You might have heard of the tennis ball dryer hack for cutting down drying time, but did you know there are even more uses for those bouncy balls? Whether you need help cleaning the floors, tackling tough tasks in the kitchen, or MacGyvering your own tools for household projects, a single tennis ball is all…
Gid Rid of Scuff Marks
Got scuffs on your floors? A tennis ball can buff them out in no time. Just use an X-ACTO knife or a box cutter to carefully cut an “X” into the ball, then push it onto the free end of a long-handled tool, such as a broom or mop. Use the handle to push the ball across the floor, letting the felt fabric rub away any unsightly marks. This hack is great for delicate surfaces, such as hardwood or laminate, because it won’t drag or damage the flooring.
Pop Open a Jar
You won’t have to strain your wrists or hurt your palms trying to open a stuck jar if you have a tennis ball and a knife nearby. Cut the tennis ball in half crosswise using a sharp knife, then press one half over the jar lid for a firm grip. The rubber inside of the tennis ball will grip the slippery metal lid, while the fuzzy fabric on the outside prevents your hand from slipping. Now, just squeeze the tennis ball and turn the lid, and it should pop right open. If you’re still having trouble, try running the jar lid under hot water for several seconds before drying it off and reattempting the tennis ball hack.
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DIY Hand Tools
If you don’t own many hand tools, a tennis ball, some creativity, and a bit of elbow grease can deliver similar functionality. Wrap sandpaper around a tennis ball to create a DIY rotary tool for rounding edges on wood or metal. A tennis ball can also act as a sanding block in a pinch, perfect for smaller surfaces or getting into tight spots where a standard block won’t fit. Need a rubber mallet but only have a hammer on hand? Cut an “X” into a tennis ball and place it over the head of the hammer to add a layer of rubbery protection.
If you have a lot of projects that could benefit from a precut tennis ball, check out these STARTOP tennis balls that come with a “Y” already sliced in — just slide one onto your fixture, and you’re good to go.
