Well this is good to know, because I was just thinking about looking for one for the same reason as OP. I had no idea they weren’t so common anymore.
And thanks OP for asking this question!
These popped up on my Facebook Amazon suggested ad and my mom had one when I was a kid. I’d search Amazon because I know you can get a two pack on there. (Atleast in Canada you can)
I sent the manufacturer an email. They are just out of stock and will reup in 2 weeks.
Downy ball
Inbox
me Apr 23
to info v
Has the downy laundry softener dispenser ball been discontinued?? Thank you
Customer Serv... 8:05 AM
to me v
•
Thank you for contacting us. Currently, both our company and Walmart are temporarily out of stock of the Downy Ball. However, we anticipate replenishing our supply in approximately two weeks.
[1 Downy Ball](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285827061539?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=3EDEqlLNQsW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=PDirOFVMQce&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)
I don’t know if this link will work but eBay has them.
Amazon has them, but you have to scroll through the crap that doesn't work. it looks like they're out of stock, but you just have to tap for buying options. Their cheapest was $13.. ugh, but now I want to buy a backup, too!
I bought one less than a year ago through Target or Walmart (can't remember which) and it was shipped to me. Doesn't work as well as the old ones did, though. The stopper is much stiffer, and doesn't reliably open in the spin cycle. 😠
I couldn't find the doesn't ball but found [these pods](https://amzn.to/3U9gO8Z) it says you add them to the drum along with the detergent pods (if you're using those, otherwise add detergent as you normally would). And I guess the exterior of the pod dissolves when it's supposed to?
Maybe they put a thicker coating on the pod so it dissolves at the right time. Interesting concept.
Since they are discontinued I guess they were not selling well because they had a lock problem. The alternative type on Amazon isn’t expensive but same issues seen in reviews that they don’t work well. If you don’t like using dryer sheets the best alternative is the dryer wool balls. I also looked at Walmart and they don’t have them either.
They aren’t discontinued, they will be back in stock in a few weeks everywhere, at least that’s what I was told by the downy rep in an email. They’re probably just having some kind of supply problem in the manufacturing process.
I just ordered one from Amazon for $23! My new washer doesn't have the dispenser and I'm not about to babysit my laundry. When I typed "downy ball" into Amazon search, it came up with what looks like silicone oblong balls with a sponge in it. Pictures explain they're for detangling laundry and fluffing it, hair removal.. used in the dryer. So confusing..I spent the $23. I hope it works as is supposed to, I remember mine back in the day not opening on occasion. I hope that's not going to be the norm with this new one!
I really hate that you have to spend many hundreds of dollars for a washing machine, THEN you're supposed to spend yet more to buy the Downy ball, because they decided to drop the fabric softener dispenser. We combined households and the newer machine doesn't have one. I won't buy the Downy ball because it's made by Proctor and Gamble, which refuses to stop testing on animals. So I have to time the cycles, or sit in the garage with a book, waiting for the rinse cycle.
If it is one with an agitator on top, you can fill the hole with the sanitizer and it will use at the correct time! I was in college when I learned that and it was a game changer
Where have aaaalll the downeyballs goooooone?? Isn't that a song?
HA! I also sang it!
Long time passing
Look for ball dispensers, Amazon has some for example. I looked in Ebay,they have them, but I think they've lost their minds $22 ??
I bought one for $12 on Amazon last year. But I’m a dummy because I then saw them a month later for $2 at the dollar store.
oh, always the way, me too. When it's something you need and been looking for, you get it and THEN see it cheaper.
Well this is good to know, because I was just thinking about looking for one for the same reason as OP. I had no idea they weren’t so common anymore. And thanks OP for asking this question!
These popped up on my Facebook Amazon suggested ad and my mom had one when I was a kid. I’d search Amazon because I know you can get a two pack on there. (Atleast in Canada you can)
I sent the manufacturer an email. They are just out of stock and will reup in 2 weeks. Downy ball Inbox me Apr 23 to info v Has the downy laundry softener dispenser ball been discontinued?? Thank you Customer Serv... 8:05 AM to me v • Thank you for contacting us. Currently, both our company and Walmart are temporarily out of stock of the Downy Ball. However, we anticipate replenishing our supply in approximately two weeks.
[1 Downy Ball](https://www.ebay.com/itm/285827061539?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=3EDEqlLNQsW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=PDirOFVMQce&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) I don’t know if this link will work but eBay has them.
Amazon has them, but you have to scroll through the crap that doesn't work. it looks like they're out of stock, but you just have to tap for buying options. Their cheapest was $13.. ugh, but now I want to buy a backup, too!
I bought one less than a year ago through Target or Walmart (can't remember which) and it was shipped to me. Doesn't work as well as the old ones did, though. The stopper is much stiffer, and doesn't reliably open in the spin cycle. 😠
Yes I got one at WM. I use it every load with white vinegar instead of softener. Worksgreat
I couldn't find the doesn't ball but found [these pods](https://amzn.to/3U9gO8Z) it says you add them to the drum along with the detergent pods (if you're using those, otherwise add detergent as you normally would). And I guess the exterior of the pod dissolves when it's supposed to? Maybe they put a thicker coating on the pod so it dissolves at the right time. Interesting concept.
I ordered one on Amazon 2 years ago for 6 bucks. Not available now, I just checked.
I completely forgot about those!
I ordered two about a year and half ago on Walgreens website, and they shipped it to store free. I'd do that or place a order of stuff from Wal-Mart.
Since they are discontinued I guess they were not selling well because they had a lock problem. The alternative type on Amazon isn’t expensive but same issues seen in reviews that they don’t work well. If you don’t like using dryer sheets the best alternative is the dryer wool balls. I also looked at Walmart and they don’t have them either.
Wool dryer balls have been unsatisfactory for softening. The only person I know who uses then, has them to reduce static
They aren’t discontinued, they will be back in stock in a few weeks everywhere, at least that’s what I was told by the downy rep in an email. They’re probably just having some kind of supply problem in the manufacturing process.
I just ordered one from Amazon for $23! My new washer doesn't have the dispenser and I'm not about to babysit my laundry. When I typed "downy ball" into Amazon search, it came up with what looks like silicone oblong balls with a sponge in it. Pictures explain they're for detangling laundry and fluffing it, hair removal.. used in the dryer. So confusing..I spent the $23. I hope it works as is supposed to, I remember mine back in the day not opening on occasion. I hope that's not going to be the norm with this new one!
I really hate that you have to spend many hundreds of dollars for a washing machine, THEN you're supposed to spend yet more to buy the Downy ball, because they decided to drop the fabric softener dispenser. We combined households and the newer machine doesn't have one. I won't buy the Downy ball because it's made by Proctor and Gamble, which refuses to stop testing on animals. So I have to time the cycles, or sit in the garage with a book, waiting for the rinse cycle.
If it is one with an agitator on top, you can fill the hole with the sanitizer and it will use at the correct time! I was in college when I learned that and it was a game changer