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.
Magnetic ball: advantages and disadvantages
The magnetic ball is new on the market. It is a small ball made of plastic or rubber with a magnetic element inside to soften water. When the drum rotates, the round elements placed in it hit the fabric and “knock” dirt out of it.
Advantages of using a “gadget” on a magnet:
- provide thorough cleaning of things due to deep penetration of water into the fibers of fabrics;
- serve for a long time (spending just once on balls, you can use them for the next 10 or even 20 years);
- allow you to completely or partially eliminate the use of washing powders and save on the regular purchase of additional chemicals for washing and conditioning clothes;
- do not cause harm to health (unlike store-bought powders, which can cause allergies and other health problems);
- can be used to combat scale.
The device also has disadvantages:
- create additional noise (due to the beating of balls on a magnet against the walls of the drum);
- cannot be used for bulky items, such as jackets and down jackets. It is possible to put the “gadget” in the machine, but you should not expect a good effect from its use in such a situation.
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.
Review of balls from the most popular manufacturers
Most often you can find the following options on sale:
Ball "Aquamag"
A Chinese-made product that is used to remove annoying scale, as well as to soften tap water. The average weight of such a device is 900 g. Thanks to its impressive weight, it is enough to have only one such unit on the farm and regularly use it for its intended purpose.
Among other things, the ball:
- disinfects things placed in the drum;
- eliminates foreign odors ingrained in fabrics;
- can be used for both adults and children's things;
- is hypoallergenic.
Important! To enhance the effect and combat stubborn stains, it is recommended to soak the item for several hours in warm water with washing powder and the ball itself before placing it in the machine.
Balloons "White cat"
Products made in Germany. Sold in sets of 12 pieces. Each ball consists of a rubber shell and a magnet placed in the middle. Used for:
- high-quality laundry washing (knocks out the most stubborn stains from the fabric);
- scale control;
- water softening.
The only drawback of this product is the high price - about 4-5 thousand rubles.
Eco Life Balls
The main purpose is to protect the SMA from scale. Country of origin: Austria. Among other things, the use of balls, according to the manufacturer, allows you to reduce the consumption of washing powder (by 20–30%), as well as reduce energy consumption by 20% by reducing the operating time of the washing machine on short cycles.
Balls As Seen on TV
A set consisting of two magnetic balls that fight scale and provide better washing.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Customer Reviews
The opinions of people who have already used the balls are very mixed.
Either they don't work, or I don't understand something. They rattle terribly during washing, and they don’t really remove stains! Now children play with marbles.” “This is just a find! I started adding three times less powder, and things are washed with a bang. I wash baby items and diapers only with them. I still use conditioner for a pleasant aroma.
I always wash my down jacket with balls, now I don’t have to worry about the down getting wrinkled. But, of course, they won’t remove difficult stains, so you don’t have to wait for a miracle.
I have German balls. The instructions say that it has magnets. They look like rubber with spikes, but they are quite heavy. One blue one goes into the washing machine. The second red one is already drying. At least that's what the instructions say. It is also said that it saves energy and powder consumption. I like the effect. I recommend.
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Types of balls
In stores you can find a wide variety of laundry balls from various manufacturers. Each type differs in its functions and operating features.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline products
Manufacturers promise that when using a tourmaline ball, you can refuse the powder for two to three years, this is exactly the service life of the accessory. This is the most expensive type of set, due to tourmaline and natural minerals contained in small ceramic granules inside the balls. The standard set consists of two balls. Active substances, coming into contact with water, provide an increase in pH and promote enhanced removal of contaminants from the fibers, reaching the very depths of the tissues.
The product is easy to use: before each use it must be left in the sun to charge, washed at a temperature of no more than 50 degrees, and dried well after use. It is also believed that tourmaline has an antibacterial effect, so the use of such products helps to destroy bacteria.
Why are balls needed and is it possible to do without them?
Regardless of the shape and material of manufacture, all laundry balls have one purpose - to achieve an ideal cleaning result, maintain the structure of the fabric, and the shape of the clothing filler.
What are laundry balls used for?
- break down clumps of fluff and feathers in outerwear;
- promote better rinsing of detergent from fabric fibers;
- prevents the appearance of pilling on woolen and knitted clothes;
- soften the fabric (balls can be used instead of conditioner).
When considering whether it is worth spending money on laundry balls, you should always remember that by investing once in a purchase, you can save on dry cleaning services every year and reduce the consumption of detergents.
How can you replace washing balls?
If you don’t have the opportunity to purchase a laundry ball, it doesn’t matter. Use regular tennis balls. They, like special balls, are capable of softening laundry by bouncing off the walls of the drum during washing and kneading clothes.
Before loading into the machine, be sure to soak the tennis balls in boiling water for half an hour, and then in any chlorine-containing product for another 30 minutes. This is necessary to remove dye from their surface, which can stain the laundry during washing.
The balls will be a great addition to your home laundry arsenal. This inexpensive device greatly improves and simplifies clothing care.
Benefits of washing with balls
The quality of washing in a machine does not always satisfy discerning housewives - the color of the laundry becomes dull, things exchange color shades with each other (in other words, they fade), and pills appear. A separate line is allergic reactions to washing powders and fabric softeners, especially in children of the most thrifty mothers. But our grandmothers managed to achieve boiling whiteness of linen using a ribbed washing board, river water and special beaters. Of course, no one encourages you to go to the river with a basin of dirty laundry under your arm and beat it on stones, sprinkling it with ash, but it would be useful to take a closer look at the principle of operation of laundry balls.
These balls, similar in size to tennis balls , work on the principle of mechanical action on the laundry moving in the machine drum, which allows you to significantly reduce the consumption of powder and conditioner, or even eliminate detergents altogether. This will minimize the occurrence of allergic reactions to surfactants (surfactants) - the main cause of dermatitis and asthmatic symptoms. Currently, manufacturers offer tourmaline and magnetic balls, “hedgehogs” for regular washing and “balls” for removing pellets.
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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Reader comments
- Share your opinion - leave a comment
Which ones are better to choose?
To understand exactly what kind of balls you need, determine how and what you will use them for.
For example:
- Tourmaline and magnetic balls are suitable for washing almost any clothes.
- Silicone ones are suitable for processing delicate fabrics.
- Balls with PVC spikes will be needed for washing jackets and down jackets.
- Anti-pilling balls do an excellent job of processing woolen and knitted items.
- With ceramic granules they are suitable for everyday clothes without visible stains.
Proper use of laundry balls will help keep your clothes looking their best for longer.
Tourmaline balls
Not the cheapest option for new laundry products, however, it allows you to significantly save on the purchase of washing powder, which you won’t have to purchase for two to three (!) years. These balls, the size of tennis balls, consist of a plastic shell containing a large number of elements made of tourmaline, a semi-precious stone. This stone has the ability to release ions with a negative charge into the water, penetrating into the fibers of the fabric and effectively removing dirt. At the same time, the pH level in the water approaches the values inherent in alkalis, that is, washing powder, which allows you to effectively wash things without the harmful effects of household chemicals.
Advice
For the first time, before use, the balls must be kept in the sun to “recharge” them with solar energy.
In addition, tourmaline crystals, when exposed to heat or mechanical stress, begin to generate electricity. As a result of the onset of electrolysis, alkaline water is formed, which separates dirt from the fibers, and acidic water, which has a bleaching and deodorizing effect. The salt film on the surface of “washed” items is washed off, they become brighter, softer and more elastic. No additional rinsing is required for this type of washing; water and electricity are saved.
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These “magic” balls need to be dried after each wash and do not like temperatures above 50 ⁰C. If you have to load about 7 kilograms of laundry into the machine, it is better to use two sets of balls. You can wash and rinse clothes without removing the balls from the machine. The original products are made in South Korea and cost about $75, sold in sets of 2 pieces. Whether to buy cheaper versions is up to everyone to decide for themselves.
What to look for when choosing?
Taking into account a few tips, choosing the right balls will speed up significantly:
- For each type of fabric, a specific type of ball is selected. Rubber “hedgehogs” are ideal for cleaning outerwear. Smooth PVC balls are effective when washing delicate fabrics. In order to wash woolen products with high quality, anti-pilling balls made of polypropylene are used. Magnetic and tourmaline balls are a universal means for washing items made from any fabric.
- In order to determine the required number of balls, you need to pay attention to the material they are made of. For high-quality washing, it is recommended to use at least four PVC balls, 6-12 magnets or tourmaline balls.
You should not skimp on balls, otherwise the washing result may not live up to your expectations.
Before going to the store, it would be a good idea to get acquainted with the most popular manufacturers, read reviews, and monitor the price level.
How to use laundry balls
Regardless of the type of balls and their manufacturer, the recommendations for their use are approximately the same. You simply place the required number of balls into the drum of the washing machine, and after washing, remove them and dry them.
How many balls are needed when washing different clothes and linens?
To determine how many balls are needed for one wash, you need to know the size of the washing machine drum and its loading level, and also take into account the purpose of the balls.
| Variety | Load level | Required amount |
| Pimply | Full load | 2-3 pcs. |
| Magnetic | Up to 6 kg. | 6-12 pcs. |
| Full load | 12 pcs. | |
| Delicate fabrics | 6 pcs. | |
| Wool | 4 things. | |
| Tourmaline | Up to 5 kg. | 1 PC. |
| Full load | 2 pcs. | |
| Antikatyshki | Full load | 2 pcs. |
| Tennis balls | Full load | 4-8 pcs. |
| With ceramic granules | Up to 5 kg. | 1 PC. |
| Full load | 2-3 pcs. | |
| For drying | Up to 5 kg. | 1 PC. |
| Full load | 2 pcs. |
Most often, balls are sold in sets of 2, 6 or 12 pieces.
For washing down jackets and down products
For washing jackets, down jackets and other products with natural or synthetic fillings, balls with pimples are best suited. They will create additional mechanical forces when the drum rotates, as a result of which the filler will not crumple.
Since these devices are made from painted plastic, check before use to ensure they will not stain the product. To do this, fill the balls with hot water and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. If the water has not changed color, then you can safely use them.
For one down jacket or blanket, it will be enough to place from 2 to 6 balls in the drum, depending on the dimensions of the product.
For washing your bra
For washing bras, special container balls have been created, consisting of two spheres: internal and external. Such devices help protect bra parts from mechanical damage during automatic washing. After it, the straps do not twist, the hooks and fittings do not break, and the cups remain in their original shape.
For washing sneakers
If you wash your sneakers in an automatic machine, you can enhance the effect of the detergent by using tourmaline, magnetic or plastic balls. They will help eliminate complex stains and prevent the internal seals of the tongue and backs from becoming crumpled.
