Magnetic Laundry Balls - do they work?

I use a magnetic rubber ball in my machine but only because it's supposed to stop hard water problems. I still use detergent. Can really recommend Aldi's non bio liquid.

The US Federal Trade Commission has taken action against some of the manufacturers of these products because of their misleading claims.[7] Consumer organizations from several countries have recommended against buying this type of product.

Can't see how they would work, yes they would remove stains and dirt but not bacteria. I'm no expert but I would imagine we need chemicals such as washing powder to do that, like we need antibiotics (chemicals) to fight human bacterial infection.

I've often wondered about them when I've seen them in Lakeland so I'm glad I've read this. I had something similar to go in the tumble dryer to make towels fluffy. They made such a racket that I only used them once and the grandchildren ended up playing with them out in the garden.

Hmm, no glowing endorsements then! Thanks, all of you, for your input.

Back to the stream and the rocks for me then Or coming up with a Plan B . . . . .

My partner's lodger used them. They made a horrendous clanking noise in the machine and the washing came out grey and dried stiffly. Ugh!

I've tried them, they don't work! Do not spend any money on them! (The ones I had were free).

For goodness sake don't put a couple of rocks in the washing machine.

I only use them in the machine if the sheets and towels are dirty enough to receive a thrashing along with normal detergent. Modern equivalent to beating on the rocks.

Nelliem I now have this wonderful image of mini-women bouncing around in my washing machine!

I've read online reviews, but they seem very mixed - and confusing because there are different types of ball (magnetic, plastic, metal, some filled with 'stuff' etc).

They could probably work on the same principle as women have done over centuries . Beating and rubbing your washing on the rocks of your nearest stream.

I used one on holiday in a gites in France, I wouldn’t use one for any longer than a fortnight. I like my clothes having a proper wash.

The answer appears to be NO Squiffy, they don't work and are just a scam. Look it up on Wikipedia.