating stains before washing to get the best results. You need to add a bleach mixture (such as 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide) to your whites to keep them bright and white.
First you need to attach two magnets to the side walls of the washing machine. They will remain in place at all times, performing their functions.
Tips for washing with magnetic balls are:
- if you need to wash cotton, you need to load a dozen small balls;
- there is a need to wash delicate fabrics such as velor, you need to take 2 times less balls - a maximum of 5 pieces;
- When washing wool, you do not need to load more than 4 balls into the machine.
When using balls, you should reduce the amount of detergent by half.
The balls are not afraid of high temperature and drum rotation speed, so you can set a comfortable cycle. But it is better not to set the temperature above 70 degrees.
The magnetic ball can also be used in dishwashers (on the bottom rack), in toilet tanks (to reduce hard water buildup in the toilet), and some people use them in their bath!
Popular brands of magnetic laundry balls
There is a large selection of laundry detergents on the market. Popular brands of magnetic balls:
Aquamag
Aquamag balls, produced in China, can prevent scale build-up on the heater because they soften the water. It does not provoke allergic reactions and can be used when washing children's clothes to disinfect linen and combat odors.
The weight of the product is 0.9 kg, so one ball is enough for a complete wash. To enhance the effect of using the device, soak the clothes with the powder and the ball for 30 minutes in advance, then load the clothes and the ball into the drum.
White cat
“White Cat” balls are produced by the German company TECHNOTRADE and are supplied in packs of 12 pieces. The magnet is covered with a rubber shell and its service life is unlimited.
The product removes scale and knocks dirt out of fabric fibers. One ball can quite soften the water. At a cost of almost 5,000 rubles, you need to carefully study the real properties of the device so as not to waste money.
On a note! If you can't find the balls in the household chemicals section of the supermarket, try ordering them from an online store.
Eco Life
The Eco Life ball also protects the SMA parts from plaque. These balls are made in Austria, but the product warranty is only 5 years. The manufacturer assures that using Eco Life you can save powder by a third and save 20% on energy costs.
The cost of the ball is no more than 500 rubles.
When do you need to replace magnetic balls?
Magnetic balls can be used about 1000 times. Of course, it is difficult to calculate how many times it was used. To roughly calculate how long the ball will last, just divide 1000 by the number of laundry times you do each week. It is also important to write the date on your calendar.
Laundry balls have a number of advantages over washing powder. They're better for your wallet, your health, and the planet.
What is a washing ball and why is it needed?
The washing ball is a device that has already earned the love of many Russian housewives. This is, as a rule, an inexpensive device that can significantly improve the quality of care for clothes and linen, extend their use and make drying and ironing easier. You can buy it in almost any hardware store, as well as in fixed-price supermarkets (for example, FixPrice). Many people order this product from online stores because the cost there is usually lower.
Washing balls perform the following functions:
- soften linen;
- improve the quality of washing;
- remove pellets from clothes;
- prevent fabric deformation;
- reduce the consumption of washing powder and conditioner.
Environment
Because wash balls do not contain any chemicals, they are much better for the environment and water supply than traditional detergents. Washing balls also work in a way that increases the pH of the water.
Saving water is another advantage in favor of such washing. Since there is no detergent to rinse, there is no longer a need to run the rinse cycle on your washing machine. This saves about 20-40 gallons of water and all the energy needed to complete that extra cycle. Plus, the balls work great in cold water.
What can be substituted at home?
In a situation where there are no special balls at hand, and the down jacket requires cleaning, savvy housewives recommend using:
- small children's rubber toys;
- ping pong balls;
- plastic capsules from Kinder Surprise toys (for weight, you can fill them with well-crumpled pieces of foil).
When choosing an item that could replace special laundry balls, you need to pay attention to ensure that its surface is permanently colored.
You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products here.
Elimination pellets
Washing balls for removing pellets have a special surface. It is all covered with tiny polypropylene hooks. These devices are great for washing woolen items. They are also indispensable in a house where animals (cats, dogs) live. After all, at the same time as the pellets, such balls collect wool and hair from things.
How to dry a down jacket?
Even if all recommendations are followed, the product will still lose its external volume because the filler will get wet. To bring your jacket back to its original condition, you need to dry it properly:
- do not put it in a horizontal position, because in the absence of ventilation an unpleasant odor will appear and the down jacket will not dry for a long time;
- hang the product on hangers in a ventilated place;
- periodically shake the item and turn out the sleeves;
- speed up drying with a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer
Reviews
There was a boom in magnetic balls back in the 90s; today such an accessory for a washing machine is extremely rare. Firstly, it is more difficult to deceive the modern consumer, and secondly, a lot of reviews about such balls and balls have appeared on the Internet. Here are some of the ones we found.
amerikanka, Kherson
I have been using White Cat balls for three years now and have not discovered any advantages. The balls are small in size, about 4 cm in diameter and weighing 35 grams. A long period of use showed that money was wasted, and quite a lot at that. In addition, the claimed removal of scale is complete nonsense. This was confirmed by a burnt-out heating element. I also didn’t notice any effect on the quality of washing. In general, if you really want to get rid of scale, then use citric acid, and to rinse your laundry better, do not forget about the additional rinse function.
ZhulikYS, Lipetsk
I bought a new product in the world of household chemicals, White Cat magnetic balls, and the seller praised them very nicely. Based on the results of long-term use, I noticed only a slight effect on the quality of washing; complex stains still remain. With the balls, I began to use fabric softener a little less, while the clothes are soft and pleasant to the touch. I can’t say anything about descaling, but I tested their effect on plaque in the toilet. After a week of stay, nothing has changed, the raid remains the same. The disadvantage of the balls is that they knock on the drum, although this does not harm the car, since they are rubber. Plus, they always get stuck in the duvet cover. Conclusion: it is better to buy ordinary cheap washing balls, the effect will be the same.
shenia, Minsk
Having seen the advertisement, I bought a miracle gadget – a green Eco Life magnetic ball, but I never saw the miracle. When washing, as the manufacturer advises in the instructions, I stopped adding water softener, reduced the amount of powder, and did not add conditioner. The laundry that comes out is really well washed and soft. But even without the ball it is absolutely the same; I conducted the experiment several times. However, I still put the ball in the machine, because the money is spent. But he's not worth the money.
greenline, Ufa
Through joint purchases, I purchased an Eco life magnetic ball for 380 rubles, which I called the “miracle ball.” This is because the manufacturer claims a lot of advantages. This means getting rid of scale, saving powder, eliminating rinse aid, and using it in a washing machine and dishwasher. I can’t say yet how well the ball works; I didn’t test it in my washing machine because it was broken, but my friend’s machine started coming out of white-gray stones after washing. Apparently this is the result of the ball's work. I think there is an effect, and it’s inexpensive.
As you can see, magnetic balls come in different sizes. Most users note that such an accessory is an unnecessary and ineffective waste of money. Some people really liked this ball. We are not dissuading you from buying, if you want to try it, try it, good luck with your washing!
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