Downy Fabric Softener Ball Review

Below are a collection of reviews of the Downy fabric softener ball, as shared by readers.


This page was created after I wrote my own Ultimate Guide to Using The Downy Ball, and then asked people to write in with their own opinions and experiences with the product.

You can find my review of the product at the link, and it includes quite a few troubleshooting tips for how to get the Downy ball to dispense, if you're having trouble with this, since it is a VERY common problem (as can be seen from some of these reviews and comments below).



Before we get into the reviews, here's a video created by the manufacturer's of the ball, explaining how it's supposed to work. (Note, I say supposed to work, because the big complaint of many commenters below, is that it doesn't work this way.)



Now, here are the reviews, which have been mixed, with some people loving it, and others, not so much.

Anna's Review

Your review is, if you'll forgive the pun, spot on!

I've used the ball for YEARS and still love it. If I pack the washer full it doesn't open right, but that's my fault.

If used properly, I bet it's worked 99.9% of the time and that .1% was probably my fault somehow too.

The whole reason I was googling the Downy Ball and found your article is that it is so hard to find anymore.

I was afraid there was some massive recall that I didn't hear about. "Downy Ball linked to bee infestations" or some such nonsense.

After reading many articles, I finally found my answer here, the growing popularity of the HE machines. Makes perfect sense.

I've always had older machines, if not coin-ops, so have missed the whole HE revolution.

Maybe when I can afford a nice new washer, I'll say good-bye to my Downy Ball. Until then though, it's the best!

Downy Ball {Referral Links}

Taylor says:

Thanks so much Anna for your kind words about the site, and also your thoughts and experiences with the Downy fabric softener ball.

You can read even more reviews below, and don't forget to share your own reviews of the product as well in the comments below.

I Miss My Rinse Cycle Without The Ball

by Jennifer

Jennifer shared on the site's Facebook page her experience with this laundry supply.

Jennifer says:

My washer and dryer are out in my garage.

I just love the Downy ball because before they came out I missed the rinse cycle many times and had to re-rinse.

I have had times when it doesn't open, but not that often. I hope I never lose them since they seem to be so hard to find.

I will not go with the HE washing machines until I'm dragged kicking and screaming.

My neighbor is an appliance repairman. He does not think they are good and he keeps my machine, which is about 20 years old, running. As long as he is able to keep it going, I'm sticking with my dinosaur.

Taylor says:

Thanks for your review Jennifer.

Remember that you can add any type of fabric softener to the ball, not just Downy.

In addition, along with using it to add traditional oil based softeners, you can use it to dispense vinegar into the rinse!

You can get even more ideas for laundry uses for vinegar here.

The Downey Ball Is . . . Ugh

by David B.
(Horsham, PA)

David has also shared his review of this fabric softener dispenser.

David says:

We have a brand new washing machine and the ball is new as well.

7 out of 10 times it doesn't open and no softener is used.

Basically we then have to waste water, energy and time to rinse again.

I've read that sometimes the ball has residue at the seal but we haven't used it enough for that to happen.

20% of the time it does open, yet it doesn't go into the laundry and about 10% it empties partially leaving softener all over the clothes.

We didn't notice it one time and it stained our new sheets which really made my wife's day.

I wish this new washer had the ability to pour in the compartment but it doesn't. We are at a loss.

Taylor says:

David, sorry to hear about this frustrating experience.

Your experience of the ball not dispensing at all, or not completely, is unfortunately quite common.

So is your experience of the softener getting on the clothes later, and staining them.

Here's my article about how to remove a fabric softener stain, which can hopefully help with this issue.



I'm wondering if you should just forego fabric softener, and not use it in the wash if it will cause this much trouble for you.

The other option would be to use a product that softens clothes, but can be added at the beginning of the cycle, instead of having to wait until the rinse cycle to add.

Examples of such products currently on the market include Purex crystals and Dropps fabric softener pacs.

If you also have used this product, and love it, hate it, or have other suggestions for how to make it work better in your washer to dispense the softener, make sure to share your comments below.

Downy Ball {Referral Links}

In addition, you can check out even more laundry supplies reviews here, for a wide range of products used for your laundry, and be sure to share your own as well!

Related Pages You May Enjoy

Laundry Tips For Busy Moms

Ultimate Guide To Using Fabric Softener

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