Ice in the clothes dryer for easy ironing

Amazing
By boom

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

1. Use a Damp Washcloth

  • Instead of ice cubes, toss in a clean, damp washcloth with your wrinkled clothes.
  • The moisture will turn into steam, softening fabric fibers and reducing wrinkles.

2. Use a Spray Bottle with Water

  • Lightly mist wrinkled clothes with water before tossing them in the dryer for a few minutes.
  • This works similarly to the ice cube trick but allows for more controlled steam distribution.

3. Use Dryer Sheets or Fabric Softener

  • Fabric softener sheets can reduce static and wrinkles while freshening clothes.
  • If your dryer has a steam refresh cycle, use it for an even more effective wrinkle-removal method.

Other Benefits of Putting Ice in the Dryer

Aside from wrinkle removal, placing ice cubes in the dryer can offer additional advantages:

✅ Saves Time – No need to set up an ironing board or wait for a steamer to heat up.
✅ Reduces Heat Damage – Gentle steam is less harsh than direct ironing, which can scorch delicate fabrics.
✅ Eliminates the Need for Extra Chemicals – No wrinkle-release sprays or dryer sheets needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overloading the Dryer – Too many clothes prevent the steam from circulating effectively.
🚫 Using the Wrong Temperature – Low heat won’t generate enough steam, so always use high heat.
🚫 Leaving Clothes in the Dryer After the Cycle Ends – Clothes may wrinkle again if left sitting in the drum.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?

If you’re looking for a fast and effortless way to reduce wrinkles, putting ice cubes in the dryer is absolutely worth trying. It’s not a perfect replacement for ironing, but for everyday wrinkles, it does a great job freshening up clothes in minutes.

Next time you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to iron, just toss a few ice cubes in the dryer and let the steam do the work!

boom 2140 posts 5 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.