Balls and balls for washing down jackets: how to wash, what to replace

A down jacket is a functional, comfortable, practical and irreplaceable item in your wardrobe.

The more popular such outerwear became, the more often people wondered how to wash them so that things did not lose their appearance and lasted as long as possible.

A universal solution is tennis balls, washing with which removes stains, distributes the filler and protects the fabric from pilling.

The secret is not to simply throw balls into the washing machine drum. You need to apply a simple algorithm of actions so that the result is perfect.

Why do you need balls when washing a down jacket?

In order not to spoil the item, housewives resort to washing the down jacket in the machine with tennis balls. Due to the intense rotation of the drum during washing, rinsing and drying, the balls move freely inside, bounce off the walls and hit the items being washed. Thanks to this, they perform several useful functions at once:

beat the down item thoroughly, preventing the filler from clumping into lumps;
break up lumps of filler if they do form in some places;
knock dirt out of clothes, thereby improving the quality of washing;
knock out excess detergent from the material, preventing the appearance of streaks.

The principle of operation of the balls is very simple, but they work quite effectively. Continuously moving along with things, they hit them well, so the filler does not clump and remains evenly distributed inside the jacket. For the down jacket itself, this is completely safe, and washing with balls does not lose its original appearance.

What you need to know to wash a down jacket correctly

For down jackets that can be washed in an automatic washing machine, it is necessary to select a mode in which not only the dirt will disappear, but also the shape and factory condition of the filling will be preserved.

Before washing the down jacket in the washing machine, unfasten the hood, cuffs, fur collar and other appliques. You can place a ball in the hood, wrap it up and put it in a laundry bag. It is better to wash the fur collar and other parts of the down jacket separately.

Take out all the contents from the pockets and do not fasten them so as not to spoil the shape.
Turn the down jacket inside out so as not to damage the front side of the item. This applies to down jackets with any internal filling.
Fasten the fasteners, put the down jacket and balls in the washing machine.
Add powder for washing things and remember: before using detergent, you need to study the label of the down jacket, which will tell you what and at what temperature it is better to wash a particular product.
Select a program or set machine wash parameters manually.

Some models of washing machines can be equipped with a special mode for washing down jackets. If it is not in your automatic machine, then you can configure everything yourself.

The water heating temperature in the machine should not exceed 30 °C.
Turn on the extra rinse function.
The spin speed in the machine should not exceed 600 rpm.
If your automatic washing machine does not have an additional rinse function, then at the end of the wash, turn on the rinse mode separately to thoroughly wring out the product.
Do not wash several down jackets and other items at the same time in one machine. This can severely deform clothing.
Stains and stains can be removed from a down jacket with a drop of dishwashing detergent, which must be applied to the material with a sponge, and then gently wiped with a cloth soaked in warm water.

The main problem is the insulation. It stubbornly refuses to retain its original shape, gets into clumps and spoils the appearance of the product. However, housewives with extensive experience say: You simply don’t know how to dry things correctly - that’s what causes all the troubles.

Let's figure it out in order.

For a down jacket, only a drum-type machine gun is suitable. Using a semi-automatic machine is guaranteed to turn your favorite clothes into rags. It’s even better if your device is equipped with a drying function. If you cannot boast of this, you will have to use a simple method: hang the washed item on hangers and leave it where it will dry most quickly. For example, on the balcony, near the radiator, provided that it is not too hot. If you're in a hurry, you can even use a hairdryer.
The washing mode that should be chosen for a down jacket is delicate. Temperature is moderate, not higher than thirty degrees.
Jacket deformation is another problem that many owners face. How to avoid it? We will give you this advice: before starting the machine, fasten the zipper, buttons and other fasteners that catch your eye. And then simply turn the item inside out so that the inside out is in front of you, not the face. If there is fur on the hood, remove it. As a rule, it comes off easily.
Be sure to rinse the item several times to ensure that all traces of the detergent used in washing are removed from the insulation.
Young housewives are often intimidated by the spin cycle - they say that it cannot be turned on if there is a down jacket in the machine. But this is a far-fetched warning. You still have to turn on this function, because this way your outerwear will dry faster. It is necessary to set the speed to 400-600 rpm.
Are you still using powder? Then don’t be surprised that after washing, unpleasant white stains remain on the surface of dark clothes. This product dissolves more difficult than its liquid counterparts and is less easily washed out with water when rinsing. So it’s better not to be lazy and look for special washing liquids for particularly demanding materials.
You can use a rinse aid, but a special one that will not turn the insulation under the fabric into lumps. If this is not at hand, it is better to refuse to use this product, as well as air conditioner.
The item should spin freely in the drum. In one cycle you need to wash one jacket, without other clothes.

Straighten the item, carefully hang it on hangers and leave it to drain in the room, laying an oilcloth or cloth on the floor that will collect water. If your machine has a drying function, use it.
Shake your clothes from time to time and look for lumps. If they do appear, carefully move the stuck down fluff with your fingers to straighten the insulation and give it its original shape.
Another method that can be used if the item has lost its shape is to beat the filler with your hands. There is also a method for the lazy: just put the down jacket in the freezer while it is still damp. But we are not responsible for the result: it may unpleasantly surprise you.

Soak the item before washing.
Use water hotter than 30 degrees.
Add bleach, rinse with the wrong product or conditioner.
Lay out clothes on a table or floor to dry.
Dry for more than two days.

What types of balls and marbles exist

Previously, the choice was limited to washing with tennis balls. Now this topic has spread everywhere, so they began to actively produce different types of special balls for washing down jackets. Several main varieties require more detailed consideration.

Tennis balls

Washing a down jacket with tennis balls is a classic of the genre. They were the ones who were used when there were no other options. They have the ideal shape, suitable weight and size, so they perform their function well and effectively help clothes maintain their original appearance. You need the most ordinary tennis balls, which are sold in any sports store.

Before use, it is important to make sure that the balls do not shed. To do this, soak them in hot water and then wash them with bleach.

Plastic and tourmaline balls

Special plastic balls are a good alternative to tennis balls. They are the same size, but hollow inside and lighter. Many are equipped with a noticeable relief - spikes and pimples. This makes them even more effective - thanks to the uneven surface, they better beat the filler and clean the material.

Tourmaline balls, ideal for use in the washing machine, have become a real hit. Made of soft plastic and equipped with a relief, they will not only help maintain the condition of the filler in its original form, but also replace powder. The small granules that fill each ball contain natural minerals that soften the water and enhance its natural cleansing properties.

Magnetic balls

Small but weighty magnetic balls for washing down jackets move gently inside the drum and act on the fabric thanks to their rubberized surface. The internal magnetic core helps soften the water and improves the quality of washing. They prevent “clumping” of the filler according to the same principle as other types of laundry balls - thanks to mechanical action and whipping.

Drying Features

You need to dry your down jacket as quickly as possible after washing. It is not recommended to use machine drying, as it can destroy the insulating properties of down and feathers.

Drying tips:

Dry in an upright position only.
Turn the down jacket and pockets inside out, hang it on a hanger with wide hangers and be sure to fasten all the fasteners to restore its shape.
Dry in a well-ventilated area. The down jacket should not be exposed to sunlight.
Periodically turn the product inside out and shake it so that the fluff dries evenly.
Once completely dry, place the down jacket and 3-4 tennis balls in the washing machine drum and turn on the spinner only.

Which balls are best for washing a down jacket?

The range of washing balls is huge, and all varieties work approximately equally effectively. Understanding what is best and choosing just one option is not easy, so it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

If you don’t want to “bother” with choosing and searching for special balls, it is better to give preference to the classics – tennis balls. They will completely fulfill their task, will not allow the filling to crumple and will help maintain the original appearance of the down jacket. Tennis balls are not cheap, but just buy a few and they will definitely last for several years of constant use. They may shed, so they require checking before first use.

If you don’t want to use tennis balls for other purposes, you can replace them with ribbed PVC balls. They are specially designed for washing and handle filler just as well. An additional benefit is more efficient cleaning. This option is more suitable if the down jacket is heavily soiled.

If the water is too hard or there is a possibility that powder stains will remain, it is better to purchase tourmaline or magnetic balls. They will not only fulfill the main task - prevent the appearance of lumps, but also completely replace the powder, and also soften the water. The down jacket will be washed clean and will not lose its appearance. The disadvantage of this option is the high price.

Washing or cleaning

The people to whom you entrusted your down jacket are not responsible for the results of the work. It turns out that you cannot be indignant and demand compensation for damage caused to the item if they return to you something that only vaguely resembles a warm jacket. And this is the most compelling argument against this service.
The second disadvantage is the high cost of dry cleaning. You are spending money on something you could do yourself for free. Naturally, we advise you to work a little, so that later you can confidently say that you have mastered all the intricacies of handling the most capricious detail of your wardrobe. But if you are not confident in your own abilities, it is better to trust the professionals and rely on their competence.

How many wash balls do you need?

When choosing the optimal number of laundry balls, it is important to remember balance. If there are too few of them, they will not be able to fully complete the task. You shouldn’t overdo it either - too much will increase the noise from washing, and will also negatively affect the condition of the clothes and drum. The optimal amount for each variety is as follows:

tennis – from 4 to 8;
plastic – from 4 to 10;
magnetic or tourmaline - in a set of 6 to 12 pieces.

It is important to observe not only the number of balls, but also the load on the drum. It is best to wash a down jacket in a machine designed for large loads. This will leave enough space for the balls to move freely inside the drum.

How to properly wash a down jacket at home so that the down does not tangle

First, let's decide which tool we will use. These are definitely not dry powders, as we said earlier. Also, you should not use formulations that contain chlorine and other aggressive active ingredients.

We offer two options:

Special shampoo.
Liquid soap is less effective, but will do if you have no other detergents. The main thing is that it should be colorless.

Before washing, you need to prepare your jacket. Unfasten the fur and anything that can be detached, such as the hood. Fasten the zippers, and wrap parts that may leave marks on the fabric with waterproof film. If it's not there, just place the item in a vertical position. This will help avoid not only unpleasant marks, but also the appearance of white streaks and wetting of the insulation.

And now the main thing is how to wash. Be extremely careful and delicate. Do not perform actions that will negatively affect the shape of the product. Do not stretch the sleeves when removing dirt, do not rub the fabric too hard. If there are only a few stains on the item, use a mild liquid lint remover and a brush. This way you will avoid the filler getting wet and simplify the drying process.

Hang your outerwear on hangers in the bathroom.
Wet the surface. Do this carefully. If there is little dirt, use a sponge or brush.
First, you should clean the areas that are most dirty, and then proceed to treat the entire surface.
When washing off the foam, you should direct the water stream at an angle so that it does not fall inside onto the filler.
Do not use conditioners - they, like powder, lead to the formation of white stains.
The temperature of the water used for washing is no more than 30 degrees.

The first and most important rule is only vertically. A horizontal position will ruin the item, especially if the filler inside gets wet and forms clumps. Nothing good will come of it if you lay your clothes on a towel - they simply won’t dry.

Don’t think that the very next morning after washing you can go to work in your favorite down jacket - it will still be too damp. Wait two days. This time is enough for your jacket to take on its previous appearance.

Take the time to fluff up the insulation after contact with water. This can be done with a simple beater, which you use to rid the carpet of dust accumulated in it. Walk over all areas several times so that the insulation under the fabric does not turn into one sticky lump.

directly on the radiator;
near an open fire.

How to iron a dry jacket? Is it necessary to do this at all? Not all models require ironing. If there are wrinkled places that irritate you and spoil the appearance of the product, we recommend vertical steaming or ironing at 110 degrees.

How to use it correctly

Using balls for effective washing is not enough. To avoid unpleasant consequences and not spoil the item, it is important to know how to properly wash a down jacket in a washing machine. It is enough to follow a few simple rules:

Use only the delicate wash cycle.
The temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees, otherwise the balls may become unusable.
Use the “no spin” function if available, or set the minimum speed.
It is advisable to abandon conventional powder and use gels; when using tourmaline balls, you can completely abandon detergents.

Washing a down jacket with balls is very simple. It is enough to turn it inside out and load it into the drum, and then put the balls there. They can be divided into several parts and distributed as follows:

place part of it on the bottom of the drum before loading the down jacket;
put some in the pockets, sleeves and hood of the product;
Throw some of it after loading the down jacket, directly onto it.

This will help distribute the balls evenly throughout the drum, which will enhance the effect of their work and help them contact all parts of the down jacket, preventing the filler from clumping from unused areas.

All the balls are simply placed in the drum without any protective bags or anything like that. They should move as freely as possible inside.

During washing, the balls can hit the drum loudly and noisily. There is no need to worry, this is normal. They cannot damage either the washing machine or the down jacket.

Proper preparation of the product

Down jackets do not need to be washed more than 1-3 times a month. After washing , the water-repellent impregnation decreases, the jacket loses its fluffiness and protects less well from adverse weather conditions.

Even after mechanical cleaning, there is no 100% guarantee that the down jacket will retain its shape, since chemical reagents lead to rapid wear of the fabric.

Dry cleaning takes several days , is not cheap, and inexperienced professionals can ruin the item.

Previously, washing machines were not suitable for washing outerwear. Nowadays, most automatic machines have this function. It is safer to wash a down jacket yourself.

First you need to study all the labels on the product, which detail the washing conditions: temperature, type (manual or mechanical), drying features. It is forbidden to wash a jacket if it contains:

leather inserts, leather may shrink or fade when washed;
fur elements that are not removable.

Pre-prepare your jacket for washing.

To do this, follow these steps:

Take everything out of your pockets.
Check for tears, if found, sew them up.
Unfasten the hood, hanging accessories, and belt with metal buckle. If the fittings cannot be removed, tie them with fabric that does not fade.
Check the jacket for stains; if there are any, wash the area with laundry soap and set the jacket aside for 20-30 minutes.
If the sleeves, hem or collar of the down jacket are especially dirty, clean with detergent. Laundry soap or liquid stain remover is also suitable, scrub with a brush. Grease and sweat stains are easily removed with dishwashing liquid. Cosmetics - medical alcohol.
Fasten all zippers, buttons and rivets.
Unfasten the fur.
Turn the clothes inside out.
You can use a special bag to wash your jacket to avoid deformation and tearing.

Where can I buy

Finding and purchasing tennis balls or other types of laundry balls is very easy. To do this, just look at the following establishments:

sports stores - for example, "Sportmaster", which is in every city;
large hypermarkets;
hardware stores;
shops with kitchenware and household goods;
large online stores - OZON, Aliexpress, iHerb, etc.

The range of balls for washing down jackets is very large, so choosing something suitable is not difficult. The price range is approximately this:

tennis - from 150 to 800 rubles for a set of three pieces;
plastic - from 30 to 200 rubles per piece;
tourmaline - from 200 to 1000 rubles per piece;
magnetic from 150 to 500 rubles per piece.

There is an especially large selection and affordable prices on large online sites.

Temperature

Washing a down jacket with tennis balls is carried out at a temperature of 30 degrees. With this mode, all the fat is rinsed out and dust mites die.

You cannot wash a down jacket with tennis balls at a higher temperature because they will shed. Some balls stain the fabric, and in cool water not a single thing will fade.

In addition, at high temperatures, microscopic fat residues are melted, which then manifest themselves as multiple stains on the material and a stale odor.

What can be replaced

Without a suitable product at hand, housewives came up with many alternative ways to replace tennis balls. For example, to wash a down jacket you can use:

children's ball toys of a suitable size;
ball toys for animals;
ping pong balls;
small cases for Kinder Surprise toys;
self-rolled foil balls.

It is unlikely that such alternative means will help achieve the same effect as special laundry balls, but if necessary, you can try them.

Thus, you can safely wash your down jacket in an automatic machine without resorting to dry cleaning services. The use of special balls will help maintain the presentable appearance of the product and will not allow the filler to crumple inside.

Technology from start to finish

Small stains are not worth washing the entire down jacket for. To remove them, use a special gentle cleanser and treat the surface with a soft brush.
Be sure to turn your clothes inside out, fasten buttons or zippers, and remove fur parts.
Turn on the rinse mode twice.
Press at a speed of 400-600 rpm.
Be sure to use a hanger afterwards. We advise you to dry outerwear of this type only in a vertical position, fastening all the fasteners, shaking occasionally so that the filler is properly distributed inside.
Fur can be washed separately using a product designed for delicate fabrics and materials. When drying, shake the rim several times.

In this article we told you how to wash a down jacket by hand and in an automatic machine. Follow the rules, do not try to soak your jacket, use only a good product designed specifically for such things. And don’t forget: good outerwear will never lose its shape, even if you don’t take it to the dry cleaner, but take responsibility for maintaining its impeccable appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the balls are as follows:

the mechanical principle of the balls does not allow fluff to be knocked down, which allows you to maintain the desired shape of the product;
their high-intensity interaction with fabric effectively combats contamination, allowing the use of washing powder to be minimized, thereby providing significant savings;
they effectively knock out excess and remnants of detergents from fabric fibers and internal filler, preventing the formation of streaks;
the balls perfectly soften the fabric and prevent the formation of pills;
With them, clothes are rinsed without repeating the rinse cycle, saving energy and water consumption.

The only shortcomings identified are that:

they can knock loudly on the drum in the machine;
If the material used to make the balls is of poor quality, they can fade and ruin the items being washed.

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Can I wash it at home?

Some people are afraid to put things in order themselves. They are afraid of ruining the product and therefore take it to the dry cleaner. But no one can guarantee that the down jacket will not lose its attractive shape, because chemical treatment may have a negative effect on the jacket.

To maintain the perfect appearance of your down jacket, carefully study its label. It indicates how to properly clean the product and whether it can be washed. If contact with water is allowed, purchase wash balls and use the following recommendations.

Why are balls needed?

PVC silt balls with spikes of various sizes are the most effective items for washing down jackets

Balls used in washing are round or cylindrical objects that are placed in the drum of the washing machine along with dirty laundry.

When washing down jackets or products with fine-grained or granular filler, the balls can partially eliminate the problem when the filler clumps into dense lumps and knots.

The principle of operation of any balls, balls or other objects placed in the machine drum is quite simple - the ball moves freely between clothes, exerting a mechanical effect on it.

Since automatic cleaning has a high intensity even at a low number of revolutions and in a gentle mode, it turns out that a very light object can exert a lot of impact/pressure on clothing.

Washing clothes with balls is almost always safe and does not lead to loss of product quality. The only exceptions are things that already have some kind of flaws: a cut, a torn area, a loose seam.

In such cases, the impact of the ball can only worsen the problem. Before loading an item into the drum, carefully inspect and check its condition. First you need to fix the problem, and only then wash the product in the machine.

Types of laundry balls

Magnetic spheres are good for washing delicate items

When washing down jackets or other items that require deep cleaning, items of different shapes, different hardness and perforation can be used.

These or the collective concept of “wash ball” include the following items:

A tennis ball is a regular ball for playing tennis. Can be purchased at any sports store. After purchasing, you will need to soak it in warm water for 2-3 hours with the addition of universal washing powder. It is not recommended to purchase products that are too cheap.
PVC ball with spikes - a hollow or solid sphere with small spikes measuring 3-7 mm. Excellent for cleaning down jackets and outerwear filled with down. Prevents the appearance of lint clumps, helps remove difficult stains and eliminates the need to pre-clean cuffs, collars and other problem areas.
Magnetic ball – a rubber hollow ball with holes that has a magnetic core/frame. They have increased mass compared to other similar objects. Mainly used for washing cotton, delicate fabrics and wool. They have proven themselves well for restoring down filling.
Tourmaline sphere is an alternative to washing powders in granular form. The sphere is a hollow rubber ball underneath, inside of which there are small tourmaline balls. They supposedly enrich the water with minerals and promote the formation of alkali and free ions.

It is worth mentioning right away that all laundry balls and balls, including tourmaline spheres, do not serve as a substitute for detergents. They are able to improve the penetration of washing powder into the structure of the fabric and, due to the constant impact on the fabric, increase its ability to remove dirt from the fibers.

Tourmaline spheres are a separate matter, since even the manufacturer himself is not always able to explain how their know-how works. We recommend not to use them as a full-fledged replacement for powder, but to use them only for washing children's or delicate items with very light soiling.

How many balls do you need?

Spheres are sold in sets of 2-3 pieces

The number of balls required for washing directly depends on the size and volume of the item that needs to be cleaned. You can take into account the degree of contamination, pre-treatment of difficult stains, etc.

In order not to go into a tedious description, we have compiled a table in which we indicate how many balls and balls are needed to wash a particular item.

Tennis ball	PVC ball	Magnetic ball	Tourmaline Sphere
Sweater, pullover	1-2	1-2	2-3	2-3
Windbreaker	1-2	2-3	2-3	2-3
Trousers, jeans	2-3	3-4	3-4	4-5
Down jacket	3-4	6-8	10-12	6-8
Coat	3-4	6-8	10-12	4-6
Long coat	6-8	8-10	10-12	6-8

Frequently asked questions about the washing process:

Next, we will answer questions that concern many owners of down coats and jackets.

Do I need to button up my down jacket when washing?

Yes, all buttons and zippers must be fastened. This is done so that when washing and rubbing against the drum they are not damaged, deformed, or fly off. It would be a shame if a good fastener suddenly stops closing smoothly due to damage in a tight drum. It is also better to fasten buttons, especially poorly sewn ones. They can come off with meat.

Do I need to turn my down jacket inside out when washing?

Yes, this is an important condition for quality washing. Those who are interested in how a down jacket is dry-cleaned should know that when cleaning with an organic solvent in the workshop, jackets and coats filled with down are turned inside out. This is needed for:

protecting the upper fabric from wear in a metal drum;
preventing the formation of pellets;
prevention of white stains on textiles after washing.

Is it possible to soak a down jacket before washing?

Down filling does not need to be over-moistened. Then it will take a very long time to dry, which can lead to:

destruction (rotting) of fluff;
unpleasant odor caused by mold;
the need to rewash or dry clean;
If the filling is damaged, and it can simply rot, the clothes will have to be thrown away.

It is recommended to remove difficult stains before washing. Use folk remedies or stain remover. Pay attention to the washing symbols on the down jacket to ensure that you are using a safe, approved cleaning product.

How to shake a down jacket after washing

To return a washed down jacket to its previous volume, fluffiness, and shape, you should carefully fluff the filling and remove all the lumps. Otherwise, it will become damp, a musty smell will appear, and there will be areas on the jacket that are not insulated with down from wind and frost.

How to straighten down in a down jacket after washing in a machine:

regularly shaking the product when drying;
manually unraveling lumps of filler;
tapping a jacket hanging on a hanger with a carpet beater;
vacuum cleaner with reverse air supply

How to dry a down jacket after washing

Please note the drying icon on the product label. He will tell you how to dry your down jacket after washing at home. There are:

horizontal drying in an unfolded state away from direct sunlight with natural ventilation;
vertical drying on a hanger under the same conditions;
machine drying in a drum at the lowest speed.

How and with what to clean a down jacket from greasy conditions without washing and streaks

If you need to remove stains in certain areas or there is a symbol on the label that prohibits washing, you can use special or folk remedies. The main thing is to choose compounds that indicate that they are suitable for down jackets. It is best to use the following options:

Sprays. Apply to a dry or slightly damp cloth and leave for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Remove any residue with a damp cloth or soft brush.
Powders. Rub into areas with stains, then rinse gently with water or another method, if indicated.
Pastes and gels. Apply according to the instructions, wait for the prescribed time, and then treat with a damp cloth or brush.
Mix starch and fine salt in equal proportions. Add a little water to make the mixture moist. Rub into stains, leave for a while, then remove with a damp sponge.
Aviation gasoline. It removes greasy stains well, you need to moisten a napkin in it, treat the stains, and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wipe with a damp sponge, hang in fresh air, the smell will disappear.
Add a teaspoon of ammonia and the same amount of dishwashing detergent to 100 ml of water. Beat for 2-3 minutes, apply foam to the stains. Leave for a while, remove the remains with a damp cloth.

Advice! All products should first be tried on an inconspicuous area on the inside to make sure that they do not damage or discolor the fabric.

Some stains can be easily removed with water and dishwashing detergent. Another option is a solution of a glass of water and a spoon of vinegar; it should be used for natural fabrics; it can be harmful to synthetics. If possible, it is better to use special formulations; when they are not available, try folk remedies.

Do tennis balls help?

Typically, tennis balls are used for washing jackets and down jackets, rarely for other types of clothing and textiles. The technique originates from old washing methods with “beaters” to quickly remove dirt.

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Why do housewives put tennis balls in the washing machine?

The accessory helps to knock out dirt from the deepest layers of the filler.
The balls prevent the filler from clumping: when the drum rotates, they bounce off the walls and “beat” the material. During normal washing, fluff or synthetic fluff clumps together and is very difficult to straighten with your hands. As a result, winter clothing loses its heat-protective properties.
Special laundry balls, rather than ordinary tennis balls, can fight fungus and help get rid of unpleasant odors.
During rinsing, the additional mechanical action of the accessory helps to wash out all the detergent.

Tennis balls do not harm the car, they are quite light. But if you are afraid, then use special washing supplies purchased at a hardware store.

Tennis balls perform well in washing. They are durable and can be easily purchased at a sporting goods store. Many people ask what tennis balls are needed to wash a down jacket. Our experts advise buying good quality products and choosing tennis balls.

After purchasing, soak the balls in a strong bleach solution for a couple of hours. This must be done so that they do not fade and spoil the jacket when washed.

How to wash a down jacket with tennis balls? Place 3 balls in the machine along with your outerwear and follow the recommendations described above.

Kinds

Manufacturers offer several categories of laundry balls. You can purchase two or three categories with different effects on dirty things. If you are prone to allergies, it is useful to have hedgehog balls and silver-coated devices at home. The combination of mechanical action with an antibacterial effect allows you to reduce powder consumption to a minimum.

The cost of laundry balls ranges from 120 to 230 rubles per set.

Tourmaline

Inside the rubber body there are large and small elements made of natural stone, mineral chips, and nanopowder. When combined with water during washing, an antibacterial and anti-mold effect is manifested, clothes are washed better, and the accumulation of static electricity when wearing things is reduced. Tourmaline balls improve water quality, are suitable for hand and machine washing, and activate stain removal.

What is the secret of the pronounced effect when combating stains on clothes? When heated, tourmaline changes the acidity of the water, the level approaches the alkaline state, which allows you to wash things without powder. Other particles act as a natural conditioner, which allows you not only to wash away salt impurities from the laundry, but also to saturate it with air, giving it softness and freshness.

The cost of tourmaline balls is higher than that of other types; if used correctly, the products retain their properties for two to three years. Some housewives write that mineral components exhibit an active effect for 1.5–2 years. Place two balls with mineral filler in a machine or basin of water.

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Magnetic

Inside the rubber ball there is a magnet core. Sets of 4–12 products are available for sale.

Magnetic balls are an ideal way to soften liquid during washing. Scientists have proven that hard water negatively affects the parts of the washing machine and the human body. It is enough to put several balls with magnets for washing in the drum - and the water will become softer, the quality of washing will improve, and the consumption of powder will decrease.

When processing wool products you need 4 units, for delicate fabrics - 6 balls, with a full load - 12 pieces. For very hard water, magnetic balls alone are not enough: you need anti-scale compounds, which can be purchased at the supermarket or use home remedies.

Against pellets

The original products are made of safe polypropylene; there are small loops on the surface for reaching uneven areas on wool and cashmere items. The balls not only prevent the appearance of pills, but also collect particles of small debris, animal hair, dust particles, carpet fluff, and other types of dirt from the surface of clothing.

Using several balls reduces the risk of washing machine filters clogging with small debris and reduces energy consumption. With frequent use, pilling does not appear on clothes. Unfortunately, it is impossible to restore existing uneven areas with elongated loops and small “balls” of threads.

With antibacterial effect

Housewives place silver-coated balls in the drum if they need to further disinfect things. Exposure is required if items cannot be washed at high temperatures. Laundry balls inhibit the development of bacteria, soften water, and make things soft. If there is no antibacterial coating in the washing machine, smooth balls compensate for this deficiency.

For washing and softening things

Manufacturers offer balls with thick needles and bulges. Externally, the products look like balls for dogs or massage rubber “hedgehogs”. During washing, 2 items are placed in the drum. When scrolling the laundry, the balls prevent the clothes from creasing and make it easier for powder particles to get into the folds and all areas of the clothes.

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The spikes are soft, not sharp, and do not harm clothing items or the surface of the drum. Due to frequent contact with the “needles”, the effect of numerous touches of the fingers is created; the filling in down jackets is whipped, which prevents the natural component from creasing. Housewives note an excellent effect when washing outerwear and wool products. Hedgehogs are not used for washing thin, expensive fabrics.