It seems like today there are too many piles of dirty clothes & not enough maids to wash & iron them all. If you're still looking for your ironing maid and want to avoid pressing them all by yourself, maybe this will help.
Here are my strategies for AVOIDING IRONING AT ALL COSTS:
First, if at all possible, fold the laundry as soon as it is finished drying. We all know this is the ideal, but have you ever thought about how much time it actually saves you in de-wrinkling clothes? Remember, the heavier/fuller the load, and the more compacted it is in that small laundry basket, the more wrinkles.
(Heavy/full load + stuffed into laundry basket = LOTS of Wrinkles) If you can fold straight out of the dryer, this really is the best strategy.
When that's not possible-
- Lay out items that are most important. For instance, lay out shirts flat on the bed until later and leave socks or washcloths to be folded later.
- Fold the clothes as you take them out of the dryer. It doesn't (usually) take more than 5 minutes and then the next load is ready to get started. *Note- this works best when the load isn't overly full and/or hasn't sat for days at a time. (Sigh, maybe next time!)
- Put a damp (not soaking wet) towel in the dryer with the wrinkled clothes & run for about 10 minutes. This may take a few more minutes depending on how full your load is.
- Here's one of my favorites! If you haven't tried Downy Wrinkle Releaser, you're really missing out! This is great for T-shirts that have been crumpled in the bottom of a suitcase or "folded" in your child's drawer. It's usually under $4 for a bottle that should last several to 6 months. You spray it on the fabric, smooth it out, and let it dry. Ta da! No wrinkles & it smells Downy fresh. :) *Note, not a miracle for button-down shirts, but great for cottons! (We usually spray it on as we're running out the door & by the time we're at our destination- less than 15 min.- it's dry and wrinkle-free.)
- For all you working moms- what about washing a load in the morning before you leave the house & then putting it in the dryer when you get home? That gives you about an hour to finish dinner, etc. before folding time. If you're really feeling motivated, you can throw another load in the washer when the first goes in the dryer and get 2 done in one night. Just think how free your weekends will be with just one load behind you each night! I'm seeing fun-filled days of picnics, walks in the park, and movie dates in your future! :)
Sometimes, with a little organization, you can avoid more work in the end. Keep it up, get creative, and keep trying to Get it All Together.
Care to share your solutions for avoiding the "pressing" work at hand?
Down wrinkle release saved me when i was waiting tables. I use it on the girls' dresses, as well.
ReplyDeleteAlso - hanging the lighter items in a steamy bathroom while you're showering works wonders.
When all else fails, and you don't have time to fold because you've only got two hands and they're occupied with the baby, dinner, and the dishes - use your older children to fold.