Many people pull a favourite shirt from the airer only to find it as crumpled as yesterday’s newspaper. However, most creases are avoidable, according to Noor de Swart, founder and CEO of Super Label Store. She says the solutions are simpler than many expect and do not require an iron.
Timing is the main cause of creases
De Swart says the biggest issue is how long clothes sit after washing. “Timing. 9 times out of 10, that is the whole problem,” she says. “Wet fabric holds the shape of whatever it has been squashed against in the drum, and once a load sits there for twenty minutes after the spin stops those folds are practically etched in.”
Overloading the machine also contributes to wrinkling, as clothes cannot move freely and become tightly bundled.
“Pulling a load out within a few minutes of the spin finishing is the single most effective thing you can do,” she notes.
Fabric type affects wrinkling
Different materials crease differently. Cotton and linen are more prone to wrinkles due to their structure.
“Their plant-based structure soaks up water like a sponge and then reshapes as it dries, which is why a linen shirt fresh off the line looks like it has been slept in,” De Swart explains.
Synthetic blends tend to hold their shape better, while silk requires extra care. “Lay it flat on a clean towel and walk away, because one peg on a washing line is enough to leave a crease that no amount of steaming will shift,” she advises.
How to hang clothes properly
The way clothes are handled after washing can prevent wrinkles from setting.
“The first thing to do when you pull anything out of the machine is give it a proper shake, holding the garment at the seams and snapping it taut,” she explains.
This helps relax fibres and remove creases formed during spinning. Shirts and blouses should be placed on hangers rather than pegged, as pegging at the shoulders can leave marks and distort their shape. Jeans, meanwhile, can be pegged at the waistband and smoothed flat by hand.
For wrinkle-prone fabrics, slightly damp drying is best. “When fabrics dry completely from a soaking wet state, they often dry with deep-set wrinkles. The optimal dampness level is when clothes feel cool to the touch but don’t release water when squeezed.”
She also recommends smoothing garments by hand. This technique works well because, as De Swart explains, fabric responds to the natural heat from hands, which helps relax fibres.
A simple household solution
Adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help reduce wrinkles. “Vinegar breaks down detergent residue that can make fabrics stiff and more prone to wrinkling. You may be wary of this technique, but I guarantee you won’t smell the vinegar once clothes are dry.”
Using a tumble dryer effectively
A tumble dryer can help prevent wrinkles if used correctly. De Swart advises against overloading the drum, as clothes need space to move freely. She also recommends using low or medium heat instead of high heat, which can set wrinkles into fabric.
“The most important bit, frankly, is pulling things out while they are still a touch damp; over-dry them and the creases bake into the fabric permanently, at which point you are reaching for the iron whether you like it or not,” De Swart explains.
She also suggests adding a damp washcloth to the dryer. “The small amount of steam helps release creases without damaging fabrics.”
Fixing wrinkles without ironing
For already wrinkled clothes, steam can help. “If you need to quickly de-wrinkle something, hang it in your bathroom during a hot shower. The steam helps de-wrinkle some already dried clothes, and it works wonders with delicate fabrics,” she says.
A spray bottle can also be effective. Mist the garment, stretch it gently, and leave it for ten minutes. Heavier fabrics may need a short tumble with a damp cloth to loosen creases.
Storage matters too
Preventing wrinkles continues after drying. De Swart recommends rolling certain items instead of folding.
“T-shirts, casual trousers, and knit fabrics actually store better when rolled, as this technique prevents hard creases from forming along fold lines,” she explains.
For shirts stored on hangers, fastening the top button helps maintain the collar shape and allows gravity to reduce wrinkles naturally.
Practical steps reduce ironing
These methods, based on fabric care principles, can significantly reduce the need for ironing while extending the life of garments. Experts agree that removing clothes promptly from the washing machine, shaking them out, and drying them properly are among the most reliable ways to keep fabrics smooth.