I want to avoid ironing!

Roberta1

Hello All,

As ironing is the household job I really hate with a passion, I have decided to only iron the mininum now.

I was wondering if there was a particular fabric conditioner people could recommend which is good for producing crease free clothes from the washing machine?

Thanks,
Roberta

nonnatus

Hi Roberta,

I don't iron anything. I found that investing in a tumble dryer, folding the clothes as soon as they're dry, and getting rid of the husband who wore the shirts were the most practical tips .

If you feel any of those are a bit extreme for you, I believe Comfort do an "easy-iron" softener, but i'm not sure how effective it is...

murphydog999

can't advise on conditioner - I don't use it very often, don't think it's very MSE - I find taking the washing out of the machine so soon as it is done, and giving it a good shake and re-shape before hanging, eliminates the majority of creases.

Tucker

As a single dad of two young ones, I too gave up the ironing and now either hang up clothes straight out of the wash or hang them as soon as they come out of the dryer and 95% of the time I get away with it!!

I also now buy clothes based on what will be low maintenance!!

Anything that looks like it will crease like mad........ stays in the shop!

pinkteapot

I haven't found any particular fabric conditioner makes the difference, but I'd say the following:

1) Wash smaller loads - if the washing machine is crammed full the clothes will be more creased

2) Give everything a really good shake/pull when it comes out of the machine, and dry it outdoors whenever possible. Clothes that have had a good blow on the line are always less creased.

3) Change your wardrobe! Most of what we wear is now outdoor gear which is fab as it dries incredibly fast and never needs ironing. The only thing I iron is bedding and the husband's work shirts. Different fabrics do crease less (cotton is about the worst) so when you buy clothes in the future, consider their crumple-factor.

maryjanell79

I haven't done any ironing in years!

I hang everything as soon as the machine is done and most of the creases drop out as it dries or give it a quick 10-15 minute blast in the tumble dryer to get rid of the tricky creases before hanging

markdavey

+1 we don't iron anything apart from DD's damn Summer School dresses which seem to crease no matter what you do with them. We use Lenor but I don't believe that has a bearing on it. My advice is to use a lower spin speed (I never use above 800 for clothes, towels get the full 1400 spin but then who worries about creased towels!) and, as above, don't overload the washing machine. Remove the clothes promptly and air dry.

I buy 'non iron' shirts and while you don't get that hard crease down the arms, there's not much difference between them and normal shirts once you have been wearing them for a couple of hours under a jacket.

auntymabel

I use Comfort and line dry. Fold or hang as soon as clothes are washed. If you can't take the plunge and not iron everything try not doing a few things at a time.

Therese1

I gave away my iron and board many years ago! I make sure I am always around to empty the machine as soon as its finished (if not it gets another quick rinse and spin!). a good shake and hang up means no ironing needed. I don't use any conditioner.

If anything desperately needs fixed a quick blast with the hair dryer works a treat!

Many friends are jealous but just don't have the guts to copy me!!

Welsh_Totster

We use comfort but I don't think it matters, we line dry as soon as stuff is washed and 95% of stuff doesn't need ironing. What does require ironing is kept until there's a basket full and then it gets steam pressed, we don't own an iron, we have a proper steam press which takes no time at all!

Avoriaz

What is this "Ironing" thing?