Eco balls and Dryer balls! We tried, we liked, they work and we�ll continue using them. Very good products!
We�ve been using Surcare - liquid, powder and conditioner - for a number of years (12+), which is for sensitive skin and is perfume free. I�ve got a sensitivity to perfume and Fiona has built up a sensitivity � prickly heat, itchiness and skin rashes - to Surcare. We found that if you don�t rinse Surcare out thoroughly then Fiona gets these problems. Fiona researched the internet and came across eco balls on www.ecozone.co.uk.
Fiona and I were sceptical at first. While we waited for our Eco balls and dryer balls to arrive, we washed a load with no washing powder/liquid and yes they were still dirty and smelly, but now wet.
The washing machine was loaded with �whites� - � full - and the 3 eco balls were placed on top of the clothes. The quick cycle took 30 minutes, since you wash at a lower temperature <=60C and require less rinse cycles, because there are no chemicals to rinse out. When the cycle finished we carefully inspected and smelt the clothes and they were clean and odour free. Fiona also reckoned that they felt softer. We�ve also found that prolonged use of conditioner makes the dish towels and bathroom towels less absorbent.
How much does all this voodoo magic cost? Well surprisingly very cheap. We spend on average �125/year on Surcare products � liquid, powder and conditioner � and the eco balls cost �35 and should last you for 1,000 washes � 2 adults and 2 children. In our case that should last us 4 years. Therefore, Surcare costs 30-50p/wash, against 3.5p/wash for eco balls. Also, we�re doing our bit for the environment. You can also buy eco balls from e-bay, saving quite a bit of money.
Well worth the buy, Ian and Fiona.