“What is that weird looking green ball?” you may be asking yourself. Let me introduce you to the Magnet Ball.
Norwex describes the Magnet Ball as a water softening device which magnetically attracts calcium and magnesium molecules from water, and alters them in such a way so that they lose their ability to cause scale, AKA hard water build up. It doesn’t actually soften your water, but it makes hard water act like it’s soft.
The premise of the device is that because soft water requires less detergent, you will save money on detergent in your dishwasher and washing machine if you just stick the Magnet Ball in at the start of a wash cycle. In fact, Norwex says, “When using the ball, you use 50%-70% less soap.”
I have a Magnet Ball in my dishwasher and I love it! I have heard that even what Minnesotans (where I am from) call soft water is still fairly hard because there are so many minerals here. This interferes with the soap’s ability to clean, but ever since I have had the Magnet Ball, I haven’t had a problem! I would love to hear what other Magnet Ball users think about the product too!
The Norwex Magnet Ball is an effective water softener for use in your washing machine and dishwasher.
Below are a few Norwex Magnet Ball FAQ’s
Can I use the Magnet Ball in a front loading washing machine?
The Magnet Ball is NOT recommended for front load washing machines for a couple of reasons…
1. They actually aren’t necessary as front load washers already require such a small amount of soap.
2. There is some concern that because of the way the water circulates in a front loader, that they could possibly damage the inside of the drum OR the glass on the door.
Are there any other places that I can use the Magnet Ball besides my washing machine?
The Magnet Ball can also be used dishwashers (on the bottom shelf), toilet tanks (to reduce hard water build up in your toilet bowl), and I have even heard of some people who use them in their tub while drawing a bath!
Do I need to clean my Magnet Ball?
Yes, it is a good idea to periodically clean the inside of your Magnet Ball. This is especially important if any member of your family works in an industrial setting, where they may get metal filings in or on their clothes (eg. welders). The Magnet Ball will draw these out of the water and into it’s center, and unless the ball is cleaned out, these metal filings will rust. To clean your Magnet Ball, simply run a microfiber cloth through the center hole of the ball a number of times, until you notice it is coming out clean.
We have water storage tanks for house use. Can I put this ball in the tank to help prevent the minerals building up in my sinks and taps?
I’m really not sure. I’m not familiar with how large those storage tanks are. I would be interested in hearing how it works for you if you try it.
What about using it in the top loading washers that have the very small agitators. Almost like no agitator
It needs a decent amount of water to work.
I actually like that it catches things like bobby-pins etc😀
Does it work with well water?
Yes
Has anyone tried to use the magnet ball in a hottub & what results did they have?
I don’t believe I know anyone who has tried that, no. Interesting idea though.
Can I use the magnet ball in a hottub?
I’m not sure. I don’t believe I know anyone who has tried that.
Does it matter if the inside of my dishwasher is stainless steel?
No; it will work the same if it’s stainless steel. Our dishwasher detergent is safe on stainless now too.
I accidentally washed my green Norwex magnetic ball in a load with bleach… does that mean I wrecked it and it will no longer work?
Your magnetic ball should still work fine, Annette!
What is inside the magnet ball? Is it charcoal, an actual magnet or something else? How does it actually work?
Hi Kelly – this is a magnet. Water containing a lot of calcium is considered hard. If you have hard water, you need more detergent to get laundry/dishes clean. The magnet changes the structure of calcium molecules to prevent them from settling on laundry/dishes, so you don’t need as much detergent.
How do you expect this would act with iron in water? I have the constant problem of iron accumulating on my clothes and then nothing will get them clean. (Including Iron Out). Will this help? I cannot find much information specifically regarding iron in the water, only calcium with the Norwex magnet ball. Thank you!
Hi Rachel, while the Magnet Ball works specifically on calcium, some people have had success with it reducing the iron content and whites coming out whiter in their laundry. I wouldn’t know if it would definitely work, but since some have had success, it may be a solution for you!
I add vinegar to the dry norwex laundry detergent and also use the ball in the washer is this okay?
Yes, that’s all no problem!
Hello,
If you used the magnet ball in a toilet, do you just leave it floating in the water? I guess you would have to remove it every time before using the toilet?
Hi Alicia – you can place your magnet ball in the tank, in the back of the toilet, and just leave it there. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I have had a ball for about 7-8 years and love it. Recently though, it does not seem to be cleaning as well as it has. Does it need to be replaced at some point?
Hi. Thanks for stopping by. The magnet ball does have a 5 year warranty and needs to be replaced at some point after that time.
Can you use the magnet ball in the dryer to dry clothes etc quicker/more effectively as many times larger items such as linen can turn into a ‘ball’ and not dry as effectively. Can it assist? Is it safe?
Hi Simone. The magnet ball would not work in the dryer, however our dryer balls would be perfect for that. You can find them here: http://suzanneholt.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/29608
Thank you thats very helpful
my instructions for the ball for dishwashers says bottom shelf not the top?!
Brynn, you’re right, e made a goof! Thanks for catching that – the instructions do indicate using it on the bottom shelf! I will amend that in the post!
Does it matter which dishwasher
Detergent I use with the magnet ball?
I currently use cascade platinum with Clorox. I don’t want to mess my ball up.
Hi Kris, you can use any dishwasher detergent with your Norwex Magnet Ball. Keep in mind, however, that bleach degrades anything you use it on, so although Norwex doesn’t specify that you can’t use a detergent with bleach in it with your Magnet Ball, my advice would be to try to avoid it, and use as healthy a detergent as possible.
Interesting. I’ve had a few people comment to me that they think their magnet ball is leaching color into their laundry. Have you ever heard of this Deja?
I actually haven’t heard of the color leaching Kate, but that would be unpleasant! Hopefully it wasn’t a white load! Yay for the 5 year warranty on the magnet ball!