If there’s one household chore that seems to take up more time than it should, it’s laundry. It can feel like a never-ending cycle between sorting, washing, drying, folding, and the dreaded ironing.
So, when a new laundry hack goes viral—especially one that promises to save you time and effort—it’s no wonder people are eager to give it a go.
The latest tip taking the internet by storm? Hanging your wet clothes on hangers instead of using pegs.
The idea is simple: after washing, pop your shirts, blouses, and even some pants straight onto hangers, then hang them on the line or a drying rack.
Once dry, you can transfer them straight into your wardrobe—no need to re-hang or iron. Sounds like a dream, right?
But before you toss out your pegs and invest in a new set of hangers, it’s worth asking: does this hack really work for everyone and every type of clothing?
And are there any hidden pitfalls you should know about? We’ve done the digging, spoken to the experts, and gathered some extra tips to help you get the most out of your laundry routine.
Why the Hanger Hack is So Popular
Let’s face it: anything that promises to cut down on ironing is going to get our attention. Ironing is consistently voted one of the most disliked household chores, and for good reason.
By hanging clothes on hangers while they’re still damp, gravity helps pull out wrinkles as they dry, meaning you can often skip the iron altogether. Plus, you save time by not having to re-hang everything once it’s dry.
Another bonus? You can fit more clothes on the line, especially if you’re using slimline hangers, and it’s easier to keep items organised—no more hunting for matching socks or shirts.
What the Experts Say
Nicole Gibson, designer of the award-winning Soka Tub and a laundry stain removal expert, says the hack can be a real time-saver—but only if you do it right.
‘Not all things can be hung up,’ Nicole warns. ‘T-shirts and button-up shirts are okay, but if you’ve got a knit, it will stretch out of shape and it would look terrible and you’d be crying.’ In other words, while the hanger hack works well for some items, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Nicole also cautions against using the wrong type of hanger. Felt hangers, for example, can bleed colour onto wet clothes—especially white shirts.
‘They’re not designed for wet clothes, and that’s why they invented the plastic ones,’ she explains. Plastic hangers are your best bet for most items, as they won’t bleed colour and are less likely to leave marks.
On the other hand, Timber hangers can be too pointy and may create ‘dog ears’—those annoying stiff points on the shoulders of your shirts.
And if you’re drying delicate fabrics like silk, be careful with metal clips, as they can leave indentations.
Nicole suggests using a microfibre cloth or a piece of fabric between the clip and the garment to prevent marks.
The Do’s and Don’ts of the Hanger Hack
Do:
- Use slimline plastic hangers for shirts, blouses, and T-shirts.
- Make sure your hangers are clean and colourfast.
- Leave enough space between hangers for air to circulate.
- Hang clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Don’t:
- Hang heavy knits or jumpers—they’ll stretch out of shape.
- Use felt or wooden hangers for wet clothes.
- Hang wet clothes against plasterboard or walls, as this can cause mould.
- Overcrowd your line or rack, as this will slow down drying and can lead to musty smells.
Extra Tips for Effortless Laundry
Shake it out: Give each item a good shake before hanging to help release wrinkles.
Button up: Fasten the top button on shirts to help them keep their shape.
Hang pants by the waistband: This helps them dry faster and reduces creases.
Use coat hangers with clips for skirts and trousers: Just remember to protect delicate fabrics with a cloth.
What About Drying Indoors?
If you’re drying clothes inside, be mindful of moisture build-up. Nicole recommends leaving plenty of airflow between hangers and opening windows or using your air conditioner’s dry mode to help remove moisture from the air. This will help prevent mould and keep your home fresh.
Is It Worth the Hype?
For many, this hack is a game-changer, especially if you loathe ironing or have limited space for drying. But as with most things, a little common sense goes a long way.
Choose the right clothes and the right hangers, and you’ll save time and effort. If you get it wrong, you could end up with stretched jumpers or stained shirts.
Have you tried the hanger hack? Did it save you time, or did you run into problems? Do you have your own laundry tips to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories and advice!
And if you’re looking for more ways to make life easier, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips, tricks, and news for Australians. Happy washing!
Also read: What to do when strata rules limit your laundry options
