Wrinkles and creases in clothes are a common problem, especially after washing. Fortunately, there are many ways to quickly and effectively smooth them out without having to spend hours at the ironing board. Here are the best methods to remove wrinkles and restore the perfect look to your clothes.
1. Traditional ironing
Ironing is the most common way to remove creases. To get the best results, it is worth adjusting the temperature of the iron to the type of fabric.
- Set the right temperature : Before ironing, check the garment label to determine the correct temperature. Synthetics and delicate fabrics require a low temperature, while cotton and linen can be ironed at higher settings.
- Use the steam function : If your iron has a steam function, use it to help smooth out even stubborn creases.
- Moisten your garment : Spray your garment with a fine mist of water before ironing to help relax the fibres and make ironing easier.
2. Garment steamer
A garment steamer is a great alternative to an iron, especially for delicate fabrics that may be sensitive to direct contact with a hot surface.
- Set the right temperature : Most steamers have adjustable temperatures, so adjust it to suit the fabric you want to smooth.
- Vertical smoothing : Hold the steamer vertically and move it across the garment, holding it a few inches away. The steam will help soften the fibers, which will help to remove creases.
- Quick results : Steamers are great for clothes that are hung on a hanger, such as shirts, dresses or jackets.
3. Steam ironing in the bathroom
If you don't have access to an iron or steamer, you can use the hot steam from the shower to smooth out creases.
- Hang clothes in the bathroom : Hang clothes on a hanger in the bathroom so that they do not touch the walls or other surfaces.
- Run a hot shower : Leave the hot water in the shower for a few minutes to allow the steam to saturate the air. Keep the bathroom door closed to prevent steam from escaping.
- Wait a few minutes : Leave the garment in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes. The steam will help loosen the fibers and remove most of the creases. Once you're done, air out the bathroom and leave the garment to air dry.
4. Tumble Dryer with Ice Cubes
A tumble dryer can be helpful in removing creases, especially if you have a gentle steam drying function.
- Add some ice cubes : Place the garment in the dryer and add a few ice cubes. As it dries, the ice will melt, releasing steam that will help straighten the fibers.
- Set a short cycle : Select a short drying cycle at a low temperature to avoid overheating fabrics.
- Quick remove : Remove garments immediately after the cycle ends to avoid new creases forming.
5. Moisturizing and drying on a hanger
The wetting and drying on a hanger method is simple and very effective, especially for lightweight materials such as cotton, linen or viscose.
- Spray with water : Spray the garment with a light mist of water, paying particular attention to areas where wrinkles have appeared.
- Smooth by hand : Gently stretch the material where it is wrinkled to return the fibers to their original shape.
- Hang on a hanger : Hang the garment on a hanger and let it dry. Gravity will help straighten the fabric and the garment will look better.
6. Travel iron or small travel iron
Travel irons are small but effective and work great on delicate creases. They take up little space and are easy to take with you when you travel.
- Set the temperature low : A travel iron works similarly to a traditional iron, but has a smaller surface. Set it to the appropriate temperature.
- Gentle ironing : Iron out creases using light pressure. Its small size allows you to precisely smooth out fabric, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as collars or cuffs.
7. Kitchen rolling pin
If you don't have access to an iron or steamer, you can use a kitchen roller to smooth out any minor creases in your clothing.
- Moisten your clothing : Spray the clothing with water, focusing on the areas that are most wrinkled.
- Roll the roller over the material : Place the garment on a flat surface, then gently roll the roller over the material, as if you were rolling out pastry. This can smooth out creases and improve the appearance of the garment.
8. Wet wipes
Wet wipes can be used as a quick way to smooth out clothes, especially when you need a quick fix.
- Rub out creases : Rub out creases with a damp cloth, pressing lightly into the fabric.
- Smooth by hand : After rubbing, stretch the material with your hands to give it the desired shape.
- Leave to dry : Place the garment on a hanger and leave to dry. The wet cloth gently loosens the fibers, which helps to smooth quickly.
9. Proper washing and drying for prevention
To avoid creasing, it is worth following a few simple rules when washing and drying clothes:
- Washing on a delicate programme : The delicate programme reduces the risk of creasing, especially with delicate fabrics.
- Don't overfill your washing machine : Too many clothes in the washing machine cause them to crease. Leave some space in the drum so that clothes can move freely.
- Remove clothes immediately after washing : Leaving clothes in the washing machine for too long after the cycle is over encourages creasing. Remove them as soon as possible and hang them up on a hanger.
With these simple and effective methods, you can easily remove creases from your clothes after washing, and also prevent them from forming.