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Last updated: 13 February 2020
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We tested six laundry balls that we found on the market, as well as soap nuts, which are actually a berry purported to help wash clothes. All are simply added to your wash instead of detergent. 

Wouldn't it be nice to throw something into your washing machine and not have to replace it for years, secure in the knowledge that your laundry is being washed and you don't need to fiddle around with messy detergents? Laundry balls and soap nuts have been making this claim for years. We've tested them before, back in the 90s, but weren't impressed by the results. Given they're still around, we thought they were worth another look.

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  • We tested each product in a front loader on a cold wash using our usual laundry detergent test method, against 10 different stains.
  • We tested the soap nuts in a top loader as well, because the manufacturer claimed they worked better in a top loader.
  • We also tested without any product (i.e. water only), and did one more test with a leading performing detergent from our previous laundry detergent review.

We found these products underwhelming. In fact, one brand even received a ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Shonky award. Take a look at the results for yourself, but don't be surprised if you find yourself shopping for detergents instead.

Matthew Steen
By Matthew Steen
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List of brands we tested in this review.

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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

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These products generally fall into a few categories:

a) Plastic balls with seemingly no reasonable exit point for detergent or detergent-free agent.

b) Plastic balls filled with minerals. These tend to be in the majority and claim a need to be replaced over time.

c) Soap nuts, which are actually a type of berry that claims to release saponin and acts as a natural detergent.

Tested in

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We tested most products in front loaders, as they all claim to work in front loaders. We re-tested soap nuts in top loaders because the distributor came back to us claiming that they perform best in top loaders.

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Omo with built in pre-treaters front loader powder

Omo with built in pre-treaters front loader powder
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$10.00
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

76 %
General detergency 79%
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The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 48%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 85%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 83%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
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Miracle Wash laundry ball kit

Miracle Wash laundry ball kit
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$60
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

47 %
General detergency 48%
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The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 45%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 46%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 35%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
5 (1 member review)
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Water in top loader

Water in top loader
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$0.00
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
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This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

47 %
General detergency 45%
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The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 30%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 65%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 39%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
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Ecozone ecoballs

Ecozone ecoballs
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$40
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

46 %
General detergency 47%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 46%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 45%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 36%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Create account or log in to write a review
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Soap nuts 100g tested in top loader

Soap nuts 100g tested in top loader
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$8.00
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

46 %
General detergency 45%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 31%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 66%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 39%
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We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
4 (1 member review)
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Enviro washball

Enviro washball
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$50
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

43 %
General detergency 42%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 30%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 55%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 34%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Create account or log in to write a review
Back to filters Go to compare selected box

Water in front loader

Water in front loader
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$0.00
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

43 %
General detergency 42%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 31%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 54%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 34%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Create account or log in to write a review
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Miracle II laundry ball

Miracle II laundry ball
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$150
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

42 %
General detergency 41%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 30%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 55%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 34%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Create account or log in to write a review
Back to filters Go to compare selected box

Nanosmart laundry ball

Nanosmart laundry ball
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$55
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This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

42 %
General detergency 41%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 31%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 53%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 33%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Create account or log in to write a review
Back to filters Go to compare selected box

Soap nuts 100g tested in front loader

Soap nuts 100g tested in front loader
Compare
$8.00
Expand to view more details.

This is the price we paid for the item. Sometimes two balls come in a pack, or in the case of SoapNuts, they can come in 100g-1kg packs.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
Expand to view more details.

This overall dirt removal score is made up of general detergency (35%), natural oils – sebum/perspiration (20%), grass/mud (15%), olive oil (6%), and tomato, make-up, chocolate ice cream, baby food, motor oil, and aged blood at 4% each. All products are tested in cold water (20°C).

42 %
General detergency 42%
Expand to view more details.
The all-rounder 'general detergency swatch' is stained with nut oil, milk and a colour pigment. It's a measure of how well the detergent keeps soils suspended in the wash liquor and stops them from redepositing on your clothes; enzyme action on protein-based stains; and oil removal.
Blood 29%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Chocolate ice cream 53%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
Mud / grass 33%
Expand to view more details.
We use cotton swatches soiled with substances that our members tell us are the most common stains in their households. 
3.8 (4 member reviews)
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