Hanging your laundry out the Japanese way avoids having to iron it: you'll save a lot of money.

Did you know there's an ingenious Japanese method that allows you to skip ironing altogether? It's a simple and effective routine that not only saves you time and effort, but also helps you significantly reduce your electricity bill. Originally from Japan, this method is becoming increasingly popular around the world for one simple reason: it works. Let's find out how this clever approach can help you keep your clothes smooth and fresh without ever having to plug in the iron again.

Why ironing costs more than you think

For many families, ironing is one of the most tedious and time-consuming household chores. But besides being a hassle, it's also surprisingly expensive. An average steam iron consumes between 2,000 and 2,600 watts of power. Depending on your electricity rate, ironing can cost between €0.50 and €0.65 per hour , and even more if your electricity rate is high or you iron during peak hours.

In an era of ever-increasing electricity prices, reducing the use of energy-intensive appliances like irons makes a huge difference. Eliminating or even reducing ironing sessions can lead to significant savings on monthly bills. The question is: how can you get clean, wrinkle-free clothes without using an iron?

And this is where the Japanese method comes into play.

The Japanese method of avoiding iron

Japanese families are known for their practical, minimalist, and efficient approach to daily life. When it comes to laundry, they've perfected a simple method that keeps clothes looking smooth and presentable without ironing. The idea is to work on the fabric while it's still damp, not after it's dried, stiff, and wrinkled.

Here's how the Japanese method works, step by step:

    1. Shake clothes well after washing.
      Once the wash cycle is complete, remove each item from the washer and shake it vigorously several times. This helps loosen any creases or wrinkles that may have formed during the spin cycle.

    2. Hang your clothes up immediately, but not on a clothesline.
      Instead of hanging clothes on a line or rod, hang each item directly on a hanger (preferably a wide one, suitable for the shoulders). This allows the fabric to drape naturally and smooth out during drying.

    3. Arrange and style damp clothes.
      Smooth out the sleeves, flatten the collars, and gently press out the creases with your hands. Fabrics tend to retain their shape when they dry, so taking a few minutes to properly arrange them while damp makes a big difference.

  1. Let it air dry in a well-ventilated place.
    Let your clothes dry completely on hangers. When you remove them, they'll be neat and wrinkle-free, as if you'd ironed them.

This method is especially effective for shirts, blouses, dresses, and lightweight fabrics like cotton or polyester blends. Heavyweight materials like denim or linen may still require a little ironing for a flawless finish, but most everyday garments will look perfectly smooth without any extra effort.

The basket trick: another way to avoid ironing

If you prefer folding clothes to hanging them, there's another Japanese-inspired technique you can try: the basket method . It's equally simple and surprisingly effective.

Here's how:

    1. Wait until the laundry is completely dry.
      Do not fold clothes while they are still damp, as they may cause musty or mildew odors.

    2. Arrange the garments on a flat surface.
      Use a clean table, bed, or counter. Smooth each item with your hands as if you were ironing it.

  1. Fold neatly, pressing lightly with the palms of your hands.
    Follow the natural lines of the fabric and avoid sharp folds that could leave creases.

  2. Stack the clothes in a basket.
    Stack the folded items one on top of the other. The weight of the pile will naturally compress the layers underneath, helping smooth out small creases.

Leave your clothes in the drum for a few hours or overnight. When you take them out, they'll look freshly ironed, all without using a single watt of electricity.

The benefits go beyond energy savings

Adopting the Japanese method isn't just about saving money, although that's certainly one of the biggest advantages. Here are some other benefits:

    • Less fabric damage. Irons can damage fibers, especially delicate ones. By avoiding heat, you extend the life of your clothes.

    • Time-efficient. No more setting up the ironing board or waiting for the iron to heat up. The method integrates seamlessly into your laundry routine.

    • Live sustainably. Using less electricity means reducing your family's carbon footprint.

  • More space. Say goodbye to bulky ironing boards and steam generators cluttering up your laundry area.

In essence, this approach is in line with the broader Japanese philosophy of “mottainai” – avoiding waste and finding beauty in simplicity.

More tips for wrinkle-free clothes

To get the best results with the Japanese method, some small habits can make a big difference:

    • Don't overload the washing machine. Overfilled loads tend to twist and crease fabrics more easily.

    • Use a slower spin cycle. A slower spin cycle prevents clothes from becoming excessively wrinkled.

    • Add fabric softener or a splash of white vinegar. Both can help relax the fibers, making them easier to smooth by hand.

    • Dry clothes in a well-ventilated area. Good air circulation helps them dry evenly and prevents stiff spots.

Final considerations

Ironing may seem like an inevitable part of laundry, but with this ingenious Japanese approach, it doesn't have to be. By taking advantage of the way fabrics behave when damp and using hangers or a simple basket, you can achieve smooth, fresh-looking clothes every time, without ironing, effort, or high energy costs.

So next time you finish laundry, skip the ironing. Try the Japanese method instead and enjoy wrinkle-free clothes, more free time, and a lower electricity bill at the end of the month.

Back to blog