Ironing is amongst the most tedious, time-consuming of household chores. While looking your best for a job interview or date night is important, it may sometimes seem that the time used on ironing could be better used elsewhere – but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are several simple, cheap solutions to make ironing a wrinkle-free chore; while it may never be fun, it no longer has to be a pain.
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Wrinkle releaser
Wrinkle releaser is an excellent way for the lazy and busy alike to slash their ironing time to no time at all. Here’s how it works: 1. Lay your desired wrinkle-free item out flat. 2. Spray wrinkle releaser from 6-10 inches away, dampening but not soaking. 3. Hang up to dry. It’s that easy! This method can be used on anything from jeans to dress shirts to heavier items such as tablecloths and curtains, and there are a variety of scents and brands on the market to choose from. Some even specialize in hypoallergenic or chemical-free products. You can also make your own wrinkle releaser cheaply and easily: just mix 1 teaspoon of fabric softener in 1 cup distilled water, or 10-15 drops essential oil with 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water, in a spray bottle, and voila!
Use your dryer to your advantage
One great way to make sure you get the best use of your dryer – and your time! – is by utilizing the tumble-dry or wrinkle-free option on your drying unit. If your dryer doesn’t have one, spritz your item with a little bit of water and toss it in on high for a few minutes. And, even though it may take more time now, be sure to sort your clothes before you tumble-dry; heavier items can actually crush more wrinkles into your clothes, extending any potential ironing time later. For any of these methods, be sure you are around to pull your clothes out of the dryer while they are still damp, as that is the best time to hang up your clothes and ensure any remaining wrinkles literally fall out.
Steam your clothes while you iron
If you still want the surefire results of releasing those wrinkles yourself, steaming your clothes with a steam press is an excellent method to slash your time spent ironing. Even a mid-range steam press can work to your advantage while still delivering an impeccable, wrinkle-free shine to your clothes. Larger items can be steamed too; to save even more time here, fold things such as sheets, tablecloths, and duvet covers in half. Most presses will have the option of multiple levels of steam to release even the most stubborn, longest-lasting of creases.
Make sure your ironing board is top-notch
If you are using steam and still finding that your ironing is consuming too much time, your ironing board cover may be the culprit. If it is time to upgrade to a new cover, or even a new board altogether, opting for a reflective fabric can seriously aid in cutting down your time. Metallic, shiny, reflective fabrics direct steam and heat from your iron back into your fabric, making those creases fall out faster and easier.