The most universally disliked household chore is ironing. There’s no debate about it. Whether you tackle the task in bulk as the laundry comes from the line/dryer or as you need, it can sometimes feel like an unsurmountable task. Walking around in creased clothes isn’t an option though, so what do you do?
When you simply don’t feel like taking on the task, or if your iron has packed up, refer to this list of clever ironing alternatives:
Use a steamer
Handled clothes steamers are nifty devices, especially when you are travelling and need to straighten out creased clothes that have been stored in luggage.
Steamers help to remove large, obvious wrinkles without an iron. They work by emitting steam, which penetrates the fabric and relaxes the fibers. One downside though, especially with basic handheld steamers, is being splattered with hot water that occasionally spits out from the device. Be careful, stay on the safer end by investing in a steamer that isn’t the cheapest on the market.
Try: Philips Series 3000 100ml Handheld Steamer from Takealot for R910.00.
Pexels / Ron Lach
Try a hair dryer
If you don’t have a clothes steamer, which should be your first go-to when it comes to alternative ironing gadgets, you could also use a hair dryer to remove wrinkles. Hold the hair dryer at least 40 cm away from the wrinkled garment and move it back and forth. Working at downwards angle would be most efficient.
The heat from the hair dryer will help to relax the fibers and remove the wrinkles. On the other hand, don’t rely on a hair dryer to dry your clothes, this isn’t an efficient method.
Hang your clothes in the bathroom during a steamy shower
Hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower – the more steam, the better. This will help to remove some wrinkles from your clothes, but isn’t as effective as going in with a handheld steamer that helps you target creased areas.
Use wrinkle or crease release spray
Wrinkle release sprays are a temporary solution to wrinkles. They work by coating the fabric with a chemical that helps to smooth out the wrinkles. However, the spray won’t work on items that are made of 100% polyester. Polyester is a plastic-like substance that won’t absorb wrinkle release.
Pexels / Marsden Abucheri
Hang clothes properly
When you hang your clothes to air dry, ensure that you shake them out before lining them to curb nasty creases caused in the machine. Remember, don’t overstuff your washing machine – too many clothes packed in a tight space will cause wrinkles.
When hanging dry clothes up in the closet, they should be hung loosely to prevent wrinkles from forming. You can also use a garment bag to add a layer of protection from wrinkles.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Karolina Grabowska
