6 Surprising Uses for Tennis Balls

Have you ever seen a person with tennis balls on the bottom of their walker for stabilization? Or how about a tennis ball hanging from a string in the garage to guide a parker? Tennis balls are for more than just hitting back and forth. There are many ways to repurpose tennis balls around the house that don’t require a racket and dramatic grunt. Here are some of our favorite hacks. 

Fluff Bedding and Pillows

Clean tennis balls are an excellent substitute for wool dryer balls. Like dryer balls, tennis balls reduce static and separate items, decreasing drying time. Tennis balls are also weighted, which helps get the wrinkles out of heavier items such as bedding and pillows. However, avoid using tennis balls alongside dark clothes, delicates, and other items that can be easily damaged, as lint residue from the balls can be a concern.

Protect Packages

Pad your goods using tennis balls instead of packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or air pouches. The environmentally friendly hack works exceptionally well when shipping heavier items, as tennis balls provide more support and shock absorption than flimsier packaging materials.

Massage Sore Muscles

Tennis balls can break up muscle knots in areas such as your back, feet, calves, hips, and glutes by applying pressure using body weight. The University of California, Irvine says moderation is key for tennis ball massages. Avoid focusing on one area for over 15 minutes, as over-massaging can lead to inflammation. Instead, work on all muscle groups for a few minutes. 

Buff Out Scuffed Floors

Scuff marks on hardwood floors caused by rubber — whether from shoes, toys, or furniture leg covers —  can be buffed out using a tennis ball. Rub a tennis ball across the scuff mark, and it should quickly erase. To save yourself from scrubbing on your hands and knees, attach the tennis ball to the other end of a broom. Carefully use a utility knife to cut an “X” in the ball and place it on the end of the handle. 

Open Lids

This isn’t the most practical method for opening stubborn jar lids, but it can be very effective if you’ve misplaced your jar opener and have a tennis ball lying around. Using a utility knife, cut along the seam of the tennis ball until you have two U-shaped pieces. Wrap the rubber side of one half against the jar lid and twist until it pops off. Thanks to the fuzzy exterior of the ball, you should be able to get a much better grip.

Anchor Helium Balloons

Keep balloons from floating away at parties by anchoring them with tennis balls. Secure them by tying the string around the ball, or use tape or a hot glue gun to attach the string. You can even purchase colorful tennis balls or use spray paint to match your party theme.

_{Featured Image Credit: cstanmore/ iStock}