There are a number of strategies to stop using the iron and save time and effort.
Ironing one’s clothes is one of those household chores that many would prefer to avoid. Although having smooth, wrinkle-free clothes is synonymous with good looks, the ironing process can be very time-consuming.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the appearance of wrinkles in clothes without resorting to ironing. José, a men’s fashion expert with more than 236,000 followers on TikTok, has shared in one of his videos the key tricks for keeping clothes wrinkle-free from the washing machine.
Choosing the right fabrics from the moment you buy
José’s first piece of advice starts at the moment you buy your clothes. Not all fabrics react the same to washing and drying, so choosing the right materials can make a big difference.
Fabrics with at least 25% synthetic fiber wrinkle less. Materials such as polyester, viscose or a blend of cotton and elastane are options that help keep garments smoother without the need for ironing. On the other hand, 100% natural cotton, provided it is of good quality, can also be kept without many wrinkles after washing. On the other hand, fabrics such as linen or low-quality cotton tend to wrinkle easily and will require more care if you want to avoid ironing.
Place clothes correctly in the washing machine
It is not only the type of fabric that influences the amount of creasing, but also the way in which the clothes are put into the washing machine. José recommends not putting the clothes in at random, as if they go in already creased, the spin cycle will only make the situation worse.
Instead, he suggests placing the clothes in a certain order, without making balls or wrinkling them excessively. It is not necessary to fold them completely, but it is important to make sure they are relatively organized before starting the wash. In addition, choosing a program with a low spin speed helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, since a spin cycle that is too strong can leave the clothes completely shrunk and wrinkled.
Hanging up properly to avoid creases
One of the most important aspects of avoiding ironing is the way in which clothes are hung up after washing. According to José, stretching the clothes well before hanging them up makes a big difference.
The key is to shake and smooth each item of clothing before hanging it up. Once laid out, clips should be placed at the ends, making sure that the garment is as smooth as possible. For shirts and blouses, using hangers instead of hanging them with clips can also help them dry in a more natural way and without creases. Leaving clothes well stretched while drying will prevent deep creases from forming which will be difficult to remove later.
Fold clothes well to avoid wrinkles later
The last step in forgetting about the iron is when folding and storing clothes. José recommends doing it on a flat surface, stretching the garment well with your hands before folding it carefully. This simple gesture helps to eliminate small creases and keeps clothes in better condition in the wardrobe.
It is also important not to overload the drawers or shelves where clothes are stored. If the garments are too tightly packed, they are likely to end up with new creases. Organizing the wardrobe so that clothes have enough space to keep their natural shape is an additional trick to prevent them from becoming misshapen and creased again.
Eliminating ironing from the routine is not an impossible task if you follow a few simple tricks from the moment you buy the clothes to the moment you put them away. Choosing fabrics that are less prone to creasing, putting clothes in the washing machine in an orderly fashion, selecting low-speed programs, hanging them up correctly and folding them carefully are key strategies for keeping clothes in good condition without using an iron.
