Ice Cubes in the Dryer: A Quick Trick for Wrinkle-Free Clothes

Wrinkled clothes are a common laundry annoyance, and ironing can be both time-consuming and inconvenient. Fortunately, there’s a simple trick that requires no iron at all—placing ice cubes in the dryer. This surprising laundry hack uses steam to smooth out wrinkles quickly, making it a fast and hassle-free alternative to ironing.

But does it actually work? Here’s everything you need to know about using ice cubes in your dryer, how to do it correctly, and when it’s most effective.

How Does the Ice Cube Dryer Trick Work?

When ice cubes are tossed into a hot dryer, they melt and turn into steam, which relaxes fabric fibers in much the same way as a garment steamer.

This trick works best on lightweight fabrics prone to wrinkles, helping you achieve smoother clothes in just a few minutes—no iron required.

How to Use Ice Cubes in the Dryer to Remove Wrinkles

This method is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any special equipment.

Steps to Follow:

1. Load the Dryer
   • Place a few wrinkled garments (shirts, blouses, pants) in the dryer.
   • Avoid overloading—this method works best with just a few items.
2. Add Ice Cubes
   • Toss 3 to 5 ice cubes into the dryer drum with the clothes.
   • For larger loads, use more ice cubes to generate enough steam.
3. Select the Right Settings
   • Set the dryer to high heat (necessary to turn ice into steam).
   • Run the cycle for 10–15 minutes.
4. Remove Clothes Immediately
   • Take clothes out as soon as the cycle ends to prevent new wrinkles.
   • Shake them out and hang them up for best results.

Does the Ice Cube Trick Really Work?

Yes—but results depend on the fabric type and wrinkle severity.

Best Fabrics for This Method:

✔ Cotton
✔ Polyester blends
✔ Linen
✔ Light to medium-weight fabrics

Fabrics That May Not Work as Well:

❌ Heavy denim (steam may not be strong enough for deep wrinkles)
❌ Wool or delicate fabrics (high heat may cause damage)
❌ Thick blankets or towels (better suited for traditional ironing or steaming)

While it won’t produce perfectly pressed results, this method is great for casual wear and everyday clothing.

Alternative Ways to Remove Wrinkles in the Dryer

If the ice cube method doesn’t work for your clothes, try these other quick dryer hacks:

1. Use a Damp Washcloth

• Toss a clean, damp washcloth into the dryer with wrinkled clothes.
• The moisture will create steam, helping to soften fabric fibers.

2. Spray Clothes with Water

• Lightly mist clothing with water before placing them in the dryer.
• This allows for more controlled steam distribution than ice cubes.

3. Use Dryer Sheets or Fabric Softener

• Dryer sheets help reduce static and minor wrinkles.
• If your dryer has a steam refresh cycle, use it for even better results.

Additional Benefits of Using Ice in the Dryer

✔ Saves Time – No need to set up an ironing board or wait for a steamer.
✔ Reduces Heat Damage – Steam is gentler on fabrics than direct ironing.
✔ No Chemicals Needed – Eliminates the need for wrinkle-release sprays or fabric softeners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overloading the Dryer – Too many clothes prevent steam from circulating effectively.
🚫 Using the Wrong Temperature – Low heat won’t generate enough steam, so always use high heat.
🚫 Leaving Clothes in the Dryer Too Long – If they sit in the drum after the cycle ends, new wrinkles can form.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?

If you need a quick and easy way to smooth out wrinkles, placing ice cubes in the dryer is absolutely worth trying.

It’s not a perfect replacement for ironing, but it’s a fast and convenient fix for everyday wrinkles—especially when you’re in a hurry.

Next time you’re short on time, skip the iron and let the steam do the work!