Fabric Softener Balls

Rita · #1 04/19/07, 03:51 PM

Has anyone bought and tried the nubby-looking blue balls that are supposed to take the place of fabric softener liquids and sheets? Do they really work? I have looked for them in WalMart but couldn't find them. Do you have to send away for them? I got an ad for them and they are about $8 or $9 mailorder. Thanks, Rita

OkieDavid · #2 04/19/07, 04:29 PM

Heaven knows I'm the LAST person in my family to be trying to answer this but..... DW has used a "Downy" Ball for years, is this what you are talking about? You fill it to the line with liquid fabric softener and put it in the regular wash. It just floats around until the spin cycle and then the centrifugal force causes it to open releasing the fabric softener just at the start of the rinse cycle. As I said, I'm the least qualified to answer.....Heck in my bachelor days I was lucky if I remembered fabric softener sheets in the dryer and that was ONLY if there was money in my frugal college budget......fabric softener would be the first thing cut from my budget in times of crisis.

David

DenverGirlie · #3 04/19/07, 04:38 PM

I have not tried them myself, have watched other threads like this on other forums and the presiding response is that no, they do not work.

Some claim a ball of tin foil works... I have no idea about that either. I know some folks do blot a washcloth with liquid fabric softner and toss that in there. Still have the "chemicals" of the fabric softner, but at least you don't have to throw away the sheet after each use.

Downey ball mentioned by the previous poster is not the same thing. What Rita is asking after is a "nubby" light blue ball that you toss in the dryer. Downey ball is tossed in the washer.

I have seen these thou at Walgreens, seems like that is about the same price in store.

Dorothea · #4 04/19/07, 05:25 PM

do you have a wal-mart near you?? if so look by the fabric softeners i think they are 1.29,,i know they are under 1.50...and yes i use them never had any problems....

OkieDavid · #5 04/19/07, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverGirlie

Downey ball mentioned by the previous poster is not the same thing. What Rita is asking after is a "nubby" light blue ball that you toss in the dryer. Downey ball is tossed in the washer.

Thanks for the clarification.............Guess I'll go back to the job I do best which is dirtying the laundry and leave the cleaning of same to the experts

David

Rita · #6 04/19/07, 06:24 PM

Dorothea, I have looked in that area of WalMart and didn't see them, but at my age that happens a lot. If I don't see them again I will find a store clerk to ask. That seems a whole lot cheaper than the one's I've seen in magazine ads. You say you have never had any problems but do you feel they do a good job of softening clothes?

Rory · #7 04/19/07, 06:29 PM

We saw a 2-pack at Lewis stores the other day for $8. DH (appliance repairman) says he's heard that they work really great. Makes clothes very soft, and I think they get clothes to dry faster since there's better air circulation in the dryer. Everybody so far loves them...but WE don't have one (again, $8!!), so?

I'd like to try them. Seems more natural than a dryer sheet.

Dorothea · #8 04/19/07, 06:44 PM

i think they work great and if you can not find one i can pick on up for you,i think even with shipping it's cheaper then 8 bucks,,,take a peek by downy products...

suzyhomemaker09 · #9 04/19/07, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorothea

i think they work great and if you can not find one i can pick on up for you,i think even with shipping it's cheaper then 8 bucks,,,take a peek by downy products...

I don't think that the two of you are talking about the same things. The downy balls that go in the washer is not what is being asked about here...the item in question it a pair of blue (usual colour) balls that are all bumpy on the outside that go in the dryer...everywhere I have seen them they run about $8 or so for a set.

Lucy · #10 04/19/07, 10:25 PM

I saw the dryer balls at Walgreens and I think Rite Aid, too. About $8 as someone said.

reese · #11 04/20/07, 08:12 AM

I've seen them at WalMart and I've seen them at Linnens and Things.

We've been using them for a year now and personally like them. I've been fabric softener free for almost 5 years now and use only white vinegar and the blue balls (and have some reuseable fabric things that are supposed to help, but not really sure if they ever did, but they must since I've never had rough or crunchy fabric w/o the softener.

Reese

Laura · #12 04/20/07, 02:41 PM

I use the blue nubby balls in the dryer and they work great. My DH was addicted to fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which I am allergic to, and even he is satisfied with the balls.

Our only problem is the dog tries to make off with them for toys.

nodak3 · #13 04/20/07, 02:55 PM

I don't use softener, and when I use the dryer I never get hard clothes anyway. I noticed them in wallyworld today. They claim to help with static but there is an asterisk by the claim, and I couldn't find what it lead to. I find if I do not overdry there is no static anyway.

When I am fluffing pillows on air dry I do use a clean tennis ball.