On the list of dreaded household chores, ironing clothes falls somewhere in between cleaning the toilet and taking the bins out. After all, the process—setting up the board, waiting for the iron to heat up and meticulously going over every inch of fabric to get rid of those creases—is both time-consuming and tedious. And when you're rushing to get ready in the mornings, it's hardly ideal. There are some tricks we've learned about how to get ready quickly in the morning, but ironing clothes is not something we'd found out how to hack—until now.
Instead of bringing out the iron again, there are some effective alternatives to ironing when you just don't feel like dealing with all the hassle, or (even better) when you're travelling and don't even have access to the device. To help you do this, we've found five clever ways to de-crease clothes without having to use an iron that will guarantee you wrinkle-free clothes every time. Yes, this does mean an extra 10 minutes in bed.
Keep scrolling to read the hacks we rate, plus a few products you'll need to do them.
#1: Flatten with a damp towel
You can try this simple, convenient trick even when you're not at home. For best results, lay your wrinkled item on a flat surface and put a damp cloth towel (or if that isn't an option, a paper towel) on top of it. Press down and smooth out the creased area. Let it dry and you're all set!
#2: Your hair dryer
This method, by far the easiest, can be accomplished in just three simple steps: Hang your wrinkled item, stand one to two inches away and blow-dry it until the wrinkles disappear.
#3: The shower method
This method may take a little longer than the others, but it's the most popular—and effective—alternative to ironing. First, seal your bathroom windows and doors to prevent air leaks; then take your wrinkled item and hang it on either the shower rod or showerhead. Make sure to adjust the showerhead so that water doesn't get on your clothes, and then hop in the shower like you normally would. By the time you're finished showering, the steam will have loosened up the wrinkles!
#4: Use a spray bottle
Hang the wrinkled item up in an open area. Standing approximately 12 inches away, lightly mist with water from a spray bottle. (You can add a little fabric softener to the mix if you really want to change the game.) The wrinkles will start to vanish as the clothing item dries.
#5: Steam with a kettle
The concept behind the kettle steam is similar to the shower method, but more effective for smaller, lighter creases. Heat up a tea kettle until the water is boiling, and hold up the wrinkled portion of your clothes about a foot away from the steaming spout until the wrinkles fade away. Of course, there's always this mini portable steamer, which is always another option.
Never let the crease factor put you off a must-have piece again. Scroll for our edit of pieces you can welcome into your wardrobe (minus the iron).
We can't get over this gorgeous velvet blazer.
Pair this oyster-hued shirt with frayed denim or black cigarette pants depending on the occasion.
A pretty design with an equally pretty price tag.
These trousers will always need to be expertly pressed.
While it's a darker dress (and thus hides the creases), you still want it to look smart.
The jumpsuit just got a refresh.
Trust VB to make a classic white shirt exciting.
The perfect partner to a crisp white shirt.
Next up, we're talking French fashion: See eight secrets to dressing like world's chicest women.
Opening Images: Getty