How to get wrinkles out without an iron: a step-by-step guide

Using your dryer to help remove wrinkles

One of the most effective tools for combating wrinkles is likely already in your laundry room. With the right approach, your dryer can help transform a creased garment into something smooth and ready to wear in minutes. This method is perfect for busy mornings when you discover a favorite shirt or a child's school uniform is wrinkled, and it's also a great solution if you've ever left clothes in the washer overnight and need to quickly freshen them up.

The core principle is using heat and moisture to relax fabric fibers, and your dryer is an expert at delivering both. Understanding how a dryer works can help you get the most out of your appliance. If your dryer has advanced steam or wrinkle settings, all you have to do is follow your user manual to activate these easy-to-use cycles. If you don’t have these handy settings, or an iron, try the steps below:

Removing wrinkles with your Dryer: A step-by-step Guide

Even without especially steam or wrinkle settings, your dryer may still be able to help you remove wrinkles in a pinch. Try the following steps and always check care labels first to be sure your garment can go in the dryer.

Step 1: Add a damp towel

To help create a steam-like environment right in your dryer, place the wrinkled garment inside the dryer drum along with a clean, damp towel. The towel should be moist, not soaking wet, to avoid saturating the clothes. A single damp hand towel or washcloth is often the perfect size for de-wrinking one or two items of clothing.

Step 2: Add dryer balls

To enhance the process, toss in a few wool dryer balls. As the dryer tumbles, these balls help to separate the clothing, allowing the warm, moist air to circulate more freely. This is especially helpful in a properly sized load, and you can consult a laundry sizing guide to ensure you're not overloading the machine. This action can help to fluff the fabric and physically smooth out creases, speeding up the de-wrinking process.

Step 3: Run a short cycle

Set your dryer to a medium or high heat setting and let it run for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is typically long enough for the moisture from the towel to turn to steam and work its “magic” on the wrinkled fabric. Be mindful of the fabric type; delicate items may require a lower heat setting, so always check the care tag and follow the various laundry care symbols to help prevent damage. If you find your clothes are still damp, there could be a few reasons why your dryer is not drying properly.

Step 4: Remove Immediately

This step is crucial for success. As soon as the cycle finishes, remove the garment from the dryer immediately. The warmth and moisture will have helped relax the wrinkles, but leaving the item in a heap in the dryer can sometimes cause new wrinkles to set as the garment cools. Instead, hang it promptly on a hanger or put it on right away to help ensure it stays as smooth as possible.

Elevate the process with advanced dryer settings

Today, many laundry appliances are engineered with advanced washer and dryer features specifically designed to help tackle tasks like wrinkle removal, saving you time and the effort of battling with your ironing board. Many steam dryers offer specialized settings that work to relax fibers and help smooth out stubborn wrinkles. The steam also helps to refresh clothes, helping to reduce light odors and making them feel fresher. Specific cycles, often called "Refresh" or "Steam Refresh," are designed expressly for this purpose. They are a great solution for quickly reviving a garment that has been sitting on a shelf or in a drawer for a long time (musty pillowcases anyone?) or for quickly preparing an item for wear without needing a full wash.

On select Whirlpool^® Dryers such as this model, The Wrinkle Shield™ Option helps keep wrinkles from setting into dry clothes. It works by continuing to tumble the load intermittently after the cycle has ended. This is particularly useful for those times when you can't get to the dryer to unload it right away. This extended tumbling helps keep the clothes from settling and creasing, giving you a longer window to retrieve them.

For even more wrinkle-fighting power, the Wrinkle Shield™ Plus Option with Steam on various Whirlpool^® Dryers such as this one, uses a combination of tumbling and steam for up to two and a half hours after the cycle ends or until you open the dryer door for improved wrinkle-fighting performance.

Shop Whirlpool^® Dryers that help you battle wrinkles

Whirlpool brand offers dryers equipped with the Wrinkle Shield™ Option, the Wrinkle Shield™ Plus Option with Steam, and other various specialty steam options such as the Steam Refresh Cycle, which uses water and heat to get clothes ready to wear without rewashing. These features provide you with an arsenal of tools to battle wrinkles without an iron, giving you more time for the things that matter most.

Two other ways to handle wrinkles on the go

While the dryer is a powerful tool at home, wrinkles can also appear when you're traveling or away from your laundry room and iron. Here are two other simple possible ways to remove wrinkles without an iron when you're in a pinch.

The shower steam method

This is a classic and somewhat effective trick for travelers. The steam from a hot shower can sometimes work to gently relax the fibers of a garment. If you’re wondering how to get wrinkles out of a dress or shirt, try running a hot shower and hanging the wrinkled item on a hanger from the shower rod or a hook as close as possible without it getting splashed. Close the bathroom door and any windows to help trap the steam, and give it 10 to 15 minutes (or longer) to help soften the wrinkles. This method isn’t always effective against severe wrinkles or with certain kinds of fabrics.

Wrinkle-release spray

If you’re looking for ways to remove wrinkles in a hurry, a wrinkle-release spray may be an option. While you can buy these sprays in stores, you can also make your own at home. In a clean spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water with one teaspoon of liquid fabric softener. Shake the bottle well, hang the garment, and lightly spray the wrinkled areas. Gently tug and smooth the fabric with your hands, and the wrinkles should fade as it dries. Always test the spray on a small, hidden part of the garment first to ensure it doesn't cause spotting and always check your care labels first.

Shop Whirlpool^® Gas Dryers

Experience powerful and effective drying with Whirlpool brand’s lineup of gas dryers. Engineered for performance, these appliances provide the power needed to tackle large loads and bulky items. Select models feature steam-enhanced cycles and options to help prevent wrinkles, refresh clothes and reduce static, so your clothes come out looking their best.

Frequently asked questions about wrinkle removal

When it comes to how to get rid of wrinkles without an iron, there are a few common questions that often come up. Understanding the details behind these popular methods can help you choose the best technique for your situation.

What is the easiest way to get wrinkles out of clothes?

The easiest way to get wrinkles out of clothes is by using a steam setting on your dryer. A steam cycle works to quickly relax fabric fibers to smooth out wrinkles with minimal effort. Simply place the item inside, select the cycle, and let the appliance do the work for you, saving valuable time.

Does steaming clothes in the shower work?

Steaming clothes in the shower can work for light wrinkles. In general, warm, moist air penetrates fabric fibers, causing them to relax and release creases. However, it depends on the severity of the wrinkles, the type of fabric and the size of the bathroom. So, although it may be a useful option in a pinch for people such as travelers or when you don't have access to a dryer, steamer or iron, this technique may not be the best way to remove wrinkles.

Do dryer sheets help with wrinkles?

Dryer sheets can help reduce static cling, which can help make clothes less likely to bunch up and form wrinkles in the dryer. So, in essence, while dryer sheets don't actively remove wrinkles, they contribute to a smoother result by softening fabrics and minimizing static. For optimal results, use them in a properly sized load and remove clothes from the dryer promptly when they are done.

Is it better to iron or steam clothes?

Steaming, such as in a dryer, is generally considered better for delicate fabrics, refreshing clothes and quickly removing light wrinkles. However, it depends on the situation and the fabric involved. Ironing tends to provide a crisper, more pressed finish, making it ideal for items like dress shirts and pants. For everyday wrinkle removal without the risk of scorching, steaming can often be the superior choice.

• Steaming: This method is gentle on fabrics because it doesn't involve direct, high-heat contact. It's fast and particularly effective for some delicate materials like silk, chiffon and synthetics that could be damaged by an iron. Steam is also excellent for refreshing garments and helping to reduce odors between washes.

• Ironing: An iron uses direct heat and pressure to flatten fabric fibers, creating sharp, defined creases. This makes it the best choice for achieving a crisp collar, sharp pleats, or a perfectly pressed look on structured garments made from cotton or linen. However, it takes more time and work from you, whereas a steam dryer cycle can run while you get other things done.

Shop Whirlpool^® Electric Dryers

Whirlpool^® Electric Dryers are designed with busy families in mind, offering convenient controls that help you manage laundry day. With select models offering spacious capacities and features that help you target wrinkles, you can provide the best care for your family’s clothes. Select Whirlpool® Dryers help you release wrinkles with the Steam Refresh Cycle, which uses water and heat to get clothes ready to wear without rewashing