Replies

1. 
   meg | Aug 17, 2007 01:18pm | #1

   How frustrating, I agree.Have you tried washing a scrap of the fabric to see how it behaves (or doesn't)? It could be that the fabric's properties simply make it wrinkle when laundered.Do you use liquid fabric softener in the rinse cycle of the wash? A lot of times that'll help to reduce wrinkles; and be sure to not overload the wash bin with too many garments. Be sure there's high enough water level, too, so the load isn't strangling itself in the process of laundry. Even though I don't use the dryer much (I like to hang out the laundry) sometimes I'll toss a garment or two into the dryer to help shake out the wrinkles and take them out after 5 or 10 minutes.Good luck!

2. 
   starzoe | Aug 17, 2007 07:26pm | #2

   I am inclined to agree with the other poster that fabric type differs in the way it ends up in washing. On the other hand, and this might seem a super-duh point: when removing articles from the washing machine, do you give them a good shake before putting them in the drier? A young friend of mine was astounded at the different result.

3. 
   solosmocker | Aug 17, 2007 07:49pm | #3

   Make sure when you take the garments or whatever out of the washer that you give each one a good shake until it is not twisted or knotted up at all. This should help eliminate some of the wrinkles. It is also critical to take the clothes out of the dryer immediately. If synthetics are allowed to sit in the dryer, even a few minutes, the wrinkles seam to be set forever. Once in a while this happens to natural fibers too. Are these garments you have made? If so it is important to prewash all fabric that you intend to wash afterwards. This will give you a preview of things to come.

4. 
   Teaf5 | Aug 20, 2007 04:08am | #4

   As already mentioned, a good shake and a few minutes tumbled in a dryer (no heat if the fabric can't handle it) can make almost any fabric behave. 

   Natural fiber fabrics (especially linen or cotton) often soften up and react much better after they have been laundered numerous times.  During the first few wrinkly washings, I take them out slightly damp, hang them on hangers, and smooth them out with my hands and fingers as much as possible.  At this stage, ironing before the garment is completely dry also helps a lot, if I can possibly time it right.

   You  can also reduce a lot of wrinkles while line drying by smoothing the garments out, buttoning buttons and tugging on seams and then think carefully about where to pin to the line so that the drying process removes most of the wrinkles.  (Shirts work best on a hanger, and pants are best hung from the waistband or hems, for example.)

1. 
   fiona9 | Aug 20, 2007 05:11am | #5

   thanks for the tips, i'll definately try it out see what works best.
   i never thought of putting a scarp thro the wash to see how it reacts.
   hopefully now my clothes will turn out picture perfect. thanks again :)

1. 
   user-51823 | Aug 20, 2007 06:35am | #6

   i agree that removing clothing from the dryer immediately is one of the most important things. i usually open the dryer before it stops to take out the dry things, shake, and hang while hot/warm.
   it also helps that i wear linen as much as possible and consider the wrinkly look part of the desired effect. i hate ironing.
   btw, i bought an industrial clothing steamer and use it often.