So in checking out to clean a patagonia jacket, I came across the following instruction re: cleaning: "For best results dry with 2 clean tennis balls."
Of course, that was way too weird not to read over twice. Which I did, and still had no idea what they could possibly be talking about. I spent a childhood drowning in tennis balls and never once did anyone pop a few in the dryer. What is this about?
Insanely enough, there are actually people who have chosen to use tennis balls in lieu of traditional dryer balls, and in fact, some weird enough to drop tennis SHOES in the dryer to create some sort of anti-cling effect. More specifically, some have chosen a detailed method involving using white vinegar instead of fabric softener and then putting 3 tennis balls in the dryer. Another individual claims that tennis balls actually speed up the drying process and moreover make the items being dried fluffier (critics note the danger that when using new tennis balls, the dye can come off and stain the products one is intending to clean).
There are however, sharper critics, indicating all sorts of calamities that can occur if you place tennis balls in the dryer. However, these appear to be industry people whose products would be replaced by the tennis ball method. (again, kudos to the Chicago Tribune for consistently publishing industry propaganda. it is truly remarkable the lack of journalistic integrity).
Moreover, there is an entire list of 50 things to do with tennis balls that have absolutely nothing to do with tennis. Among the more interesting items:
1) Tennis balls with holes drilled in them have been used in the UK as protective homes for field mice. Pet mice or hamsters may enjoy them, too!
2) Protect your surfboard when it goes on an airplane journey.
3) If you or your partner (or, if you’re really unlucky, the guy in the next apartment) snore, attach a pocket to the back of the snorer’s pajamas and secure a tennis ball inside. This will ensure that the snorer sleeps on his/her side - most people snore only when sleeping on their backs.
4) If you want to leave your car door open but don’t want the interior lights to run down the battery, just wedge a tennis ball into the door frame to keep the light switch depressed.
I am now inspired to find other, obscure, uses for totally random things that almost no one uses anymore. I hope you are too.
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