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I recently came across the Wonder Ball Complete Laundry System that promises that their laundry ball would replace detergents for up to three years. I thought it too good to be true, and so I dedicated more time to review this product before sharing my results here. I wanted to be certain that the product, which claims to be able to clean clothes without the use of detergent through the process of physics, truly did what it claimed.
I received the laundry ball and two dryer balls for the purpose of this review. I had previously seen similar dryer balls at our local Wal-Mart, so I had good faith that they might actually help to dry clothes faster, but I was skeptical about the laundry ball. I immediately took out the laundry ball to examine it. It is made out of a PVC/Vinyl blend and when I shook it, I heard a liquid inside of it, which the website states is a "enhanced mineral blend" which helps to create an energy field within the ball, allowing the water molecules to best clean the fibers of your clothes. It sounded a bit like rubbish to me, if I am being honest.
Day One: I followed the manufacture's instructions and cleaned the washing machine by placing the ball inside and running a full cycle without any clothes. After the cycle ended, I filled the washing machine with a load of colored clothes. When the load ends, I smelled my clothes and to my surprise they smell fresh! I then placed the clothes in the dryer--without the laundry sheet--and tossed in the dryer balls. This is the first time that I am excited to hear the buzzer alerting me the clothes were dry (laundry is my least favorite household chore).The clothes felt just as soft and smell just as fresh as they always do. Hmmmm....
Day Five: I have used the laundry ball all week. I read on the website that it might take a few washings to get out all of the old detergents. I conclude this is why my clothes are still smelling fresh--the old soap is still coming off the clothes. That makes sense.
The next two weeks: The biggest test I had was when it came time to clean my husband's work clothes. His clothes are always full of grass and grease as he works in lawn maintenance. They are often caked in grass clippings and are hard to get clean. However, washing them with the ball produced the same affect as it did when I washed with detergent. Since I am not using detergent, I can simply run the clothes through the "RINSE" cycle and skip the "WASH" cycle, but mainly, I set it to wash and let it run its course. I'm thinking that maybe this thing does work after all.
Conclusion: I am noticing that even though my clothes are coming out clean, they are losing that fresh scent that I so loved. I haven't had to pre-treat many stains (as suggested on the website) though and I have just recently started adding in a touch of detergent. A few times, the Mystic Wonders Laundry Ball didn't make it into the wash...and the funny thing is, is that my clothes came out just as clean. With nothing. No ball. No detergent. Nothing. It got me to thinking...maybe it is as the website says:
There is a special frequency enhanced mineral formula in the ball. When the ball is agitated in the washing machine, there is an energy field created within the ball. It appears when the water molecules meet up with this the surface tension disperses. The water now can do the best in cleaning the fibers of any fabric. It is the water that does the cleaning. Through physics, not chemicals, you will get outstanding results.I am no physicist, so I am unable to test to see if the ball actually creates an energy field. All I can say with certainty is that I did not have to use detergent to get my clothes clean. I can't guarantee or even suggest, that the laundry ball is the reason for this. I simply do not know, but I am going to continue to use it! If nothing else, it has taught me that I can save money through cutting detergent out or by using much less then before.
I had a good experience with the dryer balls and I can say that it did seem to dry the clothes more evenly. I normally have to run the towels through two cycles, and I haven't had to do that since using the dryer balls.
Mystic Wonders offers users of the Wonder Laundry Ball to send it back when it stops working to be recharged for another three years ($28.85). The question I have is: How will I know when it stops working?
The Good: This product is easy to use, simply toss in the washer or dryer and that's it. Although I cannot support the claim that this ball causes the water to be enhanced by an energy field that helps to disperse water tension, I can say that I did not need detergent the whole month using the Mystic Wonders Laundry Ball. It could be that plain water simply cleans on it's own, but it could also mean there is something to this Laundry Ball. The product line at Mystic Wonders Inc. also includes a Dishwasher ball (which I would love to read a review to see how it works on the dishes), Prill Beads, and much more. All the products have unique claims and perhaps over time, I will have the opportunity to review more of their products and share the results.
The Bad: Although my laundry came clean, it did lose that fresh scent that detergent leaves. Since I've been adding in a bit of detergent, (but way less than suggested by the detergent manufacturer), the fresh scent has returned. The dryer balls do make a lot racket as they bounce around inside the dryer. I don't mind, but for some, this might be bothersome. The Laundry Ball is not supposed to go into the dryer at all, so it is important to assure it doesn't find its way into the dryer by hiding in your clothes!
To purchase: Visit the Mystic Wonders Inc website. The Complete Laundry System can be purchased for $49.95. It includes one laundry ball and two dryer balls.
One lucky winner will win a Complete Laundry System for themselves!!! The system includes one Laundry ball and two dryer balls. Simply complete the mandatory entry requirements below and be certain to have your email visible in your profile or in your comment. Entries without email address available will be void. Bonus entries are not required, but do provide extra chances at winning. The bonus entries will not be valid unless the mandatory entry has been done.
Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents aged 18+, void where prohibited. The giveaway will end on September 25, 2010 at midnight central time.
Mandatory Entry: Visit the Mystic Wonders Inc website and tell me another product you would love to try.
Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each entry.
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Enter to #win Mystic Wonders Complete Laundry System: Wash clothes without detergent! http://critiqueoftheunique.com
FTC guidelines require that I disclose that I received the Complete Laundry System from Mystic Wonders Inc for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed herein are my own, honest opinions. Other opinions may vary. Mystic Wonders Inc is the sponsor of the giveaway and therefore will be responsible for prize fulfillment.
