Downey Ball

I used it with whatever fabric softener was on sale, but it always left spots on my clothes. My new washer has a built in dispenser, so I use that instead.

I used to be a linen buyer in an upscale department store. The linen companies really do not like fabric softneners. They break down the fabric, they actually put a coating on it.

For towels it actually makes them less absorbent. So if you really do not need it, I would not even purchase it.

No be in our families have used any type of fabric softness in decades..

Why coat your clothes (and your children's) in toxic chemicals? I have never used dryer sheets and don't really understand why anyone would.

I use natural lavendar dryer bags so things smell great and have never had a problem with static. If static is a problem for you why not try a natural product?

http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/04/healthy-body...

I don't use softeners or dryer sheets. My clothes are fine. If you set the dryer for less time and remove the clothes when they are dry, there won't be any static. If you accidentally over do it, rub a wire hanger down your front side and back side and the problem is gone.

Read about the effects of dryer sheets and softeners on people.

Yes. You can use any fabric softener. And when ours broke, we bought a knock off one at a mall kiosk.
I actually prefer the dryer bar, but now that we live in an apartment, I have to use the ball.

I use white vinegar in ours and it is wonderful :)

When we got our new washer, I realized it was missing the built in Fabric Softener feature.. so I got the Downy ball and it has worked just the same. They just advertise it that way so you will use another product of that brand. Dont get me wrong Downy is in my rotation of the only two fabric softeners I choose to use, but Iike switching up the scents when its time to re-up on the Laundry supplies! If your washer doesn't have the built in slot for it, the Downy ball certainly solves the problem of catching the washer in time for the rinse load! Im a fanatic about how I do Laundry and what has to happen EVERY LOAD, big or small, Extra dirty or just needs to be refreshened with a wash :) OXI-CLEAN is an absolute must in this house!! Laundry is sorta fun for me.. I like making things clean and fighting stains til they are non-existent, but YES.. downy ball works great either way! (as long as you are using it properly~)

it'll be as effective, but the effect is detrimental to your clothes and your system.
i'm in the 'white vinegar' camp.
:) khairete
S.

It works with gravity. There is nothing special in the Downy that makes it work any differently. It works with any liquid during the high speed spin.

I did find a lot of softener spots on my clothes when using it though. I got rid of mine quickly after using it a couple of times.

To a point......

Some fabric softeners are "Ultra" ... in that they are concentrated.... if you put one in that isn't the Ultra softener (no matter what brand), you may not be putting in as much softener.

I personally don't pay that much attention.... I pour in whatever softener I have, and it helps.