Banish scuff marks from hard floors
Just rub the ball firmly over the mark in a circular motion and watch it disappear like magic. The slightly abrasive felt surface lifts the mark without scratching or damaging your floor. It works especially well on marks left by rubber-soled shoes.
Foot massager
Drop a tennis ball on the floor, slip off your shoes, and roll your foot backwards and forwards over it - heel to toe, side to side. The pressure hits all those tired spots in your arch, and you can control exactly how hard you push down.
Fluffier, faster towels from the dryer
Toss two or three clean tennis balls into the tumble dryer along with your towels. They tumble around, beating the fabric as it dries, which stops the fibres clumping together (goodbye, stiff cardboard towels) and it speeds up drying time by keeping everything moving and separated.
Instant rubber mallet
Need to tap something gently without leaving a dent? Grab a tennis ball and cut an X-shaped slit (carefully) in one end. Pop it firmly over the head of your hammer and you've got yourself a makeshift rubber mallet!
Protect yourself from your tow ball
Tow balls are sturdy, low to the ground, and painful if you walk into one. To cushion any potential knocks, cut an X-slit into a tennis ball and push it firmly over the tow ball when it's not in use. It stays put, it's highly visible, and much more forgiving; it also protects the tow ball from rust and dirt.
Strengthen your grip
Squeeze a tennis ball repeatedly in your hand for a few minutes each day. It's a simple way to build strength in your hands and forearms - but check with a physio first if you're recovering from an injury.
Clean your fabric shower curtain
Put your shower curtain into the washing machine with laundry detergent and a clean tennis ball, then wash on a gentle cycle. The tennis ball helps to scrub the fabric clean as it tumbles around. (Always check the care label first).
Keep an outdoor padlock working smoothly
Cut a small slit in a tennis ball and slip it over an outdoor padlock. It keeps rain and moisture out of the lock mechanism, stopping it from rusting or seizing up – particularly useful on garden sheds and gates where locks are exposed to the elements all year round.
