Tennis balls have the smallest lifespan when compared with the other balls used in different sports. These balls are made of rubber and covered with nylon or wood to hold the pressurized air. The pressure needs to be at a certain level to ensure proper bounciness.
With every game played, the balls can lose their bounciness, making them gradually unsuitable. The average lifespan of a standard tennis ball is only 3 to 4 playing sessions. That means if you play regularly, you are gathering a lot of old and inoperable tennis balls.
So, what to do with old tennis balls?
Well, there are a lot of interesting things that you can do with these balls. Below, we will let you know about some of the best recycling ideas for old tennis balls.
Some Interesting Things to Do with Old Tennis Balls
The useless tennis balls are not useless at all now. Thanks to all the creative minds out there who presented us with many unique ways of reusing the tennis balls. Check out some of the things that you make by using retired tennis balls.
Make Furniture Leg
That’s one of the most interesting uses of the old tennis ball. You can cut an “X” shape in the tennis ball and then put it on the leg of the chairs. That’s it, you are done. The chair shoes are not for beautification but they can help to protect your floors. The chair can scratch and sometimes damage the floor. But thanks to the old tennis balls, they can now act as a protector of the floor.
Use as Pool Cleaner
What’s the most obvious thing about the pool? I think you guessed it right, the pool oil. The old pool balls can also help you with this. Simply put a few tennis balls on the water and let them sit in there. The balls will absorb all sorts of oil from the water and leave a clean pool for you.
However, don’t let the balls set forever in there. Make sure to replace the balls once in a while.
Use as Packaging Materials
The tennis balls are highly shock resistant. Such a property of the ball makes it a perfect choice as a packaging material. While shipping sensitive goods like glass, crockeries, gadgets, or anything goods, you can fill the empty space in the package with tennis balls. The balls will absorb the shock and reduce the chance of damage.
If there is not enough space for the balls in the package, then cut them in half for a better fit. You can be a little bit artistic to make the package more aesthetic. Take a marker and draw funny faces on the balls. It will surely make the receiver of the package happy.
Transform into A Cricket Ball
Are you aware of the sport called Cricket? Though not so trendy in America, it is the second most popular sport in the world with 2.5 billion fans around the globe. The game is most popular in Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.
Sorry, as if I started a bibliography of Cricket, but you will be glad to know that you can use Tennis Ball as a cricket ball! In fact, the kids on the Indian subcontinent play Cricket using tennis balls. They simply twist adhesive tape on the ball and call it a “tape ball.”
You can also consider using the tennis ball as a cricket ball. Maybe you have never played it, but trust me, it is worth trying. The game is pretty interesting (but not as much as Tennis I guarantee)
Use on Laundry
It may sound ridiculous, but the tennis balls can be a great alternative to the typical dryer sheets. Just two or three of the balls on the washing machine. They will accelerate the drying process by discharging static. It is an excellent way to make your laundry faster and cheaper
Clean Ceiling
Getting a hard time cleaning the cobweb on your ceiling? The old tennis balls may help! Cut an “X” shape on top of the ball with a knife and then insert the ball on the handle of your broom. Now you can easily reach the cobwebs in the ceiling. You can also use the ball to get rid of black and scuff marks on the floor.
Play with Dog
Dogs are the biggest fan of the balls and they will be very happy to play catch with you. You can consider making use of the balls to get a good time playing with your dogs. If you dont have dogs, you can consider offering the balls to other dog owners. Some people even donate the old balls to dog charities and rescue homes.
Make Tennis Ball Bus Feeder
Drill several small holes in a tennis ball, fill it with bird seed, and hang it from a tree branch.
Make sure the holes are small enough that the bird seed doesn’t fall out. If needed, use a hot glue gun to secure the seed in place. Hang the ball from a tree branch and enjoy watching the birds feast!
Use as a Scrubber
You use a tennis ball as a scrubber to clean dirty dishes or pots and pans. Simply wet the ball and add some dish soap. The texture of the ball will help you scrub away stubborn dirt and grime.
Use as a Stress Ball
If you’re feeling stressed, a tennis ball can help! Just squeeze the ball to release tension. You can also use the ball to massage sore muscles.
Tennis Ball Sprinkler
Cut off the top of a tennis ball, drill several holes around the edge, and fill it with water. Place it in your garden to keep plants hydrated on hot days.
Send to Recycler
There are companies that recycle old tennis balls into new products, like car parts, shoes, and insulation. If you have an old tennis ball that you’re ready to get rid of, check to see if there is any local recycling program. You should find a lot of them by searching on Google.
Conclusion
As you see, there are a lot of ways you can put your old tennis balls to good use. So, next time you go to throw them away, think twice!
Do you have any other ideas on how to reuse tennis balls? Share your thoughts in the comments below!