Do Laundry Balls Really Work?

In this article: We explore whether laundry balls really work and, more importantly, if they are worth the cost. We also share the pros and cons from our readers of replacing laundry detergents with laundry balls.

If you’re looking to save on laundry detergent or want to avoid using chemicals in your laundry, you may have considered buying laundry balls. Over the years, we’ve gotten a number of questions regarding the validity and effectiveness of laundry balls.

Here are some things to know about whether laundry balls really work and whether they are worth trying.

What Are Laundry Balls?

Laundry balls are a type of washing aid marketed as an alternative to traditional laundry detergents.

They are typically small spheres or discs that are placed in the washing machine with your clothes. Depending on the type, laundry balls may contain bioceramic particles, magnets or other materials.

There is also a type of laundry ball that you can fill with small eco-friendly laundry detergent pellets.

3 Types of Laundry Balls for Washing Machines

When searching for laundry ball solutions for your washing machine, you may find the following options:

1. Bioceramic Laundry Balls

Bioceramic laundry balls contain small bioceramic balls made from materials like tourmaline, which is believed to emit infrared rays that can help to break apart water molecule clusters.

The claim is that this improves water’s ability to mix with dirt, which can then be washed away more easily. These balls also are supposed to adjust the pH level of the water to a level that is more effective for cleaning.

2. Magnetic Laundry Balls

Magnetic laundry balls are supposed to work by increasing the pH level of the water in your washing machine.

The idea is that the magnetic field created by the ball will affect the water molecules and the ions in your water, softening it and allowing it to clean your clothes more effectively.

3. Detergent-Pellet Laundry Balls

Pellet-type laundry balls are designed to hold small laundry pellets, usually eco-friendly, that are supposed to last for as many as 70+ washings. After you’ve run those 70+ loads, you simply purchase a refill pack of the pellets for the laundry ball.

We found that our readers who recommend laundry balls often refer to this type.

Do Laundry Balls Work? Our Readers Weigh In

We asked our readers who have used laundry balls to weigh in. You can see the responses below, but most found them to be a waste of money.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has taken action against a few companies selling the magnetic and bioceramic products for unsubstantiated claims. Therefore, while some users swear by these products, they may not work as well as traditional detergents.

If you’re interested in eco-friendly laundry solutions, using a pellet-type laundry ball is probably your best option. However, there are plenty of detergents on the market that are biodegradable, made with plant-based ingredients or free of harsh chemicals.

Are laundry balls effective? Most of our readers say that laundry balls are not effective, but it depends on the type. Read on for their feedback based on actual use of these products.

A Warning About Laundry Ball Effectiveness Claims

The Oregonian newspaper ran an article on one laundry ball manufacturer who was in trouble with the Oregon Attorney General’s office for making unfounded claims. It does nothing but bounce around in the wash, possibly providing slightly more agitation, but cannot and does not provide any change in the “ionic makeup” of the wash water. This is chemically impossible.

It is one of those “if it sounds too good to be true, it is” products. You could go purchase a toy ball and put it in your washer and it would be the exact same thing. Don’t get scammed!
Lisa H in Aloha, OR

I Borrowed Neighbor’s First…It Worked!

A friend loaned us a laundry ball for a week to try it out. I was very doubtful, but it really worked. I washed about 15 loads of clothes, and they smelled, looked and felt clean. They also didn’t have static cling even when dried in the dryer (With one exception – I left a load of whites in the washer overnight, then dried them, and they were static-y).

I was quite impressed, but still did not buy it. They were guaranteed for six months but were supposed to last for about 2,000 loads of wash. While I could definitely save money over buying detergent and softener for 2,000 loads, I was concerned that it would accidentally get in the dryer or get dropped and broken (I have seven children, so this is a real possibility) long before I had used it up.

I would also be interested in talking to someone who had used it for a year or so and see if it still worked as well.
Pat

Laundry Balls Are a Scam

I, too, was almost lured into buying ceramic laundry discs. After much research, I found information on the web about them. Although the discs are still very widely available, they are a scam.

My personal tips for saving money on laundry are:

1. Use about 1/4 the detergent recommended.
2. Don’t use fabric softener every time — only use it occasionally. Instead, use a little white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Your clothes will be cleaner, and you will save money too!

Mrs. TW

The Laundry Balls We Tried Didn’t Work

My father-in-law purchased one of these balls for me. It is supposed to last for five years. The ball was about the size of a tennis ball and the kind that had fluid on the inside.

It would have been worth the money if it actually worked.

I followed all of the directions and used it faithfully for two months. I also used the recommended borax for a boost to my extra dirty laundry (dishtowels, rags, etc.). At first, it seemed like it was working fine, but we noticed that our clothes smelled off and no matter how often I washed them, they still smelled.

I’m back to using detergent and very glad I am. My recommendation would be not to waste your money.
Anne

I Use Laundry Disks

I’ve used a laundry disk that works on the same principle. It works just fine. Took out stains, eliminated odors and, best of all, I didn’t have to worry about spilling any.

I would recommend this to everyone but most especially for people who are allergic to detergent or just have sensitive skin. Not to mention, it keeps from polluting the water supply.
Candy

The Dispenser Type of Laundry Ball Works

I picked up my laundry detergent ball at our local Walmart. I love it. All you have to do is put your laundry pellets in when you first get it and then just toss it in the washer for each wash and you are set to go. It dispenses the detergent all by itself.

I’ve had mine for over a year now and have only bought refill pellets once. I do about 8-10 loads of laundry a week. It’s a good buy! I’d be lost without it!
RR

Laundry Balls Good for Those With Sensitive Skin

I’ve been using the pellet-type laundry balls since summer because the detergent was making my skin irritated. The instructions say you should let them dry in the sun after each use, and for stains, you should use a stain treatment.

After using them for three weeks, I got used to them, the wash did come out clean, smelled fresh and was soft even when they were line-dried.

P.S. They said the balls last about 60 washes until the little beads inside get small and shake.
Ernest

Related: Inexpensive Homemade Stain Remover Recipes and Remedies

Buying Our Second Set of Laundry Balls

We have been using a product for about three years now. The first set of three discs lasted about two years. We are now on our second set of three discs, but I have seen an ad for one bigger unit that is supposed to take the place of the three discs. It is supposed to be good for “up to 2 years (500 loads)”. They are advertised to use instead of laundry detergent, or with heavily soiled laundry – with a teaspoon or so of detergent.

Our experience has been good overall. Greasy stains do not seem to wash out well and whites get a little dingy over time. But the clothes usually smell and look fresh and clean. I usually treat greasy stains with a little detergent before washing and I use a little detergent in with my whites.
Nancy C.

• 9 Ways To Extend the Life of Clothing
• Natural Homemade Laundry Soap Recipes
• How To Air Dry Clothes without Stiffness
• How To Get Stains Out of Khakis (+ Other Money-Saving Stain Removal Tips)

Reviewed November 2023