Doing laundry might seem like the simplest of household chores, but anyone who washes clothes regularly knows that keeping them truly clean, soft, and fresh isn’t always easy. Over time, even the best washing machines face wear and tear, soap residue buildup, and efficiency issues. However, there’s a clever and inexpensive trick—known only to a few—that can make a world of difference: adding a tennis ball to your washing machine.
It might sound strange, but what happens when you do this is genuinely surprising. Let’s explore why this simple trick works, what benefits it brings, and how to use it correctly for the best results.
The Secret Power of the Tennis Ball
At first glance, a tennis ball seems unrelated to doing laundry. But this small, lightweight object can actually improve both the washing and drying performance of your machine. Used properly, it can make clothes cleaner, fluffier, and even help you save detergent and energy.
The idea is simple: the bouncing motion of the tennis ball inside the drum helps to separate clothes during the wash cycle. This allows water and detergent to circulate more evenly and penetrate fabrics more effectively. As a result, your laundry comes out cleaner and fresher, without detergent residue or unpleasant odors.
How to Properly Care for Your Washing Machine
Before introducing any trick into your laundry routine, it’s important to maintain your washing machine properly. Good maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents the buildup of mold, limescale, or bad smells.
Here are a few golden rules for washing machine care:
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Empty the drum immediately after each wash. Leaving wet clothes inside traps moisture, which promotes the growth of mold and bacteria.
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Clean the gasket and detergent drawer regularly. These areas often accumulate detergent residue and dirt.
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Run a cleaning cycle once a month. Use white vinegar or a specialized washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and refresh the drum.
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Keep the door open after washing. Allowing air circulation prevents moisture and bad odors.
Once your washing machine is in good condition, you can safely add the tennis ball trick to your routine.
Why Put a Tennis Ball in the Washing Machine?
Adding one or two new, clean tennis balls to the drum before starting a wash cycle can provide a range of surprising benefits. Here’s what makes this trick so effective:
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Improves washing efficiency
The tennis balls move around the drum, creating gentle friction that helps loosen dirt from fabrics. Clothes are less likely to clump together, which means detergent and water can reach every fiber for a deeper clean. -
Enhances rinsing and prevents detergent residue
Because the tennis balls keep clothes in motion, detergent is less likely to get trapped in folds or seams. This helps prevent white streaks or buildup on darker fabrics. -
Softens fabrics naturally
During the spin cycle, the tennis balls act as a natural fabric softener. They gently beat the fibers of towels, blankets, and heavy garments, leaving them fluffier and softer—without the need for extra chemicals. -
Reduces drying time
The tennis balls’ bouncing motion helps separate clothes and allows air to circulate more efficiently. If you use a dryer afterward, this can cut drying time significantly, saving both energy and money. -
Eco-friendly and cost-effective
By improving the washing process, you can reduce your detergent and softener use by up to 20%. That means less chemical runoff, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.
How to Use Tennis Balls in Laundry the Right Way
To make the most of this trick, follow these simple steps:
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Use only new and clean tennis balls.
Old or used ones can shed fibers, dirt, or dye that may stain your clothes or damage the machine. -
Add two tennis balls for a medium load.
This is enough to create the right amount of movement and friction inside the drum. -
Reduce your detergent and softener by 20%.
Because the tennis balls help distribute soap more efficiently, you can use less product while still getting excellent results. -
Choose the right fabrics.
This trick works best with darker or heavy garments like towels, bedding, jackets, and jeans. Avoid using tennis balls when washing delicate or light-colored fabrics, as the color from the ball’s surface could transfer slightly. -
Replace the tennis balls regularly.
After two or three washes, change them to prevent wear and protect your washing machine drum. Over time, the material can deteriorate and lose its effectiveness.
The Results: Cleaner, Softer, and Fresher Laundry
After just one wash using the tennis ball method, you’ll likely notice a big difference. Clothes will feel softer and lighter, towels will regain their fluffiness, and detergent residue will disappear. Even the washing machine itself will stay cleaner for longer because the tennis balls help reduce soap buildup.
Many users also report that this method helps prevent static cling, especially when combined with a dryer cycle. Plus, because the balls improve air circulation, drying becomes faster and more energy-efficient.
A Few Extra Tips
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For comforters, duvets, or down jackets, tennis balls are particularly effective. They help prevent the filling from clumping and keep it evenly distributed.
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If you prefer a quieter wash, you can use dryer balls—specifically designed wool or rubber balls made for laundry use. They work the same way but produce less noise.
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To keep your washing machine fresh, occasionally run an empty cycle with a bit of vinegar and baking soda to remove residue left by detergents and softeners.
The Bottom Line
Who would have thought that a simple tennis ball could transform your laundry routine? This inexpensive and eco-friendly trick not only enhances cleaning performance but also saves time, energy, and detergent.
Just remember: use new, clean balls, replace them after a few washes, and stick to darker loads to avoid color transfer. Once you try it, you’ll never go back—because your clothes will come out cleaner, softer, and fresher than ever before.
Sometimes, the simplest tricks are the most effective—and this tennis ball hack proves that smart laundry doesn’t have to be complicated.
