Oransi Robby Wash Ball

I have a high-efficiency washer, and I use specially-formulated (and expensive) liquid detergent. Recently I tried the Oransi Robby Wash Ball, which is supposed to be more economical than regular laundry soap, more environmentally friendly (no phosphates) and more convenient.

The ball itself is about the size of a tennis ball, and is filled with “macro-molecule” pellets of detergent. It also comes with two refills. One set of pellets is supposed to last about four months or forty washes; the entire set (which cost $32.95) should last a year if you do approximately one load every few days or a couple loads a week. Now, I’m pretty certain we do at least twice that amount of laundry; in fact, I feel like I’m constantly doing laundry. I’m doing some right now! This means we also go through more regular laundry soap. I’m not quite sure how much we spend on soap in a year (I buy whatever is on sale), but it’s probably comparable to the cost of the Robby Wash Ball.

As for convenience, I can definitely say that the Robby ball is tidier and easier to use than liquid detergent. I don’t have to deal with the soap leaking onto the floor from the “tap”, or being careful not to spill the soap when I pour it, and I don’t have to check to see which line on the measuring cup corresponds to which size laundry load (since I don’t consistently use one brand of soap, it varies from one bottle to the next): I simply toss the Robby Ball into the washer and press play.

And the clothes do get clean – at least as clean as with any other detergent. The scent of this product is minimal, so it may be better for those with more sensitive skin. You can use bleach with the Robby Ball, but the maker recommends you use the provided stain stick instead. I rarely use bleach, but I do use a spray stain remover; I found the Robby stick to work just as well, although a spray product seems more suited to large stained areas, and is also safe to use with the Robby.

Overall, I found this to be a decent product and a good replacement for traditional laundry soap, which it exceeds in tidiness, ease-of-use, and environmental friendliness. Now, if only it could fold and put away…

Note: This item was provided by the manufacturer to our writer at no cost, but with no obligation for a positive review. For more information on Momicillin’s “no pay for play” policy, please see our Terms and Conditions.