To alleviate stress, some people indulge in aromatherapy, others depend on their monthly massage, while you hit up the tennis courts and leave it to the wrath of your racket. Along with a peaceful state of mind, this effective method of release has left you a basket full of old tennis balls that you can’t bring yourself to throw away. Here are some clever ways to take them out of retirement and save them from life in a landfill.

Slice a tennis ball down the middle and push the concave side onto the top a stubborn jar. Just squeeze and twist to open it with ease.

Pour beer into the other half and set it out in your garden to trap slugs before they feast on your plants and flowers.

Are you sick of stiff clothing, linens and towels? Toss a tennis ball into the dryer to fluff your laundry. Plus, it helps eliminate static cling.

Cut a slit into a tennis ball, secure it onto the end of a broom stick and rub away scuffs on wood or linoleum floors.

Once your floors are gleaming, this homemade tool can also be used to get rid of all those cobwebs lurking in the corners of your ceiling. So long, Swiffer.

When your significant other turns his nose up at your request for a foot massage, put a tennis ball under each sole and do it yourself.

Who actually rinses off their sunscreen or lotion before taking a dip? Just throw some tennis balls in your swimming pool to soak up oils.

Image: Steve Punter