The myth that clothes must be ironed to look neat
Short answer: Many clothes look neat without ironing if they are washed, spun and dried the right way. Knits and viscose rarely crease much, and most creases disappear if clothes are hung up straight away.
Where creases come from
Creases form when fibres bend while warm and wet and then dry in that shape. It happens mainly in woven fabrics such as cotton shirts and linen. Knits, such as T-shirts, underwear and a lot of loungewear, are more elastic and straighten themselves out when they hang. That is why few people iron their T-shirts, while many still iron shirts. The type of fabric largely decides how much ironing is really needed.
Spin speed and load size
A high spin speed presses clothes hard against the drum and leaves deep creases. Choose a lower spin for clothes that crease easily, and do not fill the machine completely. When clothes have room to move, they get less squashed. Take them out as soon as the programme has finished. Clothes left wet in the drum for hours develop creases that are hard to get out again, even with an iron.
Hang them up straight away
Shake clothes out well before hanging them. Pull gently along the seams and smooth the fabric with your hand. Hang shirts and blouses on hangers, so the weight of the wet fabric pulls the creases out. Undershirts and T-shirts can go over a line or on a hanger. See bamboo undershirt for women. Knits that can stretch should be laid flat. Small socks can be hung in pairs by the toe. See bamboo tennis socks for women.
Bed linen without ironing
Many people still iron bed linen, but it is rarely necessary. Shake sheets and covers out well and hang them doubled over the line so they pull themselves smooth. A fitted sheet sits tight around the mattress, and most creases vanish by themselves once it is on. See bamboo fitted sheets. A sheet that has been slept on for a night no longer looks ironed anyway, so this is time you can save.
Steam as an alternative
If clothes need a little help, steam may be enough. Hang them in the bathroom while you shower, or use a handheld steamer. The steam relaxes the fibres and the creases drop out on their own. It is gentle on delicate fabrics such as viscose, which can turn shiny if the iron is too hot. Always iron viscose inside out and at a low temperature if you do iron it.
When ironing makes sense
There are still clothes where ironing makes a difference. A shirt for a job interview or a linen dress for a party can benefit from an iron. But for everyday wear, a lot of clothing manages without. Choose knits and smooth fabrics when you want to save time, and keep woven fabrics for the occasions when a crisp look really matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do clothes need ironing to look neat
Not always. Many clothes look neat without it if they are spun gently, taken out promptly and hung up smooth.
How do you avoid creases in the wash
Use a lower spin, do not overfill the machine and take clothes out as soon as the programme ends.
How should viscose be ironed
Inside out at a low temperature, or use steam instead.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
