Tennis balls are one of those things that many households have lying around. The kids love them, the dogs chew them, and you keep them around for when you have time to play a pickup game.
But, these neon little balls are for so much more than play. Their soft fuzzy shell and grippy interior actually make them the perfect little tool for around the house. You can clean up scuff marks, get perfectly fluffy (and static free) sheets, as well as always park in the right spot in the garage thanks to these little sports balls.
Curious about what you can do with tennis balls around the house? Check out the list below!
1. Dryer balls
I’M A LAZY MOM
Now, you’ve probably heard about throwing a tennis ball in the dryer to help speed things up. But, we doubt you’ve heard of covering it in tin foil first. Well, the blogger I’m a Lazy Mom did some serious research and found that by wrapping the tennis ball in foil, you help with static electricity while getting fluffier, fast drying laundry.
2. Get rid of scuff marks
This Old House suggests cutting an X into a tennis ball and then put it on the end of a broom or mop handle. Then, using the handle to guide the ball, rub it all over the scuff marks on your wood floors. They’ll disappear in no time.
This Old House suggests cutting an X into a tennis ball and then put it on the end of a broom or mop handle. Then, using the handle to guide the ball, rub it all over the scuff marks on your wood floors. They’ll disappear in no time.
3. Never hammer too hard again
Take a tennis ball and cut an X into it. Then, slip the tennis ball on top of your hammer and get to work! By using the tennis ball you avoid dinging up walls or leaving any scuff marks while you hammer away.
Take a tennis ball and cut an X into it. Then, slip the tennis ball on top of your hammer and get to work! By using the tennis ball you avoid dinging up walls or leaving any scuff marks while you hammer away.
4. Protect that outdoor padlock
This Old House says you should cut open your tennis ball enough so you can slip your outdoor padlock inside. Now, your lock is totally protected during those cold winter months and rainy days — keeping rust at bay.
This Old House says you should cut open your tennis ball enough so you can slip your outdoor padlock inside. Now, your lock is totally protected during those cold winter months and rainy days — keeping rust at bay.
5. Avoid scratching your floors
If you’re moving heavy furniture around your house, cut open tennis balls and stick them on the legs of the furniture. That way you can easily slip and slide that furniture around the house without having to lift it or risk damaging the floors.
If you’re moving heavy furniture around your house, cut open tennis balls and stick them on the legs of the furniture. That way you can easily slip and slide that furniture around the house without having to lift it or risk damaging the floors.
6. Always park in the right spot in the garage
WILGUBEAST
If you have trouble parking in your garage, this trick is going to be a lifesaver. Simply hang a tennis ball from a piece of string in the exact location where it’s perfect to park — not too far in, but not too close to the door either. Now, every time you pull in, you know exactly where to stop.
7. Jar opener
Cut a tennis ball in half to use it to help you open those extra tricky jars. The inside has just the right amount of grip to help you loosen the top.
Cut a tennis ball in half to use it to help you open those extra tricky jars. The inside has just the right amount of grip to help you loosen the top.
8. Babyproof corners
If you have some extra sharp corners you need to protect your little one from, opt for a tennis ball. You can easily cut them open and stick them on those tricky corners so your kids stay safe.
If you have some extra sharp corners you need to protect your little one from, opt for a tennis ball. You can easily cut them open and stick them on those tricky corners so your kids stay safe.
9. Doorstop
Stick a tennis ball in between your door and doorframe to prop it open. Let in a cool breeze or simply leave it cracked so the kids can get in and out. It’s a simple quick solution!
Stick a tennis ball in between your door and doorframe to prop it open. Let in a cool breeze or simply leave it cracked so the kids can get in and out. It’s a simple quick solution!
10. Massager
Stick a couple tennis balls in a sock, place it on the ground and lay on top. The pressure can relieve some pain, and the roundness of the balls makes it easy to move and massage out any kinks.
Stick a couple tennis balls in a sock, place it on the ground and lay on top. The pressure can relieve some pain, and the roundness of the balls makes it easy to move and massage out any kinks.
11. Windshield wiper protectors
Keep tennis balls in your car so that during the winter, or when you go away for a few days, you can prop up your windshield wipers and keep them from getting icy.
Keep tennis balls in your car so that during the winter, or when you go away for a few days, you can prop up your windshield wipers and keep them from getting icy.
12. Get rid of cobwebs
Do you have tall ceilings with cobwebs you just can’t reach? Terri McGraw, aka Mrs. FixIt, suggests slipping a tennis ball inside a long sock (like knee highs, or even pantyhose) then swinging the end with the ball towards the cobwebs. The nasty webs will stick to the fabric and leave a nice clean corner.
Do you have tall ceilings with cobwebs you just can’t reach? Terri McGraw, aka Mrs. FixIt, suggests slipping a tennis ball inside a long sock (like knee highs, or even pantyhose) then swinging the end with the ball towards the cobwebs. The nasty webs will stick to the fabric and leave a nice clean corner.
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RESOURCES BANNER IMAGE CREDIT, MRS. FIX IT, WILGUBEAST, AND THIS OLD HOUSE