How to Keep Clothes From Wrinkling (So You'll Never Have to Iron Again)

A few preventative measures could save you so much time when getting ready.

If you prefer your clothing to be super crisp and wrinkle-free , then ironing is probably a part of your daily routine. But what if we told you it doesn't have to be? Instead of spending your precious time ironing when you're already in a rush and hurrying to get ready , you could make a few strategic changes that will help prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. So, here are several ways to keep your clothes from getting wrinkled, so you don't have to waste your time ironing.

Meet the Experts

• Zachary Pozniak , COO of dry cleaning company Jeeves New York and author of The Laundry Book
• Hannah Yokoji , head of marketing at The Laundress

Use the Proper Washing Machine Cycle

Zachary Pozniak, COO of Jeeves New York, explains that choosing the right cycle is an easy way to prevent your clothing from becoming wrinkled. “For most natural fibers, like cotton, the normal or express cycle will be fine, but the permanent press or delicate cycle should be used for synthetics and delicate garments," he says. "These cycles use less mechanical action—rubbing and tumbling—plus slower extraction speeds.”

Choose the Right Dryer Cycle

According to Hannah Yokoji, head of marketing at The Laundress, going with the correct dryer cycle can also kick wrinkles to the curb before they start to show up. “Always check your garment’s tag and select a dry cycle appropriate for the fabric type," she says. "For example, cotton can withstand a normal cycle with higher temperatures and spin, while a delicate blouse may require a no-heat, low-tumble setting.”

Stop Stuffing Every Item of Clothing in Your Dryer

If you have a washing machine that’s larger than your dryer, more often than not, you probably overfill your dryer. This can result in a load of clothing that looks less than fresh. “Avoid overstuffing the machine, as items need room to move around to properly de-wrinkle,” says Yokoji.

Avoid Timed Dryer Cycles

While it might sound convenient to stick your clothes in the dryer for a specified period of time, this is an easy way to accidentally over dry your clothing. Pozniak recommends avoiding the timed dry option and instead using tumble dry cycles that use a sensor. “Modern dryers have moisture sensors that stop the drying process once most of the water is gone," he says. "This will also help prevent static. Static can only exist when all moisture is gone from a garment. This is why clothes may have static when you pick them up but no longer do once you put them on.”

Use Dryer Balls

Swap out those disposable dryer sheets for wool or acrylic dryer balls. “This keeps items from bunching up in the dryer and is especially helpful for large items like bedding, outerwear, and towels," Pozniak says.

Don’t Let Your Clothing Dry All the Way

Pozniak suggests pulling out items that tend to wrinkle while they are just the slightest bit damp. “This should prevent static and wrinkling,” he says. Then, you can hang these items to dry the rest of the way.

Reshape Your Garments

Even air-dried clothing can wrinkle on a hanger. But Yokoji tells me this is preventable. “If letting items air dry, use your hands to gently press and reshape garments before hanging or laying flat for smoother drying results.”

Try A Fabric Spray

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to prevent wrinkles, they happen anyway. Some garments are just prone to this issue. If that’s the case, Yokoji recommends trying a fabric spray formulated specifically for this purpose. Wrinkle-releasing sprays work by adding moisture to a garment to smooth out wrinkles, and they can be an effective option when you're in a pinch.

Related: 10 Genius Ways to Get Wrinkles Out of Your Clothes Without an Iron

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