Thanks very much for your advice will look at the ecozone balls as these seem to be a far better choice than the cheaper ones

you can tell because they dont clean your clothes anymore?

the clothes dont come out smelling clean

they smell like they have just been washed with water

If you are buying the Ecozone ones, they last 1000 washes (750 with how they arrive and another 250 with the refil supplied). The pellets "wear down" over time so you will notice they are smaller or disappearing. This is when to add the refill, or replace with refills.

Personally, I note on a calender when I have put refills in and I can then estimate when the next time to replace them will be, as you know how many times you use them in say a week or a month.

They come with instruction on opening. You just take off the rings, unscrew the screw down a hole and then take the two sides apart (best done over a bowl in case the pellets come out). They can sometimes be a bit stuck so gust tap them in the side with the handle of the screwdriver. I've never had a problem with them coming apart so you should be ok.

All the above is based on the original ecoballs, I cannot comment on other ones as I have only used these. I have read reviews that say these are better and worth the extra money as cheaper ones just  aren't as good value for money. Shop around as you can usually find a good deal for them somewhere,

Anyone?

Hi all am interested in buying some of these but was wondering how to tell when they run out or need refilling does it come with instuctions on how to do this etc when you buy them. How many washs do the last on average. Thanks in advance ladies