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Wait—Why Are People Washing Comforters With Tennis Balls?

By SALAUDDIN KAWSAR ǀ Published on 01/31/2026

Introduction

If you’ve ever opened your washing machine and spotted tennis balls bouncing around inside a comforter, you probably paused and thought—wait, what? It sounds like a strange internet trend or a social media prank, but this laundry trick has been quietly used by professionals, hoteliers, and seasoned homeowners for decades.

In the world of laundry care, bulky items like comforters, duvets, and heavy blankets are notoriously difficult to wash and dry evenly. They clump, trap moisture, and often come out of the dryer damp, flat, or oddly lumpy. That’s where tennis balls enter the picture—not as a gimmick, but as a surprisingly effective solution.

This article explains why people wash comforters with tennis balls, how the method actually works, when it’s safe to use, and when it’s not. Whether you’re a busy household manager, a student in shared housing, or simply someone tired of re-drying the same bedding three times, this guide breaks down the science and the common mistakes—without hype or guesswork.

In This Article

• Materials
• Why Tennis Balls Work in Laundry
• Boosting Airflow for Faster Drying
• Protecting Your Comforter and Machine
• Safety Considerations
• Common Mistakes People Make
• Tennis Balls vs Dryer Balls
• Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use This Method
• FAQ

Materials

The beauty of this laundry method lies in its simplicity. You don’t need specialized tools or expensive accessories—just a few thoughtful choices. The most important material is **clean, new tennis balls**. New balls matter because older ones often shed dye, lose elasticity, or have surface grit that can transfer onto fabric. Beyond tennis balls, you need a **machine large enough to handle bulky bedding**, mild detergent, and appropriate water and heat settings. Overcrowding the washer or dryer defeats the purpose of the technique. Laundry professionals often stress that space inside the drum is what allows comforters to move freely and clean properly. This method became popular long before dryer balls were widely available, particularly in hotels and shared housing environments where efficiency mattered. According to appliance maintenance surveys, bulky bedding accounts for nearly **40% of repeat dryer cycles** in households—primarily due to trapped moisture. The materials used here aim to solve that exact issue without chemicals or additives.

Simple materials needed for washing comforters effectively

Why Tennis Balls Work in Laundry

At first glance, tossing tennis balls into the laundry seems chaotic. In reality, it’s physics. Comforters naturally compress into dense clumps when wet. Once that happens, water and heat struggle to circulate through the fabric layers. Tennis balls act as mechanical separators, constantly striking and loosening the bedding as the drum rotates. This repeated impact prevents the filling—whether down, synthetic, or cotton—from collapsing into heavy pockets. As the comforter fluffs and redistributes, water escapes more easily and heat penetrates evenly. Laundry engineers refer to this as dynamic agitation, a principle used in industrial washing systems. The reason this works especially well for comforters is their size and internal structure. Unlike clothing, bedding doesn’t naturally tumble freely. Tennis balls introduce controlled disruption, restoring movement where gravity alone fails. The result is not just faster drying, but better long-term fabric integrity.

How tennis balls help redistribute filling during laundry cycles

Like Dryer Balls, Tennis Balls Boost Air Flow

One of the most overlooked problems in laundry is airflow. Dryers don’t actually “dry” fabric—they circulate warm air and rely on evaporation. When a comforter collapses into a tight bundle, airflow stops completely in the center. Like dryer balls, tennis balls boost air flow for quicker, even drying by forcing separation between layers of fabric. As the balls bounce, they create channels that allow hot air to pass through areas that would otherwise remain damp. This dramatically reduces drying time. Energy efficiency studies suggest that proper airflow can cut drying time by up to 25%, which translates directly into lower electricity costs and less wear on your appliance. For households washing bedding weekly or bi-weekly, that adds up over time.

Improved airflow inside the dryer using tennis balls

Use New Tennis Balls to Protect Fabric and Machines

A common misconception is that tennis balls are harsh on machines. In reality, when used correctly, they protect both the comforter and your washer or dryer. The key is moderation and condition. New tennis balls are lightweight, flexible, and designed to withstand repeated impact without breaking down. Old or damaged balls, however, can crack, shed rubber, or unbalance the drum. Appliance technicians often report that improper accessories—not the method itself—cause issues. Using two to three new balls with low heat and adequate space ensures safe operation. This approach is particularly useful for modern machines with moisture sensors, as even drying prevents false “wet” readings that trigger extended cycles.

Choosing the right tennis balls for safe laundry use

Safety Considerations

Safety is where most people go wrong. They’re safe in washers and dryers as long as you use low heat and water settings appropriate for the comforter’s material. High heat can damage synthetic fillings and cause tennis balls to degrade faster. Always check the care label. Down comforters, in particular, benefit from this method—but only under gentle cycles. Never use this trick in compact or overloaded machines, as restricted movement increases strain on internal components. Ventilation also matters. If your dryer already struggles with airflow due to lint buildup, adding tennis balls won’t fix the root problem. Regular maintenance remains essential.

Safe laundry settings for washing comforters with tennis balls

Common Mistakes People Make

The biggest mistake is assuming more is better. Adding too many tennis balls increases noise and reduces efficiency. Another error is using dyed or branded balls that can bleed color under heat and moisture. People also rush the process. Comforters still need time—tennis balls help, but they’re not magic. Finally, skipping balance checks mid-cycle can lead to uneven loads, especially in top-load washers.

Avoiding common errors when using tennis balls in laundry

Tennis Balls vs Dryer Balls

Dryer balls were essentially created as a quieter, more aesthetic alternative to tennis balls. Wool dryer balls offer similar airflow benefits without rubber impact noise. However, tennis balls remain more affordable and widely available. From a performance standpoint, both achieve comparable results. The choice often comes down to budget, noise tolerance, and fabric sensitivity.

Comparing tennis balls and dryer balls in laundry care

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use This Method

This method works best for homeowners, students, and shared households washing bulky bedding regularly. It’s less suitable for delicate quilts, silk blends, or machines with strict accessory restrictions. Understanding when to use it is just as important as knowing how.

Determining if this laundry method is right for you

# 7. FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tennis balls damage a dryer?

Not when used sparingly and on low heat with proper load size.

How many tennis balls should I use?

Two to three new balls are sufficient for one comforter.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
Improves drying efficiency, prevents clumping, saves energy, low cost, widely accessible.

Cons:
Can be noisy, unsuitable for delicate fabrics, requires correct machine capacity.

Conclusion

What started as a curious sight—tennis balls tumbling through laundry—turns out to be a smart, time-tested solution. When used correctly, this simple trick transforms how bulky bedding is cleaned, dried, and maintained. If you care about efficiency, fabric longevity, and energy savings, it’s a method worth trying. Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes the smartest solutions are already sitting in your closet.

Internal & External Linking Suggestions

Internal Links:

• How to Wash a Comforter Without Ruining It

• Best Laundry Settings for Bulky Bedding

• Dryer Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

External Links:

• Energy Star Dryer Efficiency Guidelines

• Consumer Reports on Laundry Accessories