DIY Wrinkle Release Spray That Beats Downy Cold
Let me tell you something about Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray. It’s brilliant. It really is. You spritz it on wrinkled clothes, give the fabric a little tug, and watch the creases disappear like you actually did the adulting thing and ironed. No iron required. The problem? You’re paying up to $8 for a 33-ounce bottle that’s mostly water. Mostly. Water. I know. I felt that too.
I realize I’m in the minority here, and I’ve made my peace with that. There’s something genuinely satisfying about the hiss of steam, the smell of clean fabric, that crisp, just-pressed result. It’s my thing.
But most of you? Not so much. And that’s exactly why Downy Wrinkle Releaser was such a hit when it launched. A spray bottle that stood in for an iron? Sign everyone up. Here’s the twist: you can make a version at home for literal pennies. Two versions, actually and both work beautifully.
Why Bother Making Your Own?
Because $8 a bottle adds up. Fast.
And because once you see what’s actually in it, water, a little fabric softener, some fragrance, you start to wonder why you weren’t making this yourself all along. No shame. I’ve been there too.
Jump to:
Copycat Downy Wrinkle Release Spray Recipe
This one is almost embarrassingly simple. If you’ve got fabric softener and a spray bottle, you’re basically already done.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups distilled or bottled water
- 2 tablespoons liquid fabric softener (Downy or whatever you’ve got)
- One 16-oz. spray bottle
Directions:
Pour the water into the spray bottle, add the fabric softener, and give it a gentle swirl to combine. Done. Seriously.
To use:
Hang the garment, hold the bottle about 6 inches away, and spray in a sweeping motion until the fabric is lightly damp front and back. Give it a little shake, rehang, and let it air dry completely before you wear it or put it away. Stubborn linens may need a second pass. They always need a second pass.
Test a small hidden area first if you’re working with something delicate or dry-clean-only.
Click here to print the recipe →
Everyday Cheapskate’s Homemade Wrinkle Release Spray
This is my version and I added a secret weapon.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup distilled or bottled water
- 3 teaspoons liquid fabric softener or hair conditioner
- 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
- One 16-oz. spray bottle
Directions:
Combine everything in the spray bottle and shake well.
To use:
Lightly spray the wrinkled areas… damp, not soaking. Gently pull the fabric taut, then let it air dry completely.
Why Add Rubbing Alcohol?
Good question and it’s worth explaining, because this one ingredient does a lot of heavy lifting.
First, it speeds up drying time. Alcohol evaporates faster than water, so your clothes aren’t sitting around feeling damp longer than they need to. Second, it helps relax fabric fibers more effectively than water and fabric softener alone, which means wrinkles smooth out faster and more completely. And third, it actually helps the fabric softener or conditioner penetrate the fibers better, giving you a smoother finish overall.
So yeah. Small addition. But it’s the reason this recipe works as well as it does.
Everyday Cheapskate's Homemade Wrinkle Release Spray
Materials
- 1 cup distilled or bottled water
- 3 teaspoons liquid fabric softener or hair conditioner
- 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a 16-oz. spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine.
- Lightly spray wrinkled areas of the garment. Aim for damp, not soaking wet.
- Gently pull the fabric taut to help smooth out wrinkles.
- Rehang and allow to air dry completely before wearing or storing.
Notes
Let’s Talk Numbers
Because this is Everyday Cheapskate, and we always talk numbers.
| PRODUCT | Cost per 16 oz. |
|---|---|
| Downy Wrinkle Releaser (store-bought) | ~$4.00 |
| Copycat Recipe (DIY) | ~$0.13 |
| Everyday Cheapskate Recipe (DIY) | ~$0.22 |
That’s a savings of up to $3.90 per bottle. Make this once a month and you’ve saved nearly $47 a year. On wrinkle spray. Money that could go literally anywhere else.
Why Do Clothes Wrinkle Anyway?
Since we’re here, a quick primer, because understanding the problem helps you prevent it.
Heat and moisture loosen fabric fibers, and as they cool and dry, they set into whatever shape they happen to be in. That’s why pulling laundry out of the dryer promptly makes such a difference. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are the worst offenders.
Overloading your dryer, leaving clothes in a pile, storing things on sad little wire hangers… all of it contributes. A little more care on the back end means fewer wrinkles to fight on the front end.
Give one of these recipes a try this week. I’d put money on the fact that you’ve got everything you need already sitting in your laundry room.
And if you’ve got your own wrinkle-fighting trick that I haven’t mentioned, I want to hear it. Drop it in the comments. We’re all in this together.
Question: Do you have a favorite DIY trick for tackling wrinkles? Share your go-to methods or any unique wrinkle release hacks you’ve tried.
EverydayCheapskate™ is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
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Thanks for the DIY recipe. In the past, I always ironed everything but not so much lately. A friend taught me to keep a small spray starch handy and lightly dampen the wrinkled shirt/pants, tug straight, and wear it. Works really well and the can lasts forever.
I love the idea of making your own wrinkle release fabric spray. The last time my husband and I took a trip we used four Downey bottles that’s expensive this time on our trip when I found this I’m going to try the recipe but I need clarification if I’m going to make 24 ounces do I just double with the original quantities are for each of them the water, the softener and alcohol ? Also, since I’m taking international flight, I’m thinking of taking the Downey softener and the alcohol mixed together at one time then shake it up and then mix it into the bigger container once I get to our final destination would that work I could make the recipe the day before we fly out thanks in advance for all your help.
yes, just double the recipe and you should be fine!
Hello Mary,
I was reading this article and I am confused in the area of costing. I see where the copycat numbers come from and understand the total savings regarding that in the bottom of the box. However, what confuses me is that the numbers used for the Everyday Cheapskate recipe were calculated based on half an ounce of these products (or .11 in total), but then the combined sum was doubled (.22 instead of just .11 as calculated). I am not sure why it was doubled. Wouldn’t this product actually be less expensive than the copycat version? Thanks for your response
I have used this recipe for years and it works great! I have never added alcohol, however. I may try that on my next batch!
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!
It hastens drying because it evaporates so quickly.
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.
Hi Mary,
Can you use this wrinkle release and then is it safe to iron tablecloths or clothes while still damp?
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.
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.
Hahaha. Ditto here, Lauren!