Eco Balls or soapnuts?

[redwino]

I am currently using Ecover in my machine but want to swap to one of the above.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
I understand people often use an essential oil with soapnuts to fragrance the wash. Can't see DS and DH putting up with that!
DH currently has some eczema. Which option is best for that?
My washing is not very often really dirty but i do have a load of white shirts every week, occasional very muddy jeans and dog bedding/muddy towels.
Which are best for delicates such as wool?
Sorry about all the questions but I just can't make my mind up!

Either, with names like these they must surely both be winners!!!

I use soap nuts. I have never tried the Eco balls. I add essential oils somtimes, but you don't have to, so if DH can't be bothered it doesn't matter.
DS has eczema and it is much better after moving to the soap nuts.
I still wash my nappies with Ecover, although I think the soap nuts would be fine.

I'm quite an authority on all this, as I actually (and yes I'm quite sad) did a test in my washing machine. Put stains including ketchup, cooking oil, turmeric etc on 4 identical pieces of muslin square and then used soapnuts for one, ecover for another, washball for another and just water. ecover and water came out the same! wash ball was the best, followed closely by the soapnuts.

I have to say that you need to wash at 40 degrees, you really can't get away with 30. If I need to use a softener, I put white vinegar in the fabric softener drawer, along with some essential oils. washing doesn't really smell much, but certainly doesn't smell of vinegar. DD suffers from ezcema, but I've found it's cleared up completely since washing like this.

Another thing I do is to wash towels once a week at 90 degrees. the washing machine repair man said it really helps to keep your machine running efficiently and for longer, so the extra energy used hopefully will prolong the life of the machine.

For really dirty stuff, I either soak them first in soda crystals or rub things like collars with fairy soap. the only thing I have a problem with is fatty stains, so I do use a little "proper" stain remover.

So it's not entirely green, but certainly saves using a whole load of detergent and also saves a lot of money.

Hope this helps.

PS noticed today that Kleeneze are selling washing balls at only £5 so a good opportunity to try one.

forgot to mention that for whites i also add some ecover laundry bleach.

Have only tried soapnuts, and they work for me ! Don'y put any oils in either, and it all comes out fine. I wash ds's dirty pooey nappies with them and they are fine !
Also has improved dd2s eczema.

Thanks for all you good advice

where can you buy soapnuts?

Lots of places sell soapnuts online. Just google soapnuts. Or try Lakeland shops. They have got them reduced at the mo.
Some places do free samples if you look around apparently.

Used to use soapnuts but was never convinced. Recently switched to aquados simply. Cheaper than ecover, and works well.
simply washing

We use ecoballs. They actually got DD's nappies cleaner than regular laundry detergent. They last for ages and work out v cheap. For normal laundry, we do find that you need fabric softener though.

Go have you tried a little shampoo on your fatty stains and collars.. I just pop some on and rub in a little with a nail brush.. gets my stains out ( shampoo is brill degreaser!)

Has anyone tried to top up the eco balls with the refill pellets? The crappy metal screws have burred when I tried to undo them. Grrrrr! Anyone had this and found an ingenious solution?

cooooooooool. Have just got some soap nuts and am pleased to hear they work

are these the wash balls?

have a load in with my soapnuts now, trying to decide which suit me more, was thinkingof trying eco-balls wanted to see if this is what you all talking bout before i buy
thanks!