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5 ways to iron without an iron
From steamy showers to crease release sprays, we bring together ways to banish wrinkles without an iron. Plus, the hacks that you should avoid...
It’s no secret that ironing is an unpopular chore – a recent Which? survey found that 26% of respondents don't iron because they simply don't like it.
So how do you tackle creases without getting the ironing board out? In our survey, 18% of respondents said they buy fabrics that don't crease, such as wool, polyester, nylon or lyocell. But the reality is that you will need to tackle creases at some point – even if it's just for a rare formal occasion like a wedding.
So, if you're travelling, pushed for time, or simply can't or won't iron, how do you get creases out of your clothes? We've combined our expert knowledge with the experience of Which? members to offer up the five best ways to iron without an iron.
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1. Steam your clothes in the shower
The old steamy shower trick is a well-known solution, and 11% of respondents said they used this method.
Close your bathroom window and run the shower as hot as possible. Hang your creased clothes on the shower curtain rail, from the front of the shower door, or in a place where they will get steamed but not wet. You can also use your hands to help smooth out the clothes.
Although this won't get rid of deeper creases, most wrinkles should drop out.
Just remember to air out the bathroom thoroughly afterwards to get rid of the condensation, which can cause mould.
2. Use a clothes steamer
A clothes steamer is a handy alternative to an iron, and it's ideal for a quick fix to remove stubborn creases when you don't have time to set up the ironing board.
8% of respondents to our survey have used this method instead of ironing.
The average price of models we've tested is around £50. Upright models, which usually deliver more steam and can handle larger loads, will cost more.
If you're considering getting one, read our guide to the best clothes steamers.
3. Try a crease release spray
It might sound too good to be true, but crease release sprays claim to get rid of wrinkles without any fuss. Most cost less than £3 per bottle.
You simply spray the fabric and smooth and pull the garment to help work the creases out – but be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Some have warned that crease release sprays leave a slippery mess on hard floors, so put down a towel, or spray them outdoors, to avoid creating a hazard and ruining your floors.
A few of our survey respondents said they used a crease release spray. Others said they did the same thing simply using a water spray.
4. Use the vertical steam function
While this isn't an iron-free hack, the vertical steam function that comes with most irons is handy if you're in a hurry – and means you don't need to bother setting up the ironing board.
The function allows you to tackle creases while your clothes are still on the hanger – just hang them from a door or in front of the wardrobe. Fill the water tank as usual and then initiate the vertical steam mode. But do take care not to burn yourself.
5. Try an ironing service
Probably the best way to get top results without putting in any effort is to use an ironing service.
The cost will vary based on the type of clothing, but prices can start from as little as £2 for a shirt, and many services offer better prices per item if you drop off a bundle of five or 10 shirts, or a whole laundry load.
As a long-term solution, it's not cheap, but it can be very convenient – especially if you use a service that will collect your ironing and drop it off again afterwards.
Should you still get a steam iron?
Ultimately, if you want the sharpest-looking clothes, then it's hard to beat a steam iron.
We've tested many steam irons and have found that the best models take the heavy lifting out of ironing.
And they're a pretty budget-friendly appliance. We've found Best Buy steam irons for around £50 and Great Value steam irons for around half that price.
Understanding how to iron properly can help you get the job done much more quickly – read 5 ways to make ironing easier.
Before you buy, check out the best steam irons according to our tests.
Could the latest innovations in garment care, such as automated ironing machines, replace the iron altogether? Read 'The future of ironing' to find out
3 ironing hacks you should never try
Using hair straighteners
Some survey respondents used this method to remove creases, but you should never use hair straighteners to tackle creases. Hair straighteners aren't designed for use on fabrics, which means they might melt cotton fibres or burn through more delicate materials.
You also risk transferring sticky deposits from hair products to your clothes.
In the market for new straighteners? We've tested models from £25 to £400 to find the best hair straighteners
Smoothing your clothes with a pot of hot water
Some respondents (2%) suggested filling a pot with boiling water and using it to smooth creases like an iron. This sounds heavy and cumbersome, and there's a risk of scalding yourself, so we wouldn't recommend this method.
Plus, unless your pans are spotless underneath (and let's be honest, whose are?) there's a good chance you'll stain your clothes with rust and dried-on grime.
Spraying vinegar on creases
If you ask the internet, vinegar is the answer to everything. But unless you want to smell like battered cod, there's no good reason to spray vinegar on your clothes.
In fact, it's more likely to damage fabrics than freshen them.
Find out what else you really shouldn't clean with vinegar.
