Have you got the BALLS? (Eco Balls)

Member Name: Trishajs

Product:	Eco Balls
Date:	10/07/09 (93 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Money to spend on other things-yippee

Disadvantages: Need to keep using a detergent or stain remover when clothes are stained

I had seen eco balls in the shops for just over £30 - and even though I knew that if they worked for the time they were proclaimed to do, that would be very cost effective - the initial layout put me off.

Then a colleague where I used to work tried them, he had just bought a flat and was trying anything to save money. I checked out his clothes (outerwear only) and they looked fine- he had even washed his suit.
So I went onto the internet to see where I could get the best deal. Bid TV were selling them and so I tuned in for the auction and including all the phone and postage and packing costs they cost me about £21.

My pack contained 3 balls and three refills and also it came with 2 glue stick size stain removers- which I confess I have yet to use, having got another brand of stain remover on the go.

The instructions were to use one ball for a basic wash up to 5kg and two when your wash was over 5kg. Despite my best intentions-, whenever I feel I need a deeper clean I resort to adding a detergent. Not because I have to, but because old habits die hard. However, the important point here is that I am still using the same two balls I first bought about a year ago and my clothes etc; are still coming out clean. The balls inside the main ball will decrease in size, and when they are 15% of their original size, - I need to replace them- with the refills supplied, but they seem to be a long way off that. You can only use the balls up to 60 degrees. You must not put them in the tumble dryer.

The manufacturers state that the 3 balls and 3 refill packs will facilitate 1000 washes- and I have no reason to doubt them.

The balls contain no harmful chemicals, (which of course is far better for your clothes), are hypoallergenic and suitable therefore for sensitive skin. You do not need to add a conditioner- so more pennies in the savings kitty.

At the time of purchase replacement refills were £9.99 plus £3.95 p&p but no doubt by the time I need them they will be a lot more- but compared to how much I have saved that is nothing.

I would certainly recommend you give them a go, bearing in mind your particular circumstances and your need for stain removal and deep cleans. Even if you only use them periodically they will be cost saving- but do as I did, shop around and save even more.

Also check out their life expectancy as I found some were cheaper but weren't going to last anywhere near as long.

Summary: Does your detergent cost you 2p a wash?