Tennis balls in the washing machine to make laundry even cleaner
In the past, laundry was beaten and stirred to be washed properly, thoroughly. The stains were then removed and the clothes became like new again. Today, it is possible to reproduce these techniques by putting one or more tennis balls in the drum of the washing machine. The efficiency of washing is then improved.
How many balls should be placed in the drum? For optimal efficiency, it takes up to four balls for 3 kg of laundry. Be careful not to exceed this amount: the walls of the machine and the porthole could be damaged by waterlogged balls.
Smooth clothes by putting tennis balls in the washing machine
Tennis balls are ideal for smoothing clothes. They move thanks to the rotating action of the drum. What are the benefits? There are fewer folds and ironing is faster. Electricity savings can therefore also be achieved. Namely that tennis balls can also be placed in a dryer. Again, this helps prevent the formation of folds. And drying is all the faster.
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Soften laundry with tennis balls in the washing machine
It is the weight of the tennis balls that, once waterlogged, makes it possible to maintain the laundry and soften it. They are able to beat the laundry, loosen it or knead it without damaging it. In short, they replace the role of washerwomen, those women who cleaned laundry by hand or at the beater with hot water and ashes. These small objects are particularly formidable to soften the padded linen. They can therefore be used for down jackets and other quilted jackets.
Perfume clothes with tennis balls in the drum
The other advantage of tennis balls is that they can be used to perfume laundry. To do this, simply pour a few drops of essential oils on a ball before placing it in the drum. Many flavors can be used: lavender is known for its antibacterial properties, lemon helps disinfect laundry, and orange has purifying virtues. Finally, ylang ylang essential oil is known for its calming, relaxing and anti-stress side.
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Tennis balls in the washing machine to reduce water and laundry consumption
Water and laundry consumption is a real environmental issue. On average, a machine consumes between 40 and 50 L of water per cycle for a small capacity and up to 120 L for a large capacity. What about detergent? It takes between 35 and 40 ml of product for a machine with a capacity between 5 and 8 kg.
The use of tennis balls allows, on a small scale, to limit the ecological impact of a home. Since cleaning is more efficient and therefore faster, it is possible to choose a shorter washing program. This saves laundry, water and electricity. Fewer pollutants are then released into the environment.
Tennis balls in the washing machine: what precautions should be taken?
First, the trick of tennis balls is not suitable for all types of clothing. For example, it is strongly discouraged if it is delicate clothing that needs to be cleaned. We are talking here about tights, silk clothes, lace, cashmere, angora or tulle. It is formidable for everyday linen such as tea towels, bath towels, pillowcases, jeans or sheets.
Then, avoid using new tennis balls with white, beige or light linen: the yellow color could rub off on clothes and leave traces. Similarly, tennis balls that are too damaged will not be suitable. Soft toys could form and settle on the laundry, as could small pieces of rubber. The washing machine would also be at risk of damage.
