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Washing machines make our daily lives easier, but did you know that there’s a simple, little-known trick that can make them even more efficient? Yes, we’re talking about tennis balls! This ingenious technique not only softens your clothes, but also reduces creasing and saves water and energy. Intrigued? Let’s find out together what these washing tips are all about and how to transform your laundry routine.
The tennis ball trick: why does it work?
Using tennis balls in the washing machine may seem surprising at first, but it’s a tried and tested method that deserves serious consideration. Simply place up to four balls per 3kg of laundry in the drum with your clothes. The movement of the balls mimics manual tossing of the clothes, which improves cleaning efficiency.
This trick is particularly useful for bulky items such as quilted jackets and down jackets. Without the balls, these items tend to settle and retain water, preventing even cleaning. With the balls, everything is stirred properly, ensuring that every fibre is thoroughly cleaned and making the laundry softer.
Crease reduction and softening of linen
Tennis balls go a long way to reducing wrinkles in your laundry. As they bounce around the drum, they prevent clothes from bunching up and creasing during the wash cycle. You can say goodbye to endless ironing sessions!
Laundry softening is another notable advantage. Unlike chemical fabric softeners, this natural method leaves no residue on your clothes. The balls agitate the fabric evenly, making it much more pleasant to the touch after drying.
Water and energy savings
The economic benefits of this trick are also significant. By improving the agitation of the laundry, the balls allow detergent and water to be distributed more evenly. This means that even with shorter wash cycles and less water, your clothes will still come out clean and fresh.
Less wash time means less energy consumption, which means lower electricity bills. Add to this the increased longevity of your washing machine thanks to more balanced loads and you get substantial overall savings. And let’s not forget the fact that many people are unaware of the existence of a special button on their washing machine that can really cut the cost of a wash by 62%. Check out this informative article on this often overlooked button.
How can this method be further improved?
For those looking for delicately scented laundry, adding a few drops of essential oils to the tennis balls before washing is an excellent idea. Lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree, choose your favourite scent! Not only will your clothes smell great, but you’ll also benefit from the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of certain oils.
It’s crucial to choose your balls carefully. Avoid new tennis balls, which can stain light-coloured linen, and used balls, which can release rubber residues. Opt for balls specially designed for this purpose if possible, to guarantee the best results.
Clothing to avoid
Although this technique is effective for many types of laundry, there are a few exceptions. It is not recommended for delicate garments such as silk, cashmere or tulle, which could be damaged by the movement of the balls. Sheets and towels, being bulky but light, will not benefit optimally either.
So sorting your linen is essential to prevent accidents. Only place items that can withstand the added agitation without risk of damage.
Additional suggestions for optimal washing
As well as tennis balls, there are other tricks you can use to make your washing experience even more eco-friendly and efficient. For example, use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This miracle product removes detergent residues while softening the fibres. And let me tell you, it’s great for maintaining your machine too!
- Washing temperature: Choose the right temperature. A 30-degree wash consumes much less energy than a high-temperature wash, and is still sufficient for most everyday garments.
- Baking soda: For effective, natural bleaching of white clothes, add a tablespoon of baking soda. It’s economical and works wonders!
- Eco-friendly detergent: Choose an eco-friendly detergent to minimise your environmental impact and keep your clothes soft.
- Washing programme: Select the right programme for each type of fabric to prolong its life.
Finally, don’t forget to look after the machine itself. Clean the filter regularly and carry out a vacuum washing cycle with white vinegar every few weeks. This will prevent the build-up of mould and limescale deposits, ensuring optimum performance. If you’re bothered by unwanted calls while you’re doing your housework, check out this free tip against cold calling.
Washing specific items
Quilted jackets, down jackets and other thick garments deserve special attention. Use your machine’s special programmes and add tennis balls as mentioned above. These precautions will ensure thorough cleaning without damaging sensitive materials.
Make sure you also follow the washing instructions on the labels of your clothes to avoid any nasty surprises. Proper care prolongs their life and keeps them looking new for longer.
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By incorporating these simple, natural tips, you can revolutionise your daily laundry session. Tennis balls are an invaluable aid to obtaining impeccable, soft laundry, while making substantial savings. Their use contributes to an environmentally-friendly approach, in line with current trends towards more sustainable household practices.
So take the time to try this method the next time you wash and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer. So many small actions add up to a big difference, and both your wardrobe and your wallet will thank you!
