If you don't have a timed release section for fabric softener in your machine already, these Downy balls are the BEST! I use one every time I have to wash a load at my mom's house because she doesn't have the separate sections like I do. I think that this product is great in design and great for convenience, but I wonder at how useful they will be since all of the newer washers appear to have the auto-timed release for the fabric softener during the appropriate cycle.

I simply love my Downy Ball. I have had mine for at least 6 years. Yes you have to clean it out every few months, but it saves so much time and energy. I always make sure not to over load the washer, that way the ball can evenly move around and distribute the fabric softener. I don't always buy Downy brand softener, I also use Snuggle and occasionally Suavitel (It's really fragrant so I dilute it). The Downy Ball works well with whatever brand you'll chose.

I love the Downey ball! It's very convenient because I don't have a cool washer that you fill softener in lol.

I love love love my Downy Ball! Been using it for a couple of years now!

I have used this for many years without any problem and with different types of fabric softener. It should be filled only to the line inside or else there will be product remaining inside the ball which can spill out on the clean clothes. A great little invention as I hate to wait for the rinse cycle.

I love my downy ball! I have an older dryer that doesn't have a dispenser built in. I actually use a little less than the line, because my downy free works so well. I also use it for vinegar when I'm washing new things that "shed," like towels or fleece to help reduce the fuzz but still soften. It's great! Just remember, if you're like us and set it on the dryer while it's running (warmly), you need to make sure it's emptied of excess water so it doesn't mold on you!

Love this ball This is a guarantee that the softener is getting into your cloths. I put in the softener in my washer and most of the time it is still there when the wash is done. When I use this ball at the end of the wash cycle it is empty every time and my cloths smell great.

I have had my ball for years and i LOVE it! a replacement can be hard to find in my local stores though...so I need to be careful not to lose it.

This downy ball is great to use if your machine does not offer a softener slot. Just pour to fill line and toss in. I have never had any problem with my downy ball. I haves aged to wear one out in maybe ten years of using them. But I have a large family and do several loads of laundry a day.

Who wouldnt buy one of these? If you have 4 kids like myself u want one of there!! No more remembering to go put fabric softner in when u hear the water running! Just toss it in as soon as u put the load in!

I love these things! Makes clothes smell nice, and eliminates static!

The Downy Ball is a staple in our house. If not, no one would ever get to the rinse cycle! I have had mine for probably 5 years now and not a problem with it and it goes through at least 10 loads of laundry per week. For the lady that notice Downy on her clothes from the ball, I have always put the downy in the ball and then filled the ball the remainder of the way with water and that way when it opens, it will not be full strength hitting your clothing because I have heard of some balls not opening up until the final spin cycle. The should cure any of that!

I've used the Downy ball for years and have never had a problem with it opening pre-maturely. I love this product as I don't have to break my neck running down the basement stairs trying to catch the rinse cycle.

I use the downy ball all the time. Love it!

I love the Downey ball. It is so easy to use; you just fill it and drop it in. You don't have to remember to go and put your softner in.