We’ve all experienced those hectic mornings when you’re in a rush, throw on a pair of pants, and realize they’re all wrinkled. The good news is, you can leave the house looking neat and wrinkle-free even without an iron.
Discover quick and easy ways to banish wrinkles. Check out our clothing care hacks below to start your day looking sharp!
How to Banish Wrinkles from Clothes
The key to avoiding wrinkles without an iron is to stop them before they start. Once you take your warm clothes out of the dryer, fold or hang them immediately instead of tossing them into a laundry basket or piling them on your bed. If wrinkles have already set in, try these 6 hassle-free solutions.
Use the Dryer
If you’re looking for the simplest way to get rid of wrinkles, just toss your clothes back into the dryer! For items like shirts and pants that are wrinkled all over, lightly dampen a small item, such as a sock or washcloth, and put your wrinkled clothes in the dryer on high for five to ten minutes.
Take out the item as soon as the cycle is done. This method works best for cotton clothing or cotton blends.
Steam From the Shower
Much like the previous method, steam from your shower can effectively tackle stubborn wrinkles. Seal off all windows and doors in your bathroom, place the clothing on a hanger, and hang it in the back of your shower or on the shower curtain rod.
In about fifteen minutes, the steam will work its magic, smoothing out the wrinkles, leaving you ready to face the day.
Flat Iron
The same flat iron you use for your hair serves as a perfect quick-fix ironing tool. It works wonders on small areas like shirt collars or between buttons. Before you start, ensure there’s no product buildup from your hair on the iron to avoid stains on your clothing.
Delicate fabrics, such as silk, should be ironed on the lowest temperature setting, while sweaters can handle a slightly warmer temperature.
Wrinkle Remover Spray
For those without an iron on hand, a wrinkle remover spray comes to the rescue. Most are safe for all fabrics and feature fabric releasing technology. Simply spray the garment and shake it vigorously.
Spray with Vinegar
If a wrinkle remover spray is unavailable, worry not! You can quickly whip up your own solution using everyday household items. Try mixing one part vinegar with three parts water, misting the garment all over, and letting it air dry.
Alternatively, concoct a mixture of one cup of distilled vinegar, one teaspoon of fabric softener, and one teaspoon of rubbing alcohol, then spray the wrinkled area.
Use a Hot Pot
Ideal for small wrinkles, this method involves boiling a medium-sized pot of water. Once it starts steaming, spill the water out and use the bottom like you would an iron. Exercise caution when “ironing” around plastic embellishments like buttons, as the heat may cause them to melt.
Steam Your Clothes with a Shower
A favorite wrinkle-removal tip from my mother involves hanging dresses or shirts in the bathroom, closing all windows and doors, and taking a hot shower. The goal is to turn the bathroom into a makeshift steam room to eliminate wrinkles, typically taking about 15 minutes.
If you’ve already showered, you can create a DIY steam iron using a tea kettle. Boil water in the kettle and hold the wrinkled clothing about 10-12 inches away from the steam pouring out, being careful not to burn yourself or your clothes. The steam should efficiently smooth out the wrinkles.
Add Ice Cubes to the Dryer
Another option is to reach for the freezer and grab a few ice cubes. Place your wrinkled clothing in the dryer along with an ice cube or two, set the dryer to its highest heat setting, and start the cycle. The idea is that the melting ice cubes will generate steam, effectively removing wrinkles from your clothes.
Alternatively, you can dampen a sock or handkerchief and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. If you want to freshen your clothes, add a dryer sheet. Check the dryer after about 15 minutes to see if the wrinkles have eased, promptly remove your clothes, and hang them up.
