DIY Ideas for Tennis Balls Past Their Prime
When tennis balls start losing their bounce, they’re often tossed aside and forgotten. But there’s no need to let them go to waste! With a little creativity, those retired tennis balls can have a second life in fun, practical, and surprising ways. Here are some DIY ideas to give your old tennis balls a new purpose.
1. DIY Wall Protectors
Tennis balls make fantastic wall protectors for your garage. Just cut a small slit in the tennis ball, and you can slip it over hooks, nails, or other objects that might scratch your walls. Attach them to garage walls to avoid scuffs from car doors or tools—it’s an easy and effective solution for a more organized and damage-free space.
2. Bumpers for Furniture and Walkers
If you have furniture that tends to slide around or make noise, place tennis balls on the legs to help protect your floors and reduce movement. Simply cut an “X” shape on each ball, then push the legs of chairs, walkers, or tables through the opening. This DIY solution works wonders on hard floors, reducing noise and keeping furniture in place.
3. Easy Jar Openers
Give your old tennis balls a grip by turning them into handy jar openers! Cut a tennis ball in half and use the rubbery surface to help you twist off stubborn jar lids. The grip and flexibility of the tennis ball material make it perfect for getting a solid hold on jar tops, saving you from struggling with hard-to-open lids.
4. Dog Toys
Tennis balls are already loved by dogs everywhere, but with a little DIY effort, you can make them even more entertaining. Cut a slit in a tennis ball and hide a few treats inside to create a fun puzzle toy. Your dog will enjoy sniffing out the treats, keeping them engaged and happy with a simple DIY trick.
5. Cable Organizers
If you have cables or cords tangling around your workspace, old tennis balls can help. Cut a small “X” into each tennis ball and thread your cords through it. Attach the tennis balls to a wall or under your desk to keep your cords neatly organized and out of the way. It’s a simple hack that’s easy to remove and adjust as needed.
6. Massage Therapy Ball
Tennis balls are the perfect size for homemade massage therapy balls. Roll them under your feet or back to ease muscle tension and release any tight spots. You can even place two tennis balls in a sock for a quick DIY massager that’s perfect for self-care at home.
7. Door Stopper
Tennis balls can work as effective door stoppers, especially on slippery floors. Just place a ball at the base of your door to keep it propped open. It’s a lightweight, portable option that’s easy to move around as needed.
8. DIY Plant Holders
Turn old tennis balls into quirky planters! Cut the top of a tennis ball to create an opening, then fill it with soil and add a small succulent or air plant. Use a strong adhesive to attach a magnet to the back, and you’ll have a fun, low-maintenance plant holder you can stick on your fridge or any magnetic surface.
9. Dryer Balls
Instead of buying dryer balls, you can toss a couple of old tennis balls into your dryer to help fluff up clothes, towels, and comforters. The balls help reduce drying time, remove wrinkles, and keep fabrics from clumping together. It’s an easy way to save energy and give your laundry a little extra care.
10. Car Window Defoggers
Tennis balls are surprisingly effective at removing fog from car windows. Keep one in your glove compartment and use it to wipe away fogged-up windows quickly. The texture of the tennis ball helps absorb moisture, leaving your windows clear and fog-free in seconds.
A New Life for Old Tennis Balls
With a little imagination, old tennis balls can find a second purpose in everyday life. From organization hacks to creative DIY projects, there are endless ways to put those past-their-prime tennis balls to good use. Try out a few of these ideas and see how those old tennis balls can add a touch of functionality and fun to your daily routine.
