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Have You Tried Laundry Balls?

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“Laundry Balls are a revolutionary product that allows you to replace the soap you would use in your washing machine. Each ball contains solid spheres that, reacting in contact with water, create a molecular ionization process that makes the natural cleaning water force work. Inside the ball a special and environmentally friendly detergent assures a delicate washing. During machine washing, the balls produce ionized oxygen increasing the pH level and making water molecules work. The natural cleaning water force penetrates through the fibers removing dirt. Your fabric will be always clean and the laundry balls will not damage your clothes.”- Amazon.com

Author: Rona Sharp

Wash balls - they look like a cheap plastic toy!

If you are looking for another way to green-up your life, you might find these little gizmos useful. They’re easy to use, they’re much better for the environment and they can save you quite a lot of money on your laundry.

So what are they?

Wash balls are plastic balls you use instead of detergent in your washing machine. They’re also known as laundry balls or even eco-balls. They are simple to use - just put one in with your wash, set your temperature and cycle and let the laundry balls do the rest.

But if you want really good results, there’s a little more to know.

Wash balls don’t always deal with stubborn dirt and stains - not at low temperatures at least. Some stains may need the help of a stain remover, which comes included with some wash balls. Ground-in dirt can be resistant. So if you have active kids, rugby players - or gardeners in your family you might need to pre-soak some things.

I use my laundry ball on almost every type of wash. I run my machine on warm or hot for the dirtier items such as socks that have been worn while gardening. Most other things will be fine on a cooler setting.

Laundry Ball Features:

  • Economic, they can be used 60 times or 120 Loads of laundry
  • They do not contain harsh chemical as phosphorus, Boron, ABS, LAS, SAS
  • They reduce the environment pollution
  • They protect fibers during the machine washing
  • Reusable

I think it’s a good idea to run the washing machine on its hottest at least once a week. That way there’s no build up of the bacteria which can cause ‘off’ odors. To help keep your machine clean and fresh you can use vinegar or washing soda and run your machine on empty every so often. It’s also sensible to wash towels and other personal items at the hottest setting to prevent bacterial infections from spreading.

How do wash balls work?

The clay balls inside the wash ball ionize the water, which repels the dirt.

Are they safe?

You bet! They are far less toxic than most detergents used in cleaning - though obviously you should keep the refill balls out of reach of small children. If you suffer from skin problems or allergies, they are less likely to cause you problems than most detergents.

How long do they last?

How long is a piece of string! But really, they last a good long time between refills. I’ve used some of mine for 4 months or more.

At the end of your wash just remove the wash ball from the washing and put it somewhere to dry ready for the next load. Keep them away from the kids and the dog, though. They do just look like toys!

Using a wash ball is a great way to green-up your laundry day - and you even save money. A perfect eco bargain!

Sheryl’s comment:
Why would you spend money on harsh, nasty chemicals to soak your clothing in when there is a natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative (that will save you tons of money). Another great alternative to toxic commercial detergents is laundry soap nuts, which are an all natural laundry soap that literally grow on trees. You can’t get much more natural than that! Soap nuts are also available as a liquid detergent, which comes with the benefits of liquid that you are used to but in a eco-friendly, healthy, natural and biodegradable product.

Buy: Amazing Laundry Balls

About the Author:
I’m passionate about the environment and finding small ways we can green-up our lives. My web site, Greenfootsteps.com is all about easy ways to green up your life without breaking the bank. Most of my articles are about environmental issues and health.

Discussion

4 comments for “Have You Tried Laundry Balls?”

  1. Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Nature’s Natural Detergent

    I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.

    What are Soap Nuts?

    Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.

    How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?

    Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.

    Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?

    Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.

    What About My Allergies to Soap?

    Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

    How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?

    For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:
    1. Toss 3 half Soap Nut shells in a small muslin bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.
    2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 45 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!

    Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

    Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com

    The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?

    No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.

    Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation

    With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.

    For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

    Posted by Matt Johnson | February 1, 2008,
  2. Verlyn Ross owns and operates website dedicated specifically to health issues. This site includes a wealth of free articles in which you may have an interest. For a great place to get answers, go here!
    Freely explore it and visit our Blog. ENJOY!

    Posted by Verlyn Ross | March 15, 2008,
  3. I love soap nuts. I use them for everything.

    Posted by Soap Nuts | June 23, 2008,
  4. They are the best detergent I have ever used.

    Posted by Natural Laundry Detergent | September 9, 2008,

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The information we present is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems,disease, or illness without consulting with your own physician or qualified medical professional.