We've learned a lot of unusual cleaning tips over the years—like why you should put a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher or how to clean carpets with a shower squeegee—but some of our absolute favorites are unconventional laundry tips. Considering how time-consuming and labor-intensive laundry can be (especially if you have kids or have to lug a basket up and down the stairs), we're always looking for ways to make laundry quicker and easier. One of the tried and tested tricks is to put a few tennis balls in the dryer and washing machine - here's why this works.
Well, there are several reasons why tennis balls are often used in dryers and washing machines.
Fluffing up duvets and pillows
When washing down-filled comforters or pillows, you can fluff them up with a few new, clean tennis balls in the dryer and washing machine. If you've ever taken a freshly washed pillow out of the dryer and found it has become lumpy and misshapen, the tennis ball trick can prevent this.
Reduce wrinkles and static
If you hate ironing, we have good news for you: When you put tennis balls in the dryer and washing machine, sheets, jeans and T-shirts are fluffed up, preventing wrinkles from forming in the first place. Just be sure to remove the laundry and clothing immediately after the wash cycle as wrinkles will form as the fabric cools. Bonus: The tennis balls also reduce static in the dryer, so your freshly washed shirt won't be as clammy.
Speed up drying times
The only thing better than a cleaning trick is a time-saving cleaning trick. In addition to reducing wrinkles and fluffing towels, a few tennis balls can speed up drying time so your laundry gets done quicker.
Alternative to tennis balls in the dryer
Recently, more and more companies are producing wool dryer balls that serve the same purpose. They soften laundry and shorten drying time without the addition of chemicals, making them an environmentally and allergy-friendly alternative to traditional dryer sheets.
And if you're worried you'll miss the familiar smell of dryer sheets, you can add a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls to give your bedding a soothing scent. Whether you grab the tennis balls you already have lying around or order a pack of wool dryer balls, this is a laundry tip you'll want to try as soon as possible.
Also read:Dryer smells musty: Why it stinks and how you can successfully remove the smell!
Preparation for using the tennis balls in the dryer and washing machine
To use a tennis ball to clean laundry, you need to do some preparation before putting the laundry in the washing machine.
What you need for this:
- Vinegar OR bleach (any)
- Water
- cooking pot
Preparation:
- First, boil the water in a saucepan.
- Once the water is boiling, place the tennis ball in the boiling water.
- You will see the color fade (this is exactly what you need).
- Let the water boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take the ball out and let it cool.
- Then soak the ball in vinegar OR bleach water for an hour.
- Take the ball out and let it dry.
- Your tennis ball is now ready for use.
How to use tennis balls in the dryer and washing machine
Using tennis balls is very easy. Just follow the steps below to get the results you want.
- Take 2 to 4 tennis balls and put them in the washing machine.
- Add laundry (clothes and garments)
- Choose the appropriate wash cycle depending on the type of fabric.
- Allow the wash cycle to complete.
- Take the laundry out of your washing machine.
- Put them in the dryer along with 2 dry tennis balls.
- Voila! Your clothes should be dry and fluffy in 2 hours.
How can you clean the dryer? Thefind out here!
How many balls should you use per wash?
The number of tennis balls to use depends on the size of your washing machine and the laundry load. For a normal-sized washing machine, two tennis balls should be enough to distribute the laundry evenly and avoid tangles and wrinkles. However, if you have a larger machine or a particularly large load of laundry, you may need to use more tennis balls. If you want to use a laundry ball for the dryer, the number of balls also depends on the size of your machine and the laundry load.
For a standard size dryer, 2 to 4 balls should be sufficient. Whether you use laundry balls or tennis balls in the dryer or washing machine, be sure to read the manufacturer's care and use instructions.
Hinwei: Also, check the labels on your clothing to make sure it can be dried or washed with a laundry ball.
In addition to laundry, fabric softener has many other functions in the household.Find out here, whatever else you can use it for!
