Fold Them Directly Out of the Dryer: Tips to Prevent Wrinkles

• Fiber Relaxation: Heat and residual moisture from the dryer relax fabric fibers, allowing creases to smooth out easily.
• Pliable Fabric: Warm clothes are more flexible, making them easier to fold neatly without having to fight established bumps.
• Preventing “Set” Wrinkles: If left in a heap, wrinkles set permanently into the fabric as it cools. 

1. The Five-Minute Window: Aim to move garments from the dryer to a folding station within five minutes of the cycle ending to lock in smoothness.
2. The “Strong Snap”: Before folding, give each item a brisk shake or snap. This releases residual wrinkles and aligns seams for sharper lines.
3. Don’t Overload: For optimal results, fill the dryer only two-thirds full. Overstuffing prevents clothes from tumbling freely, which causes deep-set creases.
4. Use Anti-Wrinkle Cycles: If you can’t attend to the dryer immediately, use the Permanent Press or Wrinkle Prevent setting. These modern cycles intermittently tumble the load for up to 150 minutes to keep them from settling into a pile.
5. Drape Before Folding: If you lack an immediate folding surface, drape items over the edge of a laundry basket rather than piling them inside. This keeps them flat and prevents crushing. 

• The Damp Towel Trick: Toss a clean, damp washcloth into the dryer with the wrinkled clothes and run a high-heat cycle for 10–15 minutes to create a mini-steam environment.
• Ice Cube Method: Place two or three ice cubes in the dryer with the wrinkled items. As the ice melts, it releases steam that relaxes the fabric.
• Shower Steam: Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while taking a hot shower; the steam will naturally loosen light creases within 15 minutes.