Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

The Weird Laundry Hack That Cuts Drying Time AND Makes Bedding Hotel-Fluffy

Today let’s talk about laundry. It’s not the most exciting chore, but it’s one of those things you just can’t avoid. (Unless you’re that one mate who’s always “borrowing” clean socks). But what if I told you there’s a weird hack that not only speeds up drying time but also makes your bedding so fluffy you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a five-star hotel?

There are loads of helpful hints out there like using white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to get stuff clean which all seem slightly weird but actually work and this one’s no different. But it’s probably something you’ve never considered.

We’re talking about tennis balls. Yep, that’s right, tennis balls.

Sounds mad, right? Let’s get into why this works and why you’ll want to raid your local sports shop before your next laundry day.

Table of Contents

Why Are People Putting Tennis Balls in the Dryer?

First off, it’s not because they’ve lost the plot. There’s actually some clever science behind this. Tossing a couple of tennis balls into the tumble dryer with your clothes and bedding helps them dry faster.

The balls bounce around, stopping everything from clumping together and improving airflow. The result? Evenly dried, fluffier laundry in way less time.

What’s So Brilliant About This Hack?

Let’s break it down:

1. Reduces Static and Wrinkles

Ever pulled clothes out of the dryer, only for them to stick together like they’ve formed some kind of static heavy laundry gang? Or spent ages ironing because your shirts look like they’ve been through a crumple contest?

Well, tennis balls can help with that. They work to agitate the fabrics, reducing static and smoothing out creases. This means less ironing, awesome!

2. Fluffy Bedding

If you’ve ever wondered how hotels get their bedding so bouncy and cloud like, this is your answer. Pop a couple of tennis balls in the dryer when you’re washing pillows, duvets, or comforters, and you’ll get that same plush, cosy feel.

No need to book a posh hotel, you’ve got your own luxury suite at home now.

3. Saves You Time (and money)

Drying clothes in the dryer can take ages, especially bulky items like towels or bedding. But tennis balls speed things up by improving airflow in the dryer.

Faster drying time means you’re using less electricity, which is great for your energy bills. Who doesn’t love a bit of extra cash in their pocket?

How to Use Tennis Balls in Your Dryer Without Losing Your Mind

Here’s what you need to know before you start chucking tennis balls in the dryer:

Size Matters

For small loads, 2 or 3 tennis balls will do the job.
Medium loads? Go for 4 or 5.
Big loads or bulky items like duvets? You’ll need 6 or more to get the best results.

Don’t skimp, or you’ll just have balls bouncing about with no real purpose.

They Can Be Noisy

Fair warning: tennis balls in the dryer aren’t exactly quiet. The banging and thudding might have you wondering if a rogue drummer has moved into your utility room. Or make you think your washer is about to give up the ghost.

If you’re worried about the noise, throw in a towel or two to soften the racket.

Watch Out for Delicate Clothes

Tennis balls are great for tough stuff like jeans, towels, and bedding. But for delicate fabrics like silk or wool? Not so much.

They’re a bit rough, so stick to using them with more durable items unless you fancy your favourite cashmere jumper looking like it’s been attacked by a cheese grater.

Check the Balls

Not all tennis balls are created equal. Cheap ones might fall apart or bleed colour onto your clothes (imagine neon yellow streaks on your whites, nightmare!).

Go for good-quality, colourfast ones, and you’ll be golden.

Pro Tips for Maximum Fluffiness

As with all things in life, for every up, there’s a down. Let’s look at some of the best ways to use tennis balls in your dryer without causing any problems.

Keep it cool
Avoid using tennis balls on high heat. Rubber smells aren’t exactly what you want clinging to your freshly washed clothes.
Don’t overdo the balls
Stick to the correct number of tennis balls for the amount of laundry in the drum.
Protect your colours
As tennis balls were not designed for use in the washer, there’s a good chance that they could bleed some of their colour onto white clothes. They’re best used with dark fabrics until you’re certain they’re colourfast.
Upgrade to dryer balls
If you love this hack but hate the noise, consider investing in wool dryer balls. They’re quieter, eco-friendly, and designed specifically for laundry. Think of them as the boujee cousin of tennis balls.

You can Also Use Tennis Balls In The Wash

In the same way that tennis balls are added to the dryer, they can be used in the washer too. They will help stop clothes clumping together which will allow your clothes to get washed better.

But don’t use them on hot cycles because this could cause the rubber to melt. Make sure you only add tennis balls to the washer if you’re washing at 30 C or below. Any hotter and your clothes could be covered in rubber.

Give It a Go!

Still sceptical? Try it out for yourself and see the difference. Whether you’re looking to save time, cut down on energy bills, or just fancy bedding that’s fluffier than a marshmallow, tennis balls might just be your new best friend on laundry day.

Got any weird laundry hacks of your own? Or tried this and had a good (or hilariously bad) experience? Share your stories in the comments we’re all ears!

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