Heather Conn Blogs

When I bought a SmartKlean washing ball on Earth Day in Roberts Creek, I’ll admit to some skepticism. Was this strange, bright-green ball, full of ceramic pellets and a double magnet, truly going to clean my laundry?

Friendly local vendor Neale Smith explained the impact of the various pellets, from chlorine removal to “the far infrared effect.” The latter breaks down the water’s hydrogen molecules, which causes more molecular motions. Negative ions then weaken the water’s “surface tension” so that dirt can be removed more easily. Apparently, it’s all about friction.

And those two magnets, stuck together? They are supposed to generate electrical charged particles that cling to dirt and bacteria, which then disappear with the water outflow.

It all sounded impressive, albeit dubious. My husband was even more skeptical than me. But I liked the idea of not polluting water or using chemical-laden detergents. And one small washing ball was supposed to last for 365 wash loads. That would save on a lot of detergent.

I bought the ball. Like the directions said, I threw it into the washing machine full of clothes, ensuring that there was enough room for it to bounce around. When the laundry was done, it looked great. Better still, the wash had not left white streaks on the clothes, like detergents can.

Even my husband was impressed. We’ve since done several more washes and all have turned out really well.

I’m delighted to be using a new product that delivers what it promises: “practical, economical, ecological.” There’s one more bonus: you don’t need a rinse cycle because there are no chemicals to rinse out.

We need more balls, so to speak. Let’s get these out in popular use and put laundry detergents and fabric softeners out of business.

Besides, in a pinch, you can always use one as a percussion instrument.

The SmartKlean washing ball is available at IGA and through It’s About Time Eco Product Distributors. The initial $50 outlay is high, but it’s worth it when you consider how many tubs or boxes of laundry detergent it will save you in a year or more.