Why use a Downy Ball?

[mom-to-jj]

I keep seeing that people put vinegar in a Downy Ball. Is this any different than just pouring it into the fabric softener dispenser that my washing machine has?

[kickinitbabystyle]

I'm not sure, but I think it may be for machines that don't have a fs dispenser.... mine does and I've never used a downy ball, but that's my guess. Hopefully some other mamas will chime in

[lifeguard]

it's the same as your dispenser. The downy ball is so that people don't need to remember to catch the rinse cycle.