Tired of ironing? Here's a trick to save you from crumpled laundry: aluminum foil. You've probably heard of various household tricks, but this simple tip involves something so common that it will surprise you. Aluminum foil, which you usually use in the kitchen, has another useful function. And best of all, it means less work for you and better results for your clothes.
Aluminum foil does not actually "iron" clothes, but it reduces the need for ironing because it helps prevent wrinkles and eliminates annoying static electricity, which is responsible for the crumpled appearance of laundry. The trick is in a simple physical phenomenon. When the clothes in the washing machine rotate and rub against each other, static electricity is created. This causes the fibers to stick together, leading to wrinkling and static when the laundry comes out of the machine.
If you add aluminum foil in the form of a few small, crumpled balls to the washing machine, they absorb part of the static electricity, thus helping the clothes to wrinkle less and "sit" better during washing. The result? You will spend less time with the iron in your hand!
Instructions for use
For this trick, you only need a few pieces of aluminum foil, which you usually you use in the kitchen. Here are the simple steps:
- Take a piece of aluminum foil (a piece about A4 size will do).
- Crumple the foil into a small ball about the size of a tennis ball.
- Make 2 to 3 such balls.
- Throw the balls of foil between the clothes in the washing machine.
- Wash your laundry as usual.
These balls will withstand several washes, but it is recommended to replace them after a few uses, as they tear and lose their effectiveness over time.
Why does this trick work?
Aluminum foil is an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning it absorbs static electricity from your clothes instead of remaining in the fibers. This method is completely safe and will not damage your washing machine or clothes. It also does not release harmful chemicals and there is no need for additional softeners, which means that this method is also environmentally friendly.
Advantages of using aluminum foil when washing
- Less wrinkling of clothes: Balls made of aluminum foil reduce friction between clothes and thus prevent the formation of stubborn wrinkles.
- Less static electricity: This trick is especially useful for washing synthetic clothes, which are often electrified when they come out of the dryer.
- No need for fabric softener: Since the film acts as a natural softener, you can forego the use of chemical softeners, which is better for your clothes and the environment.
- Saving time and money: Since your clothes come out of the washing machine less wrinkled, you will need less time to iron and you will also save on the purchase of fabric softeners.
Does aluminum foil really work?
Although it may sound like a myth, this trick is backed by physical facts and the experience of many users. Many housewives and users of social networks have praised the effectiveness of this simple tip, as it actually reduces the amount of wrinkles and static electricity in clothes after washing.
When will this trick not be enough?
Although aluminum foil works, it should be recognized that it is unlikely to be possible to completely skip ironing with very wrinkled garments such as linens or shirts. If you want to completely avoid ironing, it is recommended to use a few other tricks in addition to the foil - for example, take the clothes out of the washing machine or dryer as soon as possible and hang them while they are still slightly damp.
Conclusion
Aluminum foil in the washing machine is a simple but effective trick that can save you time and nerves when it comes to ironing. While it won't completely eliminate the need for an iron, this method will significantly reduce the amount of wrinkled clothes and annoying static charges. Next time you're doing laundry, don't forget the aluminum foil - it might become your new best friend in the household!
