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Why Aluminum Foil and Tennis Balls Are Laundry’s Best Friends

Three balls of aluminum foil.
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

If you’re tired of clothes sticking together like long-lost magnets when you run them through the dryer, it’s time you tried this simple hack.

Enter aluminum foil and tennis balls, the ultimate static slayers and drying assistants. Tossing them in with your drying clothes helps quicken drying time and reduce static electricity.

Simply tear off a sheet of aluminum foil, then crumple it up into a small ball. Toss that into your dryer and press “start.” As it spins with your drying clothes, the foil works its magic by attracting and neutralizing static electricity. You won’t need to worry about clinging garments on the other side.

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When you pop a few tennis balls into the drying cycle—particularly with heavy loads like bed sheets, comforters, or pillows—you can improve your drying time. The tennis balls bounce around, creating fluff and enhancing tumble action. They help to prevent clumping, distribute heat evenly, and speed up drying time.

These affordable, reusable laundry hacks can quickly take the place of dryer sheets that are one-use-only. Keep in mind that neither tennis balls nor aluminum foil balls are going to add any scent to your laundry.

If you want an added burst of freshness, consider adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the aluminum foil or tennis balls before tossing them into the dryer. This will add a fragrance you love and make your laundry smell amazing.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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