I’m a laundry expert, my tips will keep kids’ uniform wrinkle-free all term long – no ironing required
WHEN kids go back to school, parents everywhere are bracing themselves for the endless cycle of washing, drying, and ironing school uniforms.
But according to an expert, those days of battling wrinkles and stains might soon be over.
Mike Nemeroff, laundry expert & CEO of RushOrderTees, has shared his ultimate hacks for keeping school clothes fresh and crease-free without spending hours at the ironing board burning your fingers trying to iron the perfect pleat.
Mike Nemeroff says: “Let’s face it, you probably want your kids’ uniform looking sharp for the obligatory first day back to school photos, but no one enjoys spending their Sunday evenings wrestling with an ironing board.
“With a few clever tricks, you can keep uniforms looking sharp all week long.”
Here are Mike’s top tips for keeping uniforms wrinkle-free and looking freshly pressed:
The Ice Cube Miracle
Remember that ice cube tray in your freezer? It’s time to put it to work. Toss a few ice cubes into your dryer with wrinkled clothes for a 15-minute tumble on high heat.
The steam created will smooth out those creases like magic but don’t overload the dryer, that is critical. It’s like having your own personal steam press right in your laundry room.
Vinegar: Not Just for Chips
That bottle of white vinegar in your cupboard is about to become your new best friend. Add ½ – 1 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle.
It softens clothes and helps prevent wrinkles from settling in. Plus, it’s a natural fabric softener that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Win-win!
The Hanger Hack
Forget folding – it’s all about strategic hanging. Invest in some good quality hangers and hang clothes straight from the wash.
Give each item a good shake and smooth it out before hanging. Gravity will do the rest! This method works wonders for polo shirts, dresses, and even trousers.
Steam Queen
No time for a full wash? No problem! A handheld steamer is a game-changer,
Just a quick once-over with the steamer and those wrinkles will vanish faster than your kids’ pocket money.
For a budget-friendly option, hang wrinkled items in the bathroom during a hot shower and let the steam work its magic.
Roll, Don’t Fold
When it comes to storage, rolling is the new folding. Rolling clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also prevents those nasty fold lines.
It’s especially great for gym kits and PE uniforms. Plus, it makes it easier for kids to find what they need without messing up the whole drawer.
How can I save money on school uniforms?
IF you are struggling to afford the cost of school uniform or PE kit, you may be able to apply for a grant from your local council - but the criteria vary from council to council.
This is usually in the form of a one-off payment paid directly into your bank account. Some councils will reimburse payments made to approved retailers.
You can ask your local council what help is available and when you need to apply.
If you can’t get targeted help from your council, there are other options to get cheap uniform.
Speak to your school to see if they can offer you some clothing.
Some charities offer help to families in need too. Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Charity shops can also be a good place to find cheap school uniform.
The Damp Towel Trick
Here’s a nifty trick for those stubborn wrinkles: Lay the wrinkled item flat, place a damp towel over it, and press with your hands.
The moisture from the towel combined with your body heat will smooth out those creases in no time. It’s like ironing but without the actual iron.
Fabric Softener Spray
Create your own wrinkle-release spray with this simple recipe: Mix one part fabric softener with three parts water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist wrinkled areas, then gently tug and smooth the fabric. Hang to dry, and voila! Wrinkle-free in minutes.
The Dryer Ball Revolution
Dryer balls are a laundry lifesaver. They help separate clothes in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more effectively and reduce wrinkles.
Plus, they can cut drying time by up to 25%, saving you both time and energy costs.
The Overnight Press
For those really stubborn items, try this overnight trick. Dampen the wrinkled area slightly, roll the garment tightly, and place it in a plastic bag.
Leave it overnight, and in the morning, shake it out for a crisp, wrinkle-free finish.
Prevention is Key
Last but not least, Mike Nemeroff emphasises the importance of prevention.
Don’t overload your washing machine or dryer. Giving clothes room to move reduces wrinkles from the start.
He also recommends removing clothes from the dryer promptly and giving them a good shake before hanging or folding them.