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Wrinkled clothes are a common laundry frustration, and while ironing is the traditional solution, it can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective trick that requires no iron at all—placing ice cubes in the dryer. This surprising laundry hack has gained popularity for its ability to remove wrinkles quickly using steam, making it a time-saving alternative to ironing.
But does it really work? Here’s everything you need to know about putting ice cubes in your clothes dryer, how to do it correctly, and what to expect.
How Does the Ice Cube Dryer Trick Work?
When you place ice cubes in the dryer with wrinkled clothing and turn on the machine, the heat causes the ice to melt and turn into steam. This steam loosens fabric fibers, helping to relax wrinkles in a way similar to a garment steamer.
The key to this method is moist heat, which works best on lightweight fabrics that tend to wrinkle easily. By using the steam created from melting ice, you can achieve smoother clothes in just a few minutes—without ever reaching for an iron!
How to Use Ice Cubes in the Dryer to Remove Wrinkles
This trick is incredibly simple and requires no special equipment.
Steps:
Load the Dryer:
Place a few wrinkled garments (such as shirts, blouses, or pants) in the dryer.
Avoid overloading the machine—this method works best with just a few items at a time.
Add Ice Cubes:
Toss 3 to 5 ice cubes into the dryer drum with the clothes.
For larger loads, you may need more ice cubes to generate enough steam.
Select the Right Settings:
Set the dryer to high heat (the heat is necessary to turn the ice into steam).
Run the cycle for 10–15 minutes.
Remove Clothes Promptly:
Once the cycle is complete, take the clothes out immediately to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Shake out and hang up the garments right away for the best results.
Does the Ice Cube Trick Really Work?
Yes—but results depend on the type of fabric and the level of wrinkles.
Best Fabrics for This Method:
✔ Cotton
✔ Polyester blends
✔ Linen
✔ Light to medium-weight fabrics
Fabrics That May Not Work as Well:
❌ Heavy denim (steam may not be strong enough to remove deep wrinkles)
❌ Wool or delicate fabrics (high heat may damage them)
❌ Thick blankets or towels (better suited for traditional ironing or steaming)
This method won’t produce perfectly ironed results, but for everyday clothing, it’s an easy way to freshen up outfits in minutes.
Alternative Methods for Wrinkle-Free Clothes Without Ironing
If the ice cube method isn’t working for your clothes, here are a few other quick ways to remove wrinkles in the dryer:
see continuation on next page
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