Start with the wash
The secret to easier ironing begins in the laundry. When the machine’s too full, clothes can’t move freely, so they come out super wrinkled. Wash smaller loads and take things out as soon as the cycle finishes. Give each item a quick shake before hanging it up or tossing it in the dryer - it only takes seconds, but it’ll save you plenty of time later.
A little moisture helps
Clothes that are slightly damp are much easier to iron. That bit of moisture softens the fibres and lets the iron glide more smoothly. If everything’s already bone-dry, give it a light mist with water or use your iron’s spray setting. You’ll spend less time going over the same area again and again.
Let heat work twice as hard
For a nifty shortcut, slip a sheet of aluminium foil under your ironing board cover, shiny side up. The foil reflects heat back through your clothes so you’re effectively pressing both sides at once. It’s a tiny change that makes a noticeable difference, especially when you’ve got a pile to get through.
Skip the iron altogether (sometimes)
If you’re staring at a crumpled shirt and can’t face plugging in the iron, spray it with a little water and pop it in the dryer for five minutes. The combination of moisture and warm air will smooth out light wrinkles nicely. Hang it straight up and you might not need to iron it at all.
Add a soft touch
A dash of fabric softener in the wash - or a dryer sheet when tumble-drying - helps relax stubborn creases. It keeps fabrics feeling soft and smelling fresh, too.
Steam it
If you’ve got an outfit that just needs a quick freshen-up, hang it in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will ease out small wrinkles while you go about your morning routine. It’s a simple trick that saves time.
Hang and store smart
Once you’ve done the hard work, don’t undo it by stuffing everything into an overcrowded wardrobe. Hang clothes straight away and leave enough space for them to breathe. It’ll stop new creases from forming and keep everything looking neat for longer.
