Drying clothes can take forever - especially on humid days or when you don’t have access to a dryer. Many people assume that slow drying is

unavoidable, but there’s a surprisingly simple trick that can make a real difference: putting three balls into the washing machine.

It sounds strange, but this method has been used quietly in many households for years. When done correctly, it can help clothes dry faster,

reduce tangling, and even improve softness - without damaging fabric.

Why Clothes Take So Long to Dry

Before understanding the trick, it helps to know why laundry dries slowly in the first place.

Clothes dry slowly when:

• Fabrics clump together during spinning

• Water gets trapped between layers

• Air can’t circulate through the load

• Clothes remain tightly wrinkled after washing

When garments stick together, moisture has nowhere to escape. The result is longer drying time, musty smells, and sometimes the need to

rewash.

How Putting Balls in the Washing Machine Helps

Adding three clean balls - commonly tennis balls or special laundry balls - changes how clothes move inside the machine.

Here’s what happens:

• The balls bounce and roll with the clothes

• They gently separate garments instead of letting them clump

• Water is released more effectively during the spin cycle

• Clothes come out less tangled and less soaked

This creates space between fabrics, allowing air to flow better during drying - whether you air-dry or use a dryer.

What Kind of Balls Should You Use?

The most common options are:

1. Tennis Balls

• Easy to find and inexpensive

• Best wrapped in clean socks to prevent dye transfer

• Ideal for towels, jeans, and thick clothing

2. Laundry or Dryer Balls

• Made specifically for laundry use

• Usually plastic, rubber, or wool

• Safe for frequent use and all fabric types

3. Wool Dryer Balls

• Excellent for softening fabric naturally

• Reduce static and wrinkles

• Especially effective in dryers, but can also help during spin cycles

Avoid hard plastic balls with sharp edges, as they may damage delicate fabrics or the drum.

How to Use This Method Correctly

Follow these simple steps for best results:

1. Load your clothes into the washing machine (do not overload)

2. Add three clean balls evenly into the drum

3. Wash as usual using your normal cycle

4. Let the spin cycle complete fully

5. Dry clothes as you normally would

You’ll notice that clothes come out:

• Less twisted

• Lighter in weight

• Faster to dry

Additional Benefits Beyond Faster Drying

This small trick offers more than just speed.

✔ Less Wrinkling

The constant movement reduces deep creases during washing.

✔ Softer Clothes

The gentle “beating” action mimics hand washing, especially useful for towels.

✔ Energy Savings

Faster drying means less time using fans, dryers, or sunlight exposure.

✔ Better Air-Drying Results

Clothes dry more evenly, with fewer damp spots.

Important Tips and Warnings

• Always use only 2–3 balls, not more

• Avoid using this method with very delicate fabrics (silk, lace)

• Make sure tennis balls are clean and color-safe

• Do not overload the washing machine - this reduces effectiveness

For delicate loads, skip the balls and use gentler washing methods.

Does This Really Work?

Yes - but it’s not magic. The balls don’t remove water instantly. What they do is improve water extraction and airflow, which shortens

drying time naturally.

Many people report:

• 20–30% faster air-drying

• Less musty odor in humid weather

• Improved fabric texture over time

The results are especially noticeable with thick items like towels, blankets, jeans, and hoodies.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the smartest household tricks are the simplest ones. Putting three balls in the washing machine is a low-cost, low-effort way to

help clothes dry faster, wrinkle less, and feel fresher - yet very few people think to try it.

No chemicals. No expensive tools. Just a small change that makes laundry day easier.

If slow-drying clothes are a constant frustration, this is one trick worth testing.