laundry day with clean clothes on hanging rack and dryer in the background

Two Easy Recipes for Wrinkle Release Anti-Static Spray—Cheap, Easy

Unlike myself, not everyone I know loves to iron. I guess I’m just crazy that way. There’s just something soothing about the sound of a good burst of steam, the smell of clean, and then instant results. But enough about me.

For most people, ironing is the worst. So when the makers of Downy laundry softeners came out with a wrinkle releaser spray touted also to be a static guard, odor eliminator, iron-in-a-bottle—we were thrilled. And I was first in line to give it a try.

clothes on hangers

Downy Wrinkle Release is a clever product that you spray on dry clothing, smooth and stretch the material a little bit, then allow to dry as the wrinkles disappear.

While Downy Wrinkle Release Fabric Spray works well for non-ironers to remove wrinkles well enough, mostly I love the subtle fragrance.

Over the years, this spray has become quite pricey. And for what? While Procter and Gamble is quite secretive with the exact ingredients, it’s easy to figure out that it is mostly water.

Here are two options for making your own wrinkle-release spray for only pennies!

Copycat Downy Wrinkle Release

You will need:

Directions

Combine water and fabric softener in a 16-oz spray bottle. Swirl to mix.

To use

Test a small portion of fabric before spraying the entire garment. Hang the item on a hanger and spray in a sweeping motion until all wrinkles on the front and back are slightly damp. Do this from about 6 inches away from the garment. Trickier fabrics such as linens and other more resistant situations may need two applications.

Holding by the hanger, whip the item back a forth a few times. Rehang. Tug and smooth out the wrinkles. Allow hanging freely for a few minutes or until completely dry before moving to the closet or wearing the item.

This wrinkle releaser is perfect for travel, for gifting to college students; on tough-to-iron fabrics like tablecloths and curtains, or simply for anyone who hates to iron anything. For sure it’s a time saver! No more irons, no more hassle, and best of all—no more wrinkles.

Everyday Cheapskate Wrinkle Release Spray

You will need:

  • 1 cup distilled or bottled water
  • 3 teaspoons liquid fabric softener OR hair conditioner
  • 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a 16-oz. spray bottle. Shake well to combine.

To use:

Spray lightly on wrinkled areas. You want this to be damp, not wet. Pull the item taut to help smooth out the wrinkles, and allow to dry completely.


 

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7 replies
  1. JulieP says:

    Mary, I’m curious….why the rubbing alcohol in your version? What does that do…and does it negate the pleasant smell of the conditioner? Please advise. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Joan says:

    Dear Fellow EC’ers,
    I have been using Mary’s EC Wrinkle Release Spray for over 2 years now. It works! It’s inexpensive—I use wool balls instead of fabric softener so I just bought a tiny bottle at the dollar store.
    We wear a lot of polyester-my husband has the sport slacks and microfiber t shirts, so everything gets static-y especially in winter. I just give a very light spray after drying and everything just stops clinging.
    Thank you for all of your great tips, hints and recipes. I love your positive personality.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      I have never done that, so I can’t say. But I suggest you test it on something you don’t mind ruining. Then let us know your result! I would be concerned the conditioner and or liquid softener could burn.

      Reply
  3. Lauren P. says:

    Hmmm, wrinkle relief, anti-static spray that we just spray on wrinkles; I wonder if it would work on MINE! ;o)
    Thank you, Mary, for your helpful tips and always-useful money saving advice.

    Reply

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