Balls for washing

[pldouglas]

Thats balls FOR washing not .... oh never mind, this is good, read on. A few weeks ago the dearly beloved and I were in our favourite shop (Robert Dyas Ironmonger) when we saw these blue and white plastic balls with ridges round them and slots in them, they seemed to be filled with grit. Turned out that they are the latest environmentally friendly way to do the laundry! Each ball is about twice the size of a tennis ball and filled with granules, you simply put it in the washing machine (no need for soap powder) and away it goes. Apparently each ball will do about 300 washes before the granules need re-placing and they really do wash brilliantly. So I thought they would be a great thing to take to Turkey, not only would you not have to contend with soap powder that has turned to concrete in your absence, but it is obviously better for the cess pit arrangement one normally has out there. And after all other considerations, anything that doesn't harm the environment is okay with me.

[JEANNIE]

How much were they ?

[GnD]

you can get them everywhere Lakeland have done them for years.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/F/product/5718

and another option to reduce quantity of powder by 75%

http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache...n&ct=clnk&cd=2

http://www.theclearboxstore.co.uk/Pe...FQWL1Qod8GwTEw

What's stopped me from using them is - sad I know - I like smelly washing!

Clean smelly that is of course!

[Bibby]

I have used the Lakeland Ball and the Ecoballs. Ecoballs are more expensive. I wouldn't like to say which is better, but Ecoballs are refillable. I find they dont get stains out but the washing is softer (I guess due to not as many chemicals needing rinsing out of washing). So you would need to spot clean first. I tend to use mine for non whites.

Did you know that fabric conditioner and any oil (cooking, suntan oil, etc) isn't good for the workings of a septic tank (if you have one)? So the softer wash is handy, because maybe you can get away with not using conditioner.

They can be noisy in use especially the Ecoballs, it sounds like you are washing trainers. You shouldn't use them above 60 degrees either.

I like using them though. I like the idea of using something environmental. I also like the fact they don't make any mess like spilling powder or fluid.

And on the same vein, I like using Lush solid shampoo. They often come with a free tin if you are buying two. They wont spill in your case and you can also use them in place of shower gel.

[JoanH]

My late mother used these wash balls as she developed an allergy to certain substances in most washing detergents and powders. She also liked the fact that she did not have to carry home heavy bottles/boxes of detergents, took up little or no storage space, did not have to faff about with measuring cups etc and fabric softeners and they worked out a lot cheaper.

[GnD]

Ok I am really intrigued now. I don't use fabric softener and I only ever use half the dose of powder or liquid suggested and that works well enough on stains etc.

So I do do my bit but may now consider these balls once my enormous bag of Tersil runs out.

[pldouglas]

Originally Posted by JEANNIE

How much were they ?

I think about £20 for 3 - which if the claims are right, will last you a long long time.

[JEANNIE]

definitley going to try them out. Thanks for that,


Jeannie