SmartKlean Laundry Ball - Best Detergent for Eczema

SmartKlean Laundry Ball FAQ

What is the SmartKlean Laundry Ball?

SmartKlean Laundry Ball is a non toxic, mineral based alternative to laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. It uses bio ceramic beads and magnets to enhance water’s natural cleaning power, so your clothes come out clean without chemicals, fragrances, or residue. It is ideal for infants, eczema, sensitive skin, and anyone who wants a healthier, more eco friendly laundry routine.

How many Laundry Balls do I need for my washer?

1 Laundry Ball for standard home washers up to 18 lbs (8 kg)

2 Laundry Balls for larger home washers up to 36 lbs (16 kg)

3–4 Laundry Balls for industrial or oversized machines over 36 lbs

Always load the washer about three quarters full so the ball can move freely.

How do I use the SmartKlean Laundry Ball?

Place the ball on top of your laundry inside the washer. Fill the drum about three quarters full. Choose a regular or quick wash cycle. Because there are no suds, a shorter cycle is often enough. When the cycle is done, you can leave the ball in the washer for the next load.

How does it clean laundry without soap or suds?

The ceramic mineral beads and magnets:

• Increase the water’s pH to help lift oils, grime, and dirt
• Create oxygenated water that helps remove bacteria and odors
• Break large water “clusters” into smaller ones so water penetrates fabric better
• The ball’s weight and movement add gentle agitation, like the old style of beating fabrics on rocks, which helps release dirt.

How long does one Laundry Ball last?

One SmartKlean Laundry Ball is reusable for about 365–400 loads.

If you wash about once a day, that is roughly 1 year.

If you wash less often, it can last up to 2–3 years.

Over time, its cleaning power will fade and your laundry will start to look less clean. That is your sign it is time to replace it.

How will I know for sure when it is time to replace the Laundry Ball?

Watch your laundry. When your clothes start coming out less clean even though you are using the ball correctly, the ceramic beads have likely reached the end of their life and it is time for a new ball.

Is the SmartKlean Laundry Ball safe for sensitive skin, eczema, and babies?

Yes. It is 100% free of surfactants, fragrances, dyes, chlorine, optical brighteners, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. Because it cleans through a physical process and does not leave residue, it is an excellent choice for eczema, very sensitive skin, and baby clothing.

Will my clothes have any scent after washing?

Truly clean laundry smells neutral, like fresh cotton. The Laundry Ball does not contain perfumes, so your clothes will not have a “scented” smell.

If you miss a pleasant smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls or to a small cloth in the dryer (on low or no heat) once the clothes are already dry.

What can I do if I miss the smell of detergent?

Try one of these simple options:

• Add 15–20 drops of your favorite essential oil to a small cloth and toss it into the dryer after the clothes are dry. Run on no heat or low heat for about 10 minutes.
• Use essential oils on wool dryer balls.
• Be sure to move clothes promptly from the washer to the dryer. Leaving damp clothes sitting in the washer can cause a musty smell that no fragrance will truly fix.

Does the Laundry Ball keep white laundry white?

SmartKlean does a great job cleaning whites and colors, but it does not contain optical brighteners, bleach, or whitening agents. Many people like to add powdered eco bleach or non chlorine whitener if they want extra help keeping whites bright or tackling tough stains.

Will the Laundry Ball remove stains?

The Laundry Ball does not contain extra whiteners or enzymes, so heavy or set in stains usually need to be pre treated. For best results:

• Pretreat stubborn stains with a natural stain remover of your choice.
• Then wash as usual with the Laundry Ball.

Is there an adjustment period when switching from detergent?

Yes, sometimes. According to textile studies, up to 2% of a garment’s weight can be detergent residue. After a few washes with SmartKlean, the ball will start removing this build up. Clothes may feel different at first, and you might notice a more “neutral” smell. That is a sign the old residue is being washed away.

Can I use the Laundry Ball with laundry detergents or bleach?

Yes, you can use the ball with other products if you choose, although it is not necessary for everyday loads. Using detergent or other cleaners with the ball can actually increase their activity.

If you want extra whitening, we recommend non chlorine powdered bleach (such as Oxi type or eco bleach), lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide instead of regular chlorine bleach.

We do not recommend common chlorine bleach due to its impact on health, fabrics, and the environment.

Does it work with pet hair and pet laundry? Is it pet friendly?

Yes. The Laundry Ball is effective at helping remove pet hair and even urine from fabrics. The protective mesh inside keeps dirt and debris from affecting the ceramic beads. It is safe for washing pet bedding and pet clothing.

Can I use the Laundry Ball with cloth diapers?

Yes. Many families successfully use the Laundry Ball for cloth diapers. Just follow your cloth diaper care instructions and pre rinse or pre treat heavily soiled items as usual.

Can it be used in a shared or community laundromat?

Yes, with a few extra steps:

• Choose the cleanest looking machines.
• Wipe visible dirt or residue from the drum before adding laundry.
• For best results, add about 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the wash. This helps dissolve leftover detergent residue from other users and softens clothes naturally.

Can it be used in a 2 in 1 washer and dryer combo? Can it stay in for the dry cycle?

No. The Laundry Ball is designed only for the wash cycle. High heat can warp or melt the outer shell and shorten the life of the ceramic beads. Always remove the ball before the dry cycle.

I accidentally put the Laundry Ball in the dryer. Did I ruin it?

If it went through the dryer once or twice and there is no visible damage, it is usually still fine. The ceramic beads can handle some dry heat, but repeated or high heat exposure can damage the thermoplastic shell and shorten its lifespan. Try to avoid it in the future.

Can the Laundry Ball be used with hot water?

Please avoid hot water. The Laundry Ball is designed to work best in cold water and does not need heat to clean. Hot water can damage the exterior shell and reduce the life of the ceramic components.

Can the Laundry Ball be used for hand washing?

Yes. Place the ball in a basin with your clothes and cool water. Soak together for 15–30 minutes. Then lightly agitate or stir the clothes with your hands for another 10–15 minutes.
Rinse and dry as usual.

Is it safe for delicate fabrics like silk and wool?

In most cases, yes. You can use the Laundry Ball for delicates such as silk and wool, although some people still prefer to hand wash or dry clean their most delicate items. Always follow the care label on the garment.

Does the Laundry Ball help with static cling?

It can help reduce static, but you may need extra support in very dry seasons. Try the following:

• A damp rag added to the dryer at the end of the cycle.
• Safety pins: pin one or two safety pins onto two garments in the dryer.
• White vinegar: add about 1/4 cup to the fabric softener dispenser in the washer.
• Many people find a combination of vinegar in the wash and safety pins in the dryer works best.

What if I forget a load in the washer for many hours or overnight?

This will not harm the Laundry Ball, but clothes may develop a musty smell. If that happens, rewash the load, or add a cup of baking soda when you put the clothes in the dryer to help absorb odors.

Will my clothes retain their color with the SmartKlean Laundry Ball?

Yes. SmartKlean does not contain bleach or harsh chemicals that fade fabrics, so it offers excellent color protection. To minimize fading we recommend the following:

• Avoid long exposure to direct sunlight.
• Use low heat or air dry cycles when possible.

Can the Laundry Ball damage my clothing, the drum, or HE sensors?

No. The outer shell is made to be gentle on clothing and safe for all conventional washers, including HE and front loaders. Its movement simply helps agitate dirt off your clothes. The technology is actually designed to help prolong fabric life compared to detergents that leave residue.

Is the Laundry Ball safe for septic systems?

Yes. It leaves no soap, suds, or harmful chemicals in the water, making it an excellent option for septic systems.

What is the size of the Laundry Ball?

The SmartKlean Laundry Ball is about the size of a softball, or roughly twice the size of a tennis ball.

How do I “recharge” the Laundry Ball in the sun?

Direct sunlight is helpful but not essential. You can place it in a dry indoor area or on a sunny windowsill. If there is little or no sun, simply leave it out longer to let moisture fully evaporate. About every 30 washes, place the ball in a dry, well ventilated area for several hours. Sunlight helps in the following ways:

• Fully dry the ceramic beads so they work at their best
• Energize the quartz mineral inside, boosting its performance
• Direct sun speeds things up, but is not strictly required.

Is any part of the Laundry Ball harmful to the environment?

The ceramic pellets are biodegradable and leave no harmful residue in water. The outer shell is made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a rubber like material that is recyclable where facilities exist. SmartKlean significantly reduces plastic bottles and chemical runoff compared to traditional detergents.

What about the nano silver? Is it safe?

The nano structured silver is bound within the ceramic beads and is designed not to dissolve into the water, your skin, or the environment. The environmental and health concerns around nano silver mainly apply to products that release silver directly into the body or water. SmartKlean’s technology avoids this type of release.

Does the Laundry Ball contain BPA or PVC?

No. The enclosure is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex. TPE is a skin safe, medical and food contact grade material that meets FDA sanitary requirements for food contact surfaces.

How does the SmartKlean Laundry Ball compare to soap nuts?

Both are natural alternatives, but there are some differences:

• The Laundry Ball is easier to use. Just toss it in and leave it there.
• Soap nuts often need warm or hot water, while SmartKlean works in cold water.
• Customers who switched from soap nuts often report that SmartKlean cleans more thoroughly, thanks to the added agitation from the ball’s shape and weight.
• Soap nuts are great, but many people find the Laundry Ball simpler and more effective.

Once the ball is no longer usable, how do I dispose of or recycle it?

You have a few options:

A) Re purpose

Place the old ball in the back of your fridge to help keep air fresh and produce lasting longer. The ceramics continue to support air quality even after their laundry life is over.

B) Recycle

Option 1: Carefully cut along the center seal (soften in hot water first for safety), remove the magnets and ceramic beads, compost the ceramics, reuse the magnets, and place the TPE shell in your recycling bin.

Option 2: Place the whole ball in your recycling bin. Many waste management facilities will separate and process the components, but you can check with your local facility if you want to be certain.

Where is the Laundry Ball made?

The raw minerals, ceramics, magnets, and enclosure are sourced from various regions around the world. The final SmartKlean Laundry Ball is assembled and packaged in the USA.