Are you fed up of your laundry coming out rough or smelly despite hours spent sorting and running cycles? What if the solution was hiding in an unusual accessory that you already have at home? Discover a little-known trick to boost the efficiency of your washing machine, make your clothes softer and reduce your energy bill. Spoiler: it costs almost nothing!
How tennis balls revolutionize your washing machine
Forget miracle products or special programs. The secret weapon is tennis balls! Placed in the drum, they reproduce the movement of hand washing by gently rubbing the fibers. The result? Deeply clean laundry, even for stubborn stains.
Why does it work? The rubber of the balls creates intense agitation, ideal for removing dirt. Two to three balls are enough for a standard load. Try them on your down jackets or duvets: they will regain their fullness in one cycle!
Good to know: this technique also reduces creases. Goodbye to endless ironing sessions! And for a touch of freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to the balls before washing.
Savings and ecology: a winning combo
Did you know that optimizing your washing machine can reduce your expenses? Tennis balls accelerate the dissolution of the detergent, which means you can use less. Less product means less waste.
The icing on the cake: the laundry is better rinsed, so the spin cycle is more effective. Your appliance uses less water and electricity. One study estimates savings of up to 15% on cycles!
And that’s not all. By balancing the drum, the balls limit vibrations. Your washing machine wears out less quickly, and you gain peace of mind.
Mistakes to avoid with your washing machine
Be careful, not all balls are the same! Avoid new ones, whose dyes could stain the laundry. Opt for used models, but ones that are still firm. Clean them regularly with a vinegar and water solution to remove residue.
Some textiles cannot withstand this treatment. Silk, wool or fine fabrics may be damaged. Similarly, there is no point in using them for thick towels: their structure already absorbs movement well.
If in doubt, run a test cycle with an old T-shirt. You can then adjust according to the results.
Natural alternatives to complete the tip
If tennis balls are effective, combine them with white vinegar! Pour a glass into the softener tray. As well as being an anti-limescale and deodorizer, it also preserves your washing machine.
Baking soda is also an ally. A spoonful in the drum neutralizes odors and boosts the action of the detergent. Perfect for sportswear or absorbent fabrics.
Finally, respect the dosages. Too much product clogs the machine, too little limits its effectiveness. Adjust according to the load and the degree of dirt.
Washing machine: adopt these habits today!
Ready to take the plunge? Start by checking the load of your appliance. An overfilled drum prevents agitation, while an underfilled drum consumes too much energy. Opt for short cycles at low temperatures whenever possible.
And after washing, remember to regularly air the seal and leave the door ajar. These simple reflexes will extend the life of your washing machine and keep it hygienic.
Finally, opt for air drying. Your laundry will smell clean, without spending a penny on electricity.
When will you try this tip?
With these tips, every wash becomes a step towards a more economical and ecological daily life. Tennis balls, vinegar or bicarbonate: accessible solutions for visible results. So, ready to transform your routine? Your washing machine, and your wallet, will thank you!
