Cleaning Expert Says a Tennis Ball Can Remove Wall and Furniture Marks

A worn tennis ball can find an unexpected second life as a household cleaning tool. Yolanda Herrera, a cleaning creator followed by more than one million people, showed on TikTok how a dampened ball can help remove some marks from walls and furniture.

Her method is simple: lightly wet a clean tennis ball, remove excess water, and gently rub the affected area. The ball’s surface creates enough friction to lift certain superficial stains without immediately reaching for a detergent, scourer, or strong chemical product.

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A tennis ball is the easiest way to clean graffiti on walls and furniture.

Herrera demonstrated the technique on pen marks and scuffs left by furniture or other objects. “A tennis ball is the easiest way to clean graffiti on walls and furniture,” she said. In the examples she showed, some marks began to disappear “as if by magic.” She also summed up the process with a direct instruction: “Rub the dampened ball over it and that’s it.”

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As if by magic.

The process requires only a little water, gentle rubbing, and patience. Herrera said it can work “in seconds” in the cases she presented. Any remaining moisture should then be removed with a clean cloth.

The trick is not suitable for every surface or stain. Matte paint, delicate materials, lacquered finishes, permanent ink, dried paint, and deeply embedded marks may respond differently. Because the method relies on friction, it is sensible to test it first in a small, hidden area and avoid pressing harder if the mark resists. The tennis ball is best treated as a simple first option, not a guaranteed solution.

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Rub the dampened ball over it and that’s it.