No one likes to spend hours at the ironing board, especially after a long workday or on the weekends when they want to do something more relaxing. But it's nice to have clothes looking neat and wrinkle-free. What if there was a way to make your clothes soft, straight, and ready to fold while they're being washed and dried, without any extra effort?
All you need are simple tennis balls! You may have heard of the trick with them, but you'll be surprised at how versatile they can be - they work both in the wash and in the dryer. They will greatly reduce the need for ironing and keep your clothes fresh, soft and free of annoying creases.
How do tennis balls work in the wash?
When washing clothes, especially larger items like sheets, blankets, and duvets, fabrics often have a tendency to clump together and wrinkle. Tennis balls act as buffers—they bounce around the drum during the wash, preventing the clothes from tangling. This allows the water and detergent to evenly coat the fabric, resulting in softer clothes and fewer wrinkles.
This trick is especially effective when washing down jackets and jackets, as it prevents the filling from clumping together. The result? Fluffy and evenly distributed filling without deformation.
Tennis balls in the dryer – even better results
If you have a dryer, the effect of the balls will be even more pronounced. They create additional airflow during drying, which causes moisture to evaporate faster. This means shorter drying times and less energy consumption. At the same time, the balls “beat” the fibers, which further prevents creasing of clothes. They are especially effective for towels - they become incredibly soft and fluffy fresh without a stiff feel.
For even better results, sprinkle a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or lemongrass, on the balls before throwing them in the dryer. This will leave your laundry smelling fresh after drying, without the need for fabric softener.
A simple and sustainable solution
Using tennis balls is cost-effective because you can reuse them multiple times. If you don't have the right ones at home, you can buy versions made specifically for this purpose - made of wool or special rubber. These are especially gentle on delicate fabrics and even more durable.
If you want to save time and get your clothes looking great without the hassle of ironing, try the tennis ball trick. A simple yet effective way to make household chores less of a chore. Who would have thought that something so mundane could completely change your washing and drying routine?
