Tennis Balls Beyond the Court: 26 Clever Tennis Ball Hacks

As someone always looking for ways to save a few bucks, I get really excited about finding new uses for things I already have lying around the house.

Why spend money on fancy organizational tools or quirky home decor when you can repurpose some old tennis balls to do the trick?

Tennis balls are incredibly versatile and can be used for so much more than just hitting them back and forth on the court. With a little creativity, you can repurpose these fuzzy orbs into all sorts of handy household items and fun DIY projects.

Let me share with you 26 awesome tricks that will give new life to those tennis balls just taking up space. You’ll be surprised at how useful and entertaining they can be!

Household Helpers

Have you ever struggled to open a stubborn jar lid? Or maybe your pillows are looking a bit flat and sad? Don’t worry, a tennis ball can come to the rescue! These simple household hacks will make your life just a little bit easier:

1. Stuck Jar Opener

We’ve all been there, you’re hungry and just want to open that jar of pasta sauce or pickles, but the lid won’t budge no matter how hard you twist. Instead of struggling, just grab an old tennis ball!

Cut it in half to create a grippy surface. Place the cut side of the tennis ball half over the lid and twist firmly. The extra traction will give you just the grip you need to pop that lid off with ease. 

2. Laundry Buddy

Who doesn’t want their clothes to dry faster? Toss a couple of tennis balls into the dryer along with your wet laundry. As the dryer tumbles, the tennis balls will bounce around helping to redistribute the heat more evenly.

This prevents hot spots that can set in wrinkles. Your clothes will get nice and fluffy while drying in record time! Just be sure to remove the tennis balls before they get too beat up.

While using tennis balls in the dryer can be effective, there are a few things to keep in mind. The balls can be quite noisy, which might be bothersome. It’s also important to ensure the tennis balls are clean and free of dyes or chemicals that could transfer to your laundry. This tennis ball hack could potentially cause some minor damage or increase wear on the drum over time.

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3. Door Stopper

Does your door constantly slam shut, leaving dents in the walls? An old tennis ball can gently solve this problem. Just cut an X into the fuzzy surface and slide it over the doorknob on the side facing the wall.

Now when the door closes, the tennis ball will softly bump against the wall instead of that loud bang! No more damaging your walls or getting startled by slamming doors.

4. Key Holder

We all need a spot to keep our keys and maybe a pen or two within easy reach near the front door. Why not make it a fun conversation piece too? Mount an old tennis ball on the wall by cutting a slit in the side.

Thread a screw or nail through the slit to hang it up. Now you’ve got a quirky little holder to stash your essentials right where you need them!

5. Pillow Fluffer

Over time, even the fluffiest pillows can start to go flat and lumpy. But with a tennis ball, you can revive them easily! Just toss a couple of tennis balls into the dryer along with your sad pillows.

The tumbling motion combined with the bouncing tennis balls will help redistribute and fluff up the pillow filling. In just 10-15 minutes, your pillows will be plump and cozy again.

6. Pool Cleaner

Here’s an eco-friendly way to keep your pool sparkling clean without harsh chemicals. Just toss some tennis balls into the water and let them float around. As the balls move through the pool, their fuzzy surfaces will attract and absorb oils, sunscreen residue, and other gunk.

You can even give the balls a squeeze every so often to release what they’ve collected. Just be sure to fish them out before swimming so no one accidentally bounces one off their head!

Related: Not Just for Hemorrhoids! 29 Amazing Uses of Tucks Pads

7. Tool Grip

Do you ever struggle to get a secure grip on tool handles, especially with sweaty hands? An old tennis ball can provide the traction you need. Cut an X into the ball and slide it over the handle end.

The fuzzy surface will soak up any moisture while the grooves give your fingers a place to grab firmly. Now you can twist wrenches, hammer nails, or do any other task safely without worrying about tools slipping.

8. Low-Flow Toilet

Want to reduce your water usage and lower utility bills? This super simple trick can make your toilet more water-efficient. Just drop a tennis ball into the tank, make sure it can move around freely and doesn’t get stuck under the flapper.

The tennis ball will displace some of the water in the tank so less is used per flush. An easy way to “go green” without buying any special equipment!

Related: How To Clean A Toilet Bowl And Remove Hard Water Stains

9. Cord Control

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got cords and cables galore creating an unsightly tangle. But tennis balls can whip them into shape! Cut a slit into a few balls, then thread your cables through the slits.

Secure them at each end with the tennis balls keeping the cords separated, organized, and tangle-free. You can even write labels on the balls to identify what cords they’re holding.

10. Soft Mallet

Sometimes you need to give something a firm whack, but you don’t want to risk damaging it. That’s where this tennis ball mallet comes in handy! Cut an X into the ball, then stretch it over the head of a hammer or mallet tool.

The tennis ball padding will allow you to strike firmly while protecting whatever you’re working on from dents or cracks. It’s ideal for a range of delicate projects from upholstery to woodworking.

Those are just a few ways tennis balls can simplify tasks around the house! But if you want to get really creative, there are fun DIY projects too…

DIY Delights

Why settle for boring old furnishings when you can put your personal stamp on things? Get ready to tap into your artistic side with these unique DIY ideas:

11. Tennis Ball Chair or Table

How cool would it be to have a piece of funky furniture made entirely out of tennis balls? It’s easier than you might think! Start by cutting X shapes into each ball, then joining them by threading string or zip ties through the holes.

Keep building the pattern, securing row to row, until you’ve made the seat or tabletop. For stability, create a simple base frame out of wood or PVC piping. Once assembled, you’ll have a delightfully cushy, one-of-a-kind creation!

12. Tennis Ball Wreath

Need to add some pizazz to your front door for the holidays? Make an eye-catching wreath out of tennis balls! It’s simple – just thread a bunch of old balls onto some sturdy string or rope, tying knots between each one.

Once you’ve made a looping garland, shape it into a circle and secure the ends together. You can leave it au naturel or get creative by spray painting, adding ribbons, pinecones, or whatever other decorations you like.

13. Tennis Ball Pen Holder

Here’s an easy way to corral all those pens, pencils, and markers cluttering your desk. Grab a few old tennis balls and cut a slit into each one about 2-3 inches long. Make sure not to cut all the way through.

Place the balls into a mug or creative container, using the slits to fan them out. Now you’ve got separate sections to organize all your writing utensils! If you use a clear vase or similar vessel, the tennis balls add a pop of color.

14. Tennis Ball Ring

With just a little effort, you can turn an old tennis ball into a totally unique ring! Use a sharp knife to carefully cut about a 1⁄2-inch wide ring out of the ball’s fuzzy surface. Try to make it a consistent width and round shape.

You may want to use pliers to help stretch the ring over your finger to size it properly. Once fitted, add a dab of glue along the inside to secure it in place. For extra sparkle, braid some embroidery floss around the ring!

15. Tennis Ball Vase

Here’s a charming little vase that’s perfect for displaying small blooms or holding a few stems. Simply take a tennis ball and cut it cleanly in half. The rounded bowl shape makes an ideal miniature vase!

You can leave it plain or get creative by painting or wrapping the outer “vase” portion with twine, ribbon, or other decorative materials. Group a few together and you’ve got an adorable centerpiece.

Feeling inspired yet? Just wait until you see some of these clever creative solutions using tennis balls…

Creative Solutions

As you can probably tell by now, tennis balls are super versatile for all sorts of clever household hacks. But their usefulness doesn’t stop there! These innovative ideas will have you putting old tennis balls to work in surprising ways:

16. Smartphone Stand

Need a quick way to prop up your phone for video calls or watching shows? An old tennis ball makes an ideal stand! Just use a utility knife to carefully cut away the fuzzy outer material, leaving the smooth inner core intact.

Then cut a slit about 2 inches long into the side – this is where you’ll nestle your phone to hold it upright at the perfect viewing angle. For any Tennis ball leftover fuzz, just give it a quick shave with a razor.

17. Hanging Organizer

If you’re always misplacing your keys, mail, or other small essentials, this hanging organizer will keep everything in its place. Cut a slit into an old tennis ball, making it several inches long.

Next, use a heavy-duty adhesive to firmly attach the ball slit-side down on a bare wall near your home’s entrance. Now you’ve got the perfect little cubby to stash anything you need to grab on your way out the door!

18. Gift Card Holder

Give gift cards in an extra fun way by turning a tennis ball into an adorable holder! First, cut a slit about 3 inches long into the ball’s surface, making sure not to cut all the way through.

Next, use markers, wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, and other craft supplies to give it a goofy face – maybe a party hat too! Slip the gift card into the slit and you’ve made an affordable but memorable present.

19. Furniture Leg Protection

Are the legs of your furniture scratching up your floors? You can protect your surfaces while adding a fun pop of color with this simple solution. Just take a utility knife and cut a flat circle out of a few old tennis balls, about the size of each furniture leg base.

Place these tennis ball “coasters” under the legs, and they’ll prevent scuffs, dents, and squeaks. As a bonus, the bright colors add some whimsy to your decor!

20. Cord Organizer

In today’s tech-filled world, it seems like every device has at least one cord… which can quickly turn into a tangled nightmare! Get those cables under control by repurposing an old tennis ball.

Cut a slit from the outer edge toward the center, then weave your cords through the slit, allowing the tennis ball to cinch around them. This separates and organizes each cord individually. You can cut multiple slits to keep things extra tidy.

Ready to take this tennis ball creativity outside? There are plenty of fun outdoor and sporty uses too…

Outdoor Fun

Who says tennis balls are just for indoor use? With a bit of imagination, you can put them to work adding amusement and convenience to your outdoor living spaces too:

21. Dog Toys

Tennis balls make awesome dog toys, especially for smaller breeds! The fuzzy texture is perfect for games of fetch, and most pups love chasing them around. You can even put a few treats inside the ball as incentive.

Just be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend while they’re playing, as the balls could pose a choking hazard if chewed into pieces. Tennis balls can provide hours of active fun!

22. Pool Games

Need to liven up your pool parties? Stock up on some bright tennis balls and get ready for some wet ‘n wild games! You can play classics like Water Tennis, Basketball, or even improvise your own bowling-style game.

Best of all, these floating orbs are very low-risk for throwing around. Just be mindful of any aggressive spiking that could smack someone in the face. Otherwise, tennis balls are the perfect poolside playthings.

23. DIY Bird Feeder

With just a couple old tennis balls, you can make an easy bird feeder to attract feathered friends to your yard. Slice one ball cleanly in half, creating a bowl shape. Use that as a base to hold birdseed.

Then cut about a 1-inch hole toward the top of a second tennis ball and thread some twine or wire through it so you can hang it above the seed bowl. Suspend it from a tree branch and wait for the birds to come visiting!

Related: DIY Hummingbird Food Recipe: How To Make Hummingbird Food (Pictures)

24. DIY Birdhouse

Want to make your backyard even more welcoming for birds? Get creative by building them a truly unique birdhouse using tennis balls! It’ll take a few more supplies like a wood base and entry hole, but the body can be constructed entirely from old balls.

Cut X shapes into the tennis balls and join them using string, wire, or small screws. With some bright paint colors, you can make a real eye-catching abode that any bird would be proud to call home.

25. Back Massager

Need to soothe away aches and pains in your back or shoulders? Grab an old sock or cut the toe off a pair of tights. Fill it with four or five tennis balls, tying a knot at the open end to secure them inside.

Now you’ve got a simple, portable back massager! Lean against the tennis ball-filled portion and roll it along any sore spots. The firm but flexible pressure of the balls really digs into those tight muscles.

26. Tennis Ball In Luggage Hack: Prevent Wrinkles

When packing delicate clothes that are prone to wrinkles, strategically place a tennis ball inside the folds of your garments. The ball creates space and prevents the clothes from getting squished, reducing the chances of creases forming.

This way, your clothes can arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to wear

Repurpose with Purpose

Repurposing everyday items like tennis balls allows you to get crafty and resourceful while keeping money in your pocket. With the tennis ball hack ideas outlined here, you can tackle all sorts of household needs, create unique decor pieces, and even make handy outdoor accessories, all without spending a dime on new supplies.

So next time you’re about to toss out some old tennis balls, pause and let your creativity flow instead. With just a little effort, you can transform them into custom solutions that are both sustainable and eye-catching.  

Your newfound creations will spark conversations while helping the planet. It’s a win-win opportunity to exercise your imagination in an eco-friendly and affordable way!

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.