As the cost of living crisis continues and prices carry on rising, methods of saving money are in demand. Inflation is running at a 40-year high of 10.1% according to the latest consumer prices index figures, causing a significant squeeze on household finances.
Even a small device like an iron will add to electricity bills - at a cost of 51p an hour for a 1,500 watt appliance, according to national charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy. However, there are ways of keeping clothes crisp and fresh for less that are worth trying.
T-shirt printing company ICON Printing has teamed up with Matalan to offer five expert tips to keep garments crease-free without spending more on energy. Read on below to find out more.
DIY wrinkle-remover spray
Alex Econs, founder of ICON Printing, said: “You don’t need to spend a fortune when using an anti-wrinkle spray on your clothes, you can make your own spray from common household products. This spray works well on t-shirts, sweatshirts and other garments made from cotton or similar.
“Simply mix 200ml water and 10ml fabric softener in a spray bottle. Give it a shake and make sure to patch test by spraying a small, innocuous piece of fabric first to make sure that it won’t stain your top.
“Spray on any wrinkles and pull taut to remove the creases. Apply the mix until the top is damp then hang it out to dry for crease free clothes without having to iron.”
Borrow your shower's steam power
Alex said: “The ultimate multitasking and money saving hack is to take your laundry into the bathroom with you whilst you shower. Simply hang your t-shirts or other garments up in the bathroom when you shower to allow the fibres to soften and creases to relax without having to iron them.
“Hang the clothes as close to the shower as you can without getting them wet and ensure that the bathroom door is closed and your extractor fan is off - you don’t want to remove all of that steam. When you’re finished with your shower, try to keep your clothes in the bathroom for fifteen minutes before allowing them to dry.”
Use hair appliances
The appliances you use on your hair could also be tools that help you achieve the same pressed look on a shirt as an iron. Nicola Rodriguez, from The Essex House Dolly, said: “You’d be surprised what you can achieve with a trusty pair of hair straighteners. After styling your hair, use the residual heat from the appliance to straighten out those pesky creases. This works best if you give the clothing a quick spray over beforehand to dampen it.
“The great thing about hair straighteners is that they’re basically a mini iron. Straighteners work great on both shirts and on thicker clothing items such as suit jackets as they give an intense, localised heat, especially since the prongs warm the garment on both sides.”
Towelling trick
Alex said: “This trick works best on delicate fabrics is to place your wrinkled garment on a flat surface, underneath some damp towels and simply use the towels to press out any creases. The damp fabric will do this with ease.
“Once you’re happy you’ve covered all areas, hang it up to air dry. This trick is cost effective but can be more time consuming, so be sure to plan your outfit in advance, leaving enough time for your clothes to dry before getting ready.”
Mattress press for thicker fabrics
Alex said: “Lay your wrinkled garment onto a flat surface and use your hands to smooth the creases out. Once you’re happy that the creases are pressed out as much as possible, roll the item up tightly like a burrito, ensuring it's actually all completely rolled up, rather than folded.
“Once this is done place the rolled item under your mattress for at least an hour and the weight should soon have your outfit wrinkle free, without using any heat or electricity at all. The longer it’s left under your mattress, the more intense the effect will be.”
