The Ecoegg washing powder alternative

[aquacycle]

I think this may have been brought up before, but in light of the recent clean rinsing detergents thread, I thought I'd bring these up again.

From Amazon.co.uk:

The ecoegg laundry egg is a complete replacement for washing detergent, from celebrity ‘Queen of Clean’, Kim Woodburn. No powder or liquid required, just put the ecoegg laundry egg in the drum of your washing machine and let it get to work. It lasts for an amazing 720 washes, so is a real money saver.

The ecoegg laundry egg is the revolutionary new way to wash your clothes. It completely replaces washing powder or liquid and is just as effective but will save you so much money.

The ecoegg laundry egg lasts for up to 720 washes. For the average family that does 4 to 5 washes a week, it'll last for 3 years’ worth of washing. Imagine never having to buy washing detergent for the next three years - think of all the money you'll save!

Simply place the Ecoegg laundry egg on top of your laundry in the drum of your washing machine and wash as normal – no washing powder or liquid needed.

The Ecoegg laundry egg is packed with our unique scientifically formulated, hypoallergenic cleaning pellets. These pellets naturally activate in the water to gently lift away dirt and grime, without using any harsh chemicals.

The ecoegg is scientifically proven in one of the UK's leading product test laboratories to remove dirt, grime and stains. p>Hypoallergenic - great for sensitive skin
The ecoegg is supported by both Allergy UK and the National Eczema Society.

100% fragrance free, for the most sensitive skin.

From the Ecoegg website:

The Ecoegg contains scientifically formulated, patented cleaning pellets and it is these pellets that are the secret to the Ecoeggs amazing cleaning power.

The Ecoegg contains two types of cleaning pellets:

The dark coloured tourmaline ceramic pellets weaken the adhesive forces between the dirt and fabric.

The white mineral pellets then naturally ionize the oxygen molecules in the water which then penetrate deep into the fabric lifting away the dirt and grime, without fading colours or damaging the fibers.

Scientific testing shows that these two types of pellets used together give the best cleaning results.

The ionized oxygen molecules also increase the pH level of the water, which has a natural softening effect on your laundry, so you do not need to use additional fabric softener or conditioner.

The Ecoegg is refillable, so after 72 washes, simply open the Ecoegg as instructed and top up the pellets with one refill pack of mineral pellets. Just repeat this process every 72 washes.

The Ecoegg is supplied with enough refill packs to give approximately 720 washes in total. This is enough to last the average family for 3 years’ worth of washing.

When you eventually require further refill pellets, you can purchase them separately. They are widely available in stores or can be purchased here.

There is a link attached to a QVC demonstration.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3ZDah3Gxkc

 

[aquacycle]

I am quite tempted to try these. I don't for a second believe they'll work all that well, and judging by some of the reviews I've seen online they do leave your whites a bit grey and dull. Has anybody had a go with these yet?

On the back of the clean rinsing detergent thread, anybody who is concerned about residue from detergents might want to give these a try, although I wouldn't recomend them for anything where hygiene is important like towels, dishcloths or bedsheets

 

[liberatordeluxe]

I have tried them myself and not impressed. Detergent will always be needed in some form or another.

 

[dj-gabriele]

GROSS!

Here something like that is sold on "ECO" friendly stores and internet shops.
A total scam!

Was even tested by our consumer repoports, Altroconsumo, and results were just like washing in water alone!
Go figure if somebody starts using that in every load all the time, YUCK!

 

[paulc]

Chris

My sister tried the eco wash balls when they first came out and they were pretty awful. Hopefully this new formulation of two types of pellet will be an improvement.

I do remember the advertising blurb that came with the origional wash balls saying the pellets had some antibacterial properties,also you could omit the rinse cycle, ideal for the Indesit Innex owners and their 9 minute wash .

 

[aegokocarat]

Ive tried a simular product, and they were HORRIBLE!!
results were dire and my skin was left raw and itchy. Give me persil anyday.
Tom

 

[foraloysius]

We discussed these before. These things don't work at all. The Dutch consumer organisation tested them. There was no difference in cleaning results between using these things and using nothing at all (only water). So don't waste your money on it.

 

[vintagekitchen]

Yuck...

I'm all for modern convenience and better living through science, but these things just don't work. I tried them when they first became available here a few years ago, the version with all white pellets. It did nothing. It really is the same as just using water. I notices fairly quickly how dingy everything was starting to look. When I switched back to detergent, I took my supposedly clean clothes out of the closet and rewashed them. The water turned brown, yuck.

If the things worked, they would be amazing, but unfortunately they are just another too good to be true scam, like magnetic water softeners.

 

[sudsmaster]

Yeah, it's amazing what tricks a skilled copy writer can use to make a product appear to be effective when it really isn't. Terms such as "scientifically formulated" and "patented" tend to convey the impression that it actually works, while not actually making that false claim. Even the phrase "scientifically proven... to remove dirt and grime..." doesn't tell you if it does it any better than just plain water (which is the universal solvent).

OTOH, I recall Consumer Reports reviewing some liquid laundry detergents and coming back with a scathing verdict: some didn't clean any better than plain water. I'd love to seem CR test the latest laundry balls.