Q.

A.

Sometimes moms do know best, and this is one of those times. Adding a few tennis balls to the dryer helps fluff up towels and sheets, and decreases lumping in items like comforters, down jackets, and pillows. The tennis balls bouncing around in the dryer knock out the lumps you would otherwise need to pat out by hand. Bonus: It can also reduce drying time (and energy spent).

If you're going to try this trick, allow us to offer these cautionary notes:

• Set aside tennis balls for this specific purpose. Do not play doubles with the same balls you throw in with your bed linens.
  
• Brace yourself and warn your mate. Tennis balls in the dryer are very loud.

-- The Nest Editors

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