Shake it out
Here’s a little trick to cut down on ironing time before you even plug in the iron: give your clothes a good shake right out of the washing machine or tumble dryer. This helps to smooth out some of the wrinkles before they take hold. The fewer creases you start with, the quicker the ironing will be!
Spritz stubborn wrinkles
For those particularly pesky wrinkles that just won’t budge, a little water spray can work wonders. Keep a spray bottle handy with a mix of water and a drop or two of fabric softener. Lightly mist the wrinkled area before you iron, and watch those creases disappear in half the time. Plus, your clothes will smell fresh and fabulous.
Sort by fabric type
This tip might sound a bit like extra work, but trust me, it’ll save you time in the long run. Sort your clothes by fabric type: start with the items that need a lower heat setting and work your way up to the ones that can handle more heat. This way, you won’t be fiddling with the temperature dial every few minutes, and you’ll get through your pile faster.
Iron in bulk - batch it up
If you’re someone who irons as you go, it might be time to change your routine to save time. Instead of dragging out the ironing board every day, try batching your ironing into one session. It’s more efficient, and you’ll get into a rhythm that’ll have you flying through the task.
Use the power of steam
Steam helps to relax the fabric fibres, making it easier to smooth out wrinkles. But here’s a little bonus tip: if you’re in a real hurry, hang your wrinkled item in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam from the shower will help to release some of the wrinkles, so you’ll need to do less ironing.
Invest in a good ironing board cover
This might seem like a small thing, but a high-quality ironing board cover can make a big difference. Look for one with a smooth surface and a bit of padding. It’ll help your iron glide more easily, and you’ll get a better press with less effort.
Master the art of ironing in layers
When you’re ironing something like a pair of trousers or a shirt with multiple layers, try ironing both layers at once. Fold the item neatly, making sure the layers are lined up, and then iron as usual. This can save you loads of time, especially with larger items.
You could also try placing aluminium foil between the item you are ironing and your ironing board (shiny side up). This reflects the heat of your iron, so you are effectively ironing both sides at once!
Beat the buttons
Instead of trying to negotiate your way around shirt buttons, flip it over so it is button-side down.
Pesky pleats
Ironing pleats can be a bit of a nightmare, so use bobby pins to keep them in place and make this job much easier.
Hang it up asap
Once you’ve finished ironing a piece of clothing, hang it up straight away. This might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how much time you can waste re-ironing things that have wrinkled again from being tossed on a chair or left in a pile.
Don't iron at all!
If you need to smooth out a few items of clothing that are only lightly wrinkled, skip the iron completely and use your dryer! Lightly spray everything with water and put them into the dryer. The heat will turn the water on your clothes into steam and the wrinkles will fall straight out! Alternatively, put a couple of ice cubes into the dryer with your clothes for the same result.
Wrinkle-resistant fabrics
If you’re really keen to cut down on ironing time, consider adding more wrinkle-resistant fabrics to your wardrobe. These modern miracles are designed to stay smooth and crease-free, even after washing. They’re perfect for busy folks who’d rather spend their time doing, well, anything other than ironing.
