Why do people dry their comforter with tennis balls?

Asked by: Dr. Mariana Schaden MD  |  Last update: June 14, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (38 votes)

People dry comforters with tennis balls to fluff the material, prevent filling from clumping, and speed up drying time. As the balls bounce around the dryer, they improve air circulation, separate fabric layers, and break up wet, dense spots, resulting in a softer, more evenly dried, and loftier comforter, according to The Spruce and XTRA™ Laundry.

Why dry comforter with tennis balls?

Yay or Nay: Tennis Balls in Dryer

Yes, that's right. One of the most creative hacks for laundry doers everywhere is to throw tennis balls in dryer machines. What does this do? It can prevent clumping of the filling of bulky items (like those mentioned above) AND create more fluff1.

What does drying with tennis balls do?

When towels dry, their fibers can clump together, trapping moisture and leaving them feeling rough. Tennis balls bounce around in the dryer, separating the fibers and allowing more air to circulate, which helps the towels dry faster and fluff up.

What do dryer balls do for comforters?

Dryer balls work by bouncing around with your clothes or bedding in the dryer, helping to separate the fabrics, absorbing moisture, and reducing static and wrinkles.

Why do people put tennis balls in their laundry?

Wool dryer balls and tennis balls help clothes dry quicker and reduce wrinkles and static, saving you time and energy. These eco-friendly alternatives to dryer sheets keep your laundry chemical-free, making them gentle on your skin and better for the environment.

Do Tumble Dryer Balls Work? | Test

34 related questions found

What to use instead of tennis balls in a dryer for pillows?

What to Use Instead of Tennis Balls in Dryer for Pillows

  • Wool Dryer Balls. Natural, reusable, and quiet. ...
  • Rolled-Up Towels. Use two clean, dry hand towels rolled tightly and secured with rubber bands. ...
  • Dryer-Safe Shoes. ...
  • Clean T-Shirts or Sweaters.

What is the fastest way to dry a comforter?

If possible, dry your comforter on a cycle designed for bulky items and customize the cycle to dry with low or no heat, unless the label says otherwise. Add two or three dryer balls to the load so that the filling moves around as it dries.

Can I use tennis balls instead of dryer balls?

If you do not have dryer balls on hand, you can use tennis balls as a replacement. While it is recommended to use newer tennis balls for their cleanliness, it is important to remember that, like bright fabrics, tennis ball dyes may run and stain clothes. Make sure they are colorfast before using them in your laundry.

What is the science behind tennis balls in the dryer?

The physical presence of a tennis ball causes more movement and space between items, which lets in more air, leading to drier clothing. Some of the best items tennis balls can soften and speed up the drying process for are bulkier things like freshly washed pillows and clean comforters.

How many tennis balls for comforter?

Add 2 clean tennis balls (or 3 for extra-large king comforters). Breaks up clumps and boosts loft as it dries. Use low to medium heat and longer time instead of high heat. Protects fabric and down from scorching or damage.

Is it okay to put tennis balls in the washing machine?

Like dryer balls, tennis balls boost air flow for quicker, even drying. Use new tennis balls with bulky bedding to protect both the fabric and your machine. They're safe in washers and dryers as long as you use low heat and water settings.

How many times can you use an aluminum foil ball in the dryer?

Reuse: You can reuse the same aluminum foil ball for several loads. If it starts to fall apart, simply crumple it tighter or make a new one.

Can you put tennis balls in the dryer with a comforter?

An effective technique to maintain the fluffiness of these pieces is to add 4 to 5 tennis balls in the dryer. This trick helps to separate the fibers gently but effectively during dryer spins, allowing your comforter, blanket or towel to not only dry faster, but also regain its volume and fluffy texture.

Why do you have to put my pillow in the dryer for 15 minutes?

Every MyPillow must be put it in the dryer for 15 minutes before use in order to get it to its full fluff capacity. These fluffy, foldable pillows are designed to offer comfortable support for sleepers of all positions, helping us to get the full night's rest our bodies need.

How to fluff comforter in dryer without tennis balls?

Yes, you can fluff a comforter in the dryer without tennis balls. Use the air fluff or no-heat setting. Add a few clean sneakers or dryer balls instead. Remove every 30 minutes to shake and redistribute the fill.