Drying clothes can feel like an endless waiting game—especially during humid weather, rainy seasons, or in homes without a tumble dryer. Thick fabrics remain damp for hours. Towels refuse to dry evenly. Jeans feel heavy long after they’ve been washed. Many assume this is simply part of doing laundry.

However, there is a surprisingly practical technique that can noticeably reduce drying time: placing three balls inside the washing machine during the wash cycle.

At first glance, the idea sounds unusual. Yet it has been quietly used in households for years. When applied correctly, it can improve airflow between garments, reduce fabric clumping, and make drying more efficient—without damaging clothes.

Why Clothes Take So Long to Dry

To understand why this method works, it helps to examine why laundry dries slowly in the first place.

Clothing retains moisture for several structural reasons:

• Fabrics compress tightly together during spinning

• Water becomes trapped between folded or layered garments

• Limited air circulation prevents evaporation

• Heavy materials absorb and hold more water

• Overloaded machines reduce effective spinning

When garments cling to each other in dense clusters, moisture cannot escape efficiently. Instead of evaporating evenly, water remains trapped in pockets. This results in extended drying times, uneven damp spots, and occasionally a musty smell—particularly in humid environments.

The key to faster drying is not simply removing water. It is improving separation and airflow.

What Happens When You Add Three Balls

Adding three clean balls—commonly tennis balls or specially designed laundry balls—changes the internal dynamics of the wash cycle.

During washing and spinning:

• The balls bounce continuously among the garments

• They push fabrics apart rather than allowing them to compress

• They create small gaps between clothing layers

• They help redistribute water more evenly

• They improve mechanical water extraction during spinning

Instead of forming one dense mass, clothes remain slightly separated. This separation allows more water to escape during the spin cycle. When removed from the machine, garments are typically lighter and less tangled.

The result: improved airflow during drying, whether air-drying indoors, outdoors, or using a dryer.

The Science Behind the Method

The effectiveness of this technique lies in mechanical agitation and fabric displacement.

When fabrics clump together, centrifugal force during spinning cannot fully expel trapped moisture. The balls act as physical separators, increasing surface exposure. Increased surface area means more effective water release.

Additionally, by preventing tight twisting, the method reduces deep wrinkles that can trap moisture in creases.

In short, the balls enhance the machine’s existing function rather than adding a new one.

What Type of Balls Should Be Used?

Several options are commonly used:

1. Tennis Balls

Tennis balls are widely available and inexpensive. They are particularly effective for heavy fabrics such as:

• Towels

• Hoodies

• Jeans

• Blankets

To prevent dye transfer, it is recommended to place each tennis ball inside a clean white sock. This reduces direct contact between the felt surface and delicate fabrics.

2. Laundry or Dryer Balls

These are specifically manufactured for laundry use. They are typically made of plastic or rubber and feature rounded edges.

Advantages include:

• Durability

• Reusability

• Compatibility with most fabrics

They are suitable for regular use and are designed not to damage the drum.

3. Wool Dryer Balls

Wool balls are softer and particularly beneficial for:

• Reducing static

• Softening fabric naturally

• Minimizing wrinkles

Although most commonly used in dryers, they can also assist during the washing spin cycle by helping separate garments.

It is important to avoid hard plastic balls with sharp edges, as they may damage delicate fabrics or the washing machine drum.

How to Use the Method Correctly

For best results, follow these steps:

1. Load the washing machine without overfilling it.

2. Place three clean balls evenly inside the drum.

3. Run your normal wash cycle.

4. Allow the spin cycle to complete fully.

5. Remove clothing and dry as usual.

After washing, you may notice:

• Less twisting of garments

• Reduced fabric compression

• Lighter overall weight of the load

• More evenly distributed moisture

These factors contribute directly to faster drying.

Additional Benefits Beyond Faster Drying

The advantages of this technique extend beyond time savings.

Reduced Wrinkling

Continuous movement during washing helps prevent deep folds from forming, making ironing easier.

Softer Textures

The gentle “bouncing” action mimics mild manual agitation. Towels, in particular, often feel fluffier.

Improved Air-Drying

Clothes dry more evenly, reducing damp patches that can cause odor.

Energy Efficiency

Shorter drying times mean less reliance on electrical dryers, fans, or extended sun exposure.

Over time, even small reductions in drying time can contribute to noticeable energy savings.

Important Considerations

While effective, this method should be applied thoughtfully:

• Use only two to three balls per load

• Avoid delicate fabrics such as silk or lace

• Ensure tennis balls are clean and color-safe

• Do not overload the washing machine

• Skip the method for ultra-light or fragile items

Overuse or improper application may reduce effectiveness.

Does It Really Work?

This method does not magically remove all moisture. Instead, it improves water extraction efficiency and enhances airflow during drying.

Many users report:

• Up to 20–30% faster air-drying

• Less musty odor in humid climates

• Improved texture in heavy fabrics

The benefits are most noticeable with thick garments such as towels, denim, sweatshirts, and bedding.

Final Reflection

Laundry frustrations often stem from small inefficiencies rather than major problems. The technique of adding three balls to the washing machine is simple, low-cost, and easy to test.

No chemicals are required. No specialized equipment is necessary. Just a small mechanical adjustment that improves separation and airflow.

Sometimes the most effective household improvements are not complex innovations—but practical refinements to everyday routines.

For those consistently dealing with slow-drying clothes, this small adjustment may make laundry day noticeably easier.