For many, the mere thought of ironing conjures images of tedious repetition and the looming threat of scorched garments.
The endless task of chasing creases across the fabric, meticulously working around every detail, often feels like a significant drain on precious time and energy. Indeed, if offered an alternative, we would bypass this household duty altogether.
What if the key to transforming your laundry routine lay not in expensive gadgets or complicated techniques but in a simple item already found in your home?
Lora Finn, a cleaning expert from Vileda, shared a technique that promises to alleviate one of the most annoying ironing problems: shine marks on delicate fabrics.
‘For a simple hack to save time and reduce shine marks on the fabric, simply take a thin piece of material (for example, a cotton pillowcase) and place it over your clothes when ironing,’ she said.
This unassuming barrier acts as a protective layer, shielding your precious satins and silks from the direct heat of the iron. It prevents those unsightly shiny patches that can sometimes appear after ironing.
But the pillowcase trick isn’t the only ironing hack up our sleeves. Mariya Gurkova, a domestic cleaner from Fantastic Services, has another surprising method for tackling stubborn creases without an iron.
If you face a mountain of wrinkled laundry, try tossing the crumpled item into the tumble dryer with a clean, damp towel. Set the dryer to medium heat and let it run for about 15 minutes.
The moisture from the towel will create steam within the dryer, smoothing out the wrinkles.
Gurkova emphasised the importance of folding and storing the items while they’re still warm to prevent new creases from forming.
And for those times when you’re in a real hurry, she suggested reaching for your hair dryer.
‘Simply dampen the wrinkled area of the garment with water or a wrinkle-removing spray. Use the lowest setting and pull the fabric taut when drying,’ Gurkova said.
We’ve discovered other handy household items to help you achieve that perfect, crisp finish while ironing.
1. The Power of Vinegar
While the pillowcase trick is a game-changer for protecting delicate fabrics, let’s not overlook the humble kitchen staple that can work wonders in the laundry room: white vinegar.
Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. The vinegar helps to relax the fibres of your clothes, reducing wrinkles and leaving them feeling soft and fresh.
Plus, it’s a natural fabric softener, so that you can skip the chemical-laden options at the supermarket. And don’t worry about any lingering vinegar smell; it dissipates as the clothes dry, leaving no trace behind.
2. The Freezer Hack
In the spirit of unconventional laundry hacks, another surprising method can help you say goodbye to ironing: your freezer. Yes, you read that correctly.
Simply dampen the wrinkled garment with water and place it in a plastic bag to try this chilly trick. Flatten it out as much as possible to remove any excess air, then seal the bag and put it in the freezer for about an hour.
The cold temperature causes the fibres to contract, which can help smooth out creases. Once you take the garment out, give it a few minutes to thaw, and the wrinkles should be significantly reduced. Hang it up immediately to prevent new creases from forming.
3. The Magic of a Good Steam
Lastly, let’s not forget the power of steam for wrinkle-free clothing. Handheld steamers are lightweight, easy to use, and can be a godsend for quickly removing wrinkles from almost any fabric.
They’re particularly handy for seniors who might find traditional ironing cumbersome or physically challenging. With a steamer, you can hang your garment, run the steamer down the fabric, and watch the wrinkles disappear like magic.
Steamers are excellent for refreshing clothes that have been stored away or for giving a quick touch-up to items that have been worn but aren’t quite ready for the wash. They can even help to sanitise and remove odours, making them a multifunctional tool in your laundry arsenal.
We’d love to hear about your laundry hacks and experiences. Have you tried the pillowcase method, or have another secret for wrinkle-free clothes? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Also read: The pillow habit that could be harming your posture
