Wow! I just did the “math” on what it really costs to use that new Bounce Dryer Bar. To be fair, I have never used it and never purchased it so this isn’t a review on it’s efficacy. I have no idea if it really works, so don’t take this as a “review” per se but more as an alert to how sometimes, even something efficient that saves time might not be worth the money.
In this week’s Kmart circular, there is mention of a 44-use Bounce Dryer Bar at a price of $5.49. Right next to it is mention of a box of Bounce dryer sheets, 120 count for $5.49 as well.
If one can get 44 uses out of the dryer bar, that means that per use, the cost is 0.127 cents. By contrast, the cost per sheet of dryer sheets is 0.045 cents. If I were to compare the dryer bar in the same terms as the sheets, that would mean that it would be the equivalent of paying a whopping $15.24 for a 120-ct box of dryer sheets!
Um, no thanks.
In fact, I wouldn’t even spend the $5.49 they want for the sheets! THAT’S too much too in my opinion and I never pay that much.
I’m all for things that take out a step or making something more dummy-proof. Goodness knows there are days I need a little help like that. But this is just not something that seems worth it to me at all! Not to mention that the 44-use dryer bar is touted as a “Two Month” bar. That would mean that it would only truly last 60 days if you did less than one load a day. I do two loads a DAY and it’s just me, my husband and our son. When you consider towels, sheets, blankets, throw rugs, shower curtains, hand towels, dish towels, dog beds, high-chair covers, etc. you can see how even two loads a day is being conservative.
I know some people love this thing, but I just don’t see how the price is justified. I went to the Bounce website to see what else I could find out about it and the opinions are definitely mixed. In fact, here is one person’s opinion about it…boy, not happy! Damage to her dryer! I have to say, even before reading that I wondered whether attaching something with adhesive to a burning hot appliance was a good idea. I had qualms about even trying it even if I could get my money back as per their money back guarantee.
But my main point is that you have to be careful about conveniences…even things that realistically *could* save you a bit of time. I just don’t happen to think the Bounce Dryer Bar is one of those conveniences for which I’m willing to part with so much cash.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I admit I am just too selectively frugal to be tempted by most of these convenience items.
And I have just never felt overwhelmed by the act of tossing a dryer sheet in my dryer!
You should post the PR firm’s email, or at least an update on how they spun the situation. Kudos to them for listening to the conversation, though.
I’ve never tried this, but I remember reading that you could drizzle fabric softener on a cotton cloth and throw it in the dryer as a sheet substitute. I think it might have been in the Tightwad Gazette years ago. Maybe there’s some info out there on it.
I don’t use anything in the dryer, and only the purest forms of soap for the washer as my skin reacts to perfumes and dyes. Fabric softener makes me itch like mad. Almost everything I wear is cotton or a cotton blend, so static isn’t a huge problem.
Kate, I think I’ve heard that tip too! I remember having the Tightwad Gazette books years ago. I’ll have to dig those out and see what I skipped over before I became a mom!
FYI…dryer sheets are not recommended anyways. They are very greasy and cause a film on your lint filter screen making the filter hard for air to pass through it over time. Save yourself the money all together and don’t buy anything!