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

How To Make DIY Wrinkle Releaser Static Remover

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 that is 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 Releaser 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 Releasers 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 DIY recipes for homemade wrinkle release spray:

Copycat Downy Wrinkle Releaser

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.

Homemade Wrinkle Releaser Spray

You will need

  • 1 cup distilled or bottled water
  • 1 cup plain white vinegar
  • 6 to 8 drops essential oil (lavender is a lovely choice)

Directions:

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

To use:

Spray fabrics using a sweeping motion. Release wrinkles from clothing by smoothing and tugging fabric with your hands. Hang clothing to dry.

Note: Avoid using too much of this homemade wrinkle releaser or fabrics will smell faintly like vinegar once dry. Experiment with different essential oils that will mask the vinegar.


 

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9 replies
  1. Jo Archer says:

    I was thrilled to find spray fabric softener in the 90’s (I think) and happily used it all the time. One day I needed some and found I was out. So in desperation I used plain water–it worked!–and I’ve been using plain water ever since.

    Reply
  2. Jennie Martin says:

    Everything old is new again! Around 1966 or so, I remember a neighbor lady using plain tap water with a little Downy (no exact measurements) in it when she ironed clothes while watching her “soap operas”. I stayed with her in the afternoons until my mother came home from work. I can still see Ruby at that ironing board! I’ve used this same ironing spray for many years. Thank you Mary for the exact measurements and memories!

    Reply
  3. Bonnie says:

    when I saw the caption….do you have wrinkles?….I thought OH WOW, something for these wrinkles on my face…..oh well, somewhat disappointed, but did think the recipe for wrinkles for clothes was interesting.

    Reply
  4. Loni L Oliver says:

    Before anybody invented a wrinkle-release product, I was using plain water in a spray bottle (the one I use on hair, to smooth rooster tails and dampen the ends before putting in rollers). Though, I would lay the clothing on the bed, spray the wrinkled areas, then tug and smooth–essentially ironing out the wrinkles with my hands. Then, hang the item to dry. This works for serious wrinkles when the hanging method doesn’t.

    Reply
  5. Sharon Perron says:

    I’ve been making your wrinkle-release all the time now but the recipe i first received has alcohol in it. Is this another version?

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Hi Sharon … today’s post a second option. Both work super well. The rubbing alcohol helps the spray to dry more quickly. Here’s the recipe you refer to:

      Wrinkle Release
      1 cup water bottled or distilled water
      3 teaspoons liquid fabric softener
      2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol

      Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle. Give it a shake, and you’re good to go.

      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.

      Reply

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