For those of us who live in small houses or who try to avoid unnecessary items taking up room our homes, owning an ironing board can seem like a waste of space.
The most well-organized among us plan an ironing day and then fold up and tuck away their ironing board until the next week. If you're not the type to do all of your ironing in one day but still want your clothes to be tidy and wrinkle free, you have other options. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to de-wrinkle your clothing without having to lug around an ironing board.
Quick fixes
If you don't want to go out and buy anything new to iron your clothes, you're in luck. Many thrifty homeowners have discovered ways to de-wrinkle their clothes quickly or on-the-go. Some of the most effective:- Steamy bathroom. If you're getting ready for work in the morning but notice your clothes are wrinkled before you hop in the shower you can use the steam from your shower to de-wrinkle them. Don't turn on the fan or open any windows and make sure the water is hot enough to create a lot of steam. Hang up your clothes on the shower rod or on a coat hanger that's hanging on the rod. Make sure they're not near the water because you don't want your clothes actually getting wet. The steam will take 10-15 minutes to fully de-wrinkle your clothes.
- Hair dryer. If you only have a few wrinkles on your shirt that you need to get out the hair dryer method is a great quick fix. Lay the piece of clothing down on a clean surface, and use the hair dryer on the hottest setting for a few seconds, moving it up and down the wrinkled area. Don't use this method excessively because you can easily damage some fabrics. For a stubborn wrinkle, try dabbing it with a wet towel before hair drying it.
- Moist towel. If you have an hour or so before you need to leave the house but need to de-wrinkle your clothes, the wet towel method is a good solution. Dampen a towel with hot water and lay it out over the wrinkled article of clothing. Make sure the clothes doesn't have any folds or creases. Remove it after a few minutes and hang up your clothes for at least 20 minutes to dry them out.
Ironing board alternatives
If you're looking for a more permanent solution to your wrinkle problem, these methods have you covered.- Wrinkle remover spray. Many stores sell a wrinkle-releasing spray that you can use on your clothes. Alternatively, you can mix your own by using a water-vinegar solution.
- Dryer to hanger. The best way to avoid wrinkles is to take your clothes out of the dry immediately when the cycle finishes and hang them up. For t-shirts and pants, neatly rolling them and storing them in your drawers will keep them from getting wrinkled.
- Invest in an ironing pad. If your main objection to ironing is the board itself, many stores sell small, roll-up pads that you can put on top of most surfaces to do your ironing.
- Garment steamer. The steam method has been perfected and mass-produced in the form of garment steamers. Simply hang up your clothes and run the steamer over them to release wrinkles.
About the Author
Natalia San Filippo
Greetings from beautiful Naples Florida! Having grown up in Siberia, in a challenging environment I have a deep appreciation of our wonderful Southwest Florida climate and lifestyle. The journey that led me here has fueled my drive to be the best at everything I attempt. My natural enthusiasm for my work is contagious, and clients know that I am "giving my all”. My deep dedication to my family that includes my two adult children and my four fabulous grandchildren. My family reminds me every day that considering family first in one’s life requires an exceptional "home base” for everyone to gather for events and holidays. Everything in my life has equipped me to be a fabulous realtor at Premiere Plus Realty. Naples is cosmopolitan and international harmonious environment, positive energy and lifestyle. As a certified yoga instructor, I believe in and understand the importance of balance in one’s life. It’s through my yoga practice that I have achieved peace and harmony in my life. It’s this peace, harmony, and enthusiasm that I wish to pass to my clients. My goal is to continue to serve you!!! It is my mission! It is my goal! Let’s get to work together! Natalia Realtor, specializing in Residential sales, New construction, seasonal rental, VA homes, First home buyers, listings, sales. Member of Miami and Stella MLS. I service Naples, Bonita Estero, Marco Island & Ft. Meyer's as well as SW Florida. I appreciate referrals and I help with referrals in other States.