How to Wash Tennis Balls

Washing tennis balls will help them look like new.

Tennis balls look and function better when they are kept clean. A muddy ball can bounce in odd ways because of how the mud throws off the weight distribution of the ball, and a stained ball is not as visually appealing as a brand-new one that is clean. Old balls do not need to be discarded; tennis balls can be reused over and over again if they are properly maintained. You can wash a tennis ball in seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Sink or bin
• Dishwashing detergent
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Fill a bin or sink with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent. The detergent is mild enough to help remove dirt and debris from the ball without damaging its surface or the cloth texture.

2. Rinse the ball thoroughly under the faucet. The water pressure from the faucet will remove a lot of the loose dirt on the ball.

3. Drop the ball into the sink or bin with water and detergent and scrub it with your thumbs to get rid of deep-seeded dirt.

4. Rinse the ball off again to remove any traces of soap. This especially important if the ball is used as a dog toy.

5. Dry the ball with a washcloth. The rough texture of the cloth will help remove any remaining debris from the surface of the ball as it dries it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also wash your tennis balls in the washing machine with your laundry. The dryer is not necessary since the ball will dry quickly on its own.

• Washed tennis balls are generally not permitted for competitive league play. A new canister will usually still be needed per match. The washed balls still work very well for practice, non-competitive play and for dog toys.

References

• Treatball: FAQ

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish