In the middle of June I wrote a post about removing buildup from your cloth diapers. In that post one of my suggestions was for the Laundry Ball. At the time of writing I didn’t have a need for any of the items. But after spending a weekend camping with no laundry facilities, I came back with stinky diapers. I remembered what I had read about the Laundry Ball and decided it was the perfect solution.
My best friend and I went in together to save a few dollars and it shipped very quick (I think 2 or 3 days via DHL). I used the Laundry Ball with regular laundry first to see how it worked. Amazed, shocked, floored…didn’t even begin to describe my reactions. At this point I’m thinking “Ok, so it removed the residual dry cleaning smell that has never disappeared from my husband’s clothes. Let’s see how it works on poopy, stinky cloth diapers.”
The instruction sheet that comes with the Laundry Ball states that you don’t need to use detergent. However, I use a scoop of Oxyclean or the occassional tablespoon of Crunchy Clean detergent. So, I dumped in my diaper pail, a scoop of Oxyclean and the Laundry Ball.
Back Story:
Paisley has always had a persistent rash. I have taken her in for allergy clearings, changed all cleaning products to “green” and removed gluten from her diet. The eczema would clear up for a couple of days but always came back. I posted last month about the temporary success of apple cider vinegar, but that was only temporary as well.
As far as her cloth diapers went, even when stripping them they never had that clean smell. It was very frustrating.
So after washing the cloth diapers with the Laundry Ball I was so very happy to smell CLEAN-ness. An added bonus to the ultra clean diapers was the disappearance of some stains.
After 3 weeks of using the Laundry Ball I am elated to report that Paisley has had no rash since using completely clean diapers. Paisley obviously has such sensitive skin that even residual “green” detergent was too much for her.
If you have ever had to endure a chronic issue with your child, you can empathize with my joy of having it gone. I know I tried a million and one recommendations that worked for other moms but failed to work for us.
I pray that the Laundry Ball will bless other families as well. I plan to keep you updated on how it works months from now. I also plan on using the product Alysha posted about in a comment on my last post.
It can be frustrating trying using the trial-and-error method. I suggest starting with diet, an organic cream like Alysha’s, and in the laundry room with the Laundry Ball.
Autumn is a wife, mother, homeschool teacher, friend and most important a follower of Christ.
Mike says
Hi All:
The Washball can’t be left in the washer all the time.
It needs to be exposed to sunlight for one hour per week.
Autumn that’s why it stopped working.
EK says
I get my laundry ball for my cloth diapers at http://www.niceclothdiaper.com. And they work wonders for my kids who has eczema and myself with sinus problem. And i think they do ship internationally at very reasonable price.
Tasha says
How do you wash your diapers with the ball? How many cycles do you do? A cold, a hot, an extra rinse? Are you still using the ball or have you gone back to a different washing routine?
Autumn Beck says
tasha, i wrote an update to the ball and i am no longer using it. after a while it seemed to not be working.
Beccie Forbes says
I’ve been using the laundry balls for many yrs with great results :D I recommend it to all my diaper clients.
DIAPERMAMA–WAHM, fitteds, aios, pockets, nursing pads, slings, bibs, mama pads, crib sheets,and coming soon: decorative baby wipe cases.
Autumn Beck says
I leave the laundry ball in the washer all the time. I agree that it isn’t that expensive. But there are some moms on a tight budget without room for a $40 investment. I was able to save a few dollars by buying in bulk.
Sara says
Question about the laundry ball; arent you suppose to rinse the cloth diapers first then wash then, how can you with this laundry ball, I called the company and they told me to just leave it in the washer. Also about the price, it really isn’t that expensive for the cost and the amount of washes it is a couple cents per wash, am i looking at the wrong laundry ball?
Tiffani says
I’ve had the laundry ball for about a week now and I LOVE it. My husband loves how the laundry doesn’t smell fake anymore just natural! In fact we washed his yucky grease covered clothes (he’s a welder) with it and it was awesome! Thanks for telling about your experience with it, or I would never have bought one! Thank you!
Cyndy says
Thanks for checking on the HE machines…I think my mom and I are going to order ours!
Michelle says
Very interesting Autumn. I just wish it were cheaper!
Autumn Beck says
I emailed the company and it is safe to use in HE machines.
As far as price, it lasts ~1500 washes so I felt it was worth the investment.
Frankie says
Autumn,
Thanks for all the great info. I enjoy reading it. I have a question. I have a 14 month old that I would like to start using cloth training pants with. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks so much, Frankie