Why a high spin gives creases

Short answer: At high speeds the clothes are pressed flat against the drum wall and fold in on themselves. The folds dry in if the clothes are not shaken out straight away. With a few simple steps you keep the benefit of a good spin and still skip most of the ironing.

The pressure creates the folds

The force against the drum wall can be several hundred times gravity, and the fabric is squeezed into whatever shape it happens to lie in. The faster the drum turns, the harder the pressure. Thin and soft fabrics are hit most, such as a bamboo jogging suit, where the fabric folds easily.

Why the folds stay

When fabric is wet, the fibres are soft and easy to shape. If they are pressed into a fold and dry that way, they remember the shape. It is the same idea as pressing a crease in on purpose. So it is not the spin itself but the drying afterwards that decides whether the folds stay.

Time in the basket sets them

If clothes sit for an hour after the programme, the folds start to set for good. The weight of wet clothes on top presses them further. Take them out at once, including bamboo t-shirts for women, and do not put them in a basket before shaking them out. That one step makes the biggest difference.

Shake and hang

A firm shake and a quick pull on the edges remove most folds. Hold a top by the shoulders, shake twice, then pull lightly on the seams so they lie straight. Do it with everything, including socks for women, which otherwise dry crumpled and are harder to put on.

Hang to the shape of the garment

A top hangs best on a hanger, where the shoulders get their natural shape. Trousers hang best from the waistband, so the weight pulls the legs straight. Avoid folding thin items over a line, or a sharp crease dries in the middle. Small changes when hanging save time later.

Fill the machine less

A full drum presses clothes harder together, because there is no room to spread out. With a little less in the machine, the items lie more loosely against the wall. That gives fewer and softer folds that are easier to shake out. It helps most with thin tops and dresses.

Choose the speed for the fabric

Thick items like hoodies can take a high spin and hardly show creases. Thin tops and soft jogging sets show folds more. Here you can choose a lower spin and accept a longer drying time. It is a trade between time on the rack and time at the ironing board.

When the folds have already set

If clothes have dried with folds, you can dampen them lightly and hang them up again. Steam from a warm shower in the bathroom also helps many folds relax. Hang the clothes a little away from the shower so they do not get wet. That is often enough for a top meant for everyday wear.

Frequently asked questions

Which spin gives the fewest creases

Four to six hundred revolutions, but then drying takes longer. It is a good choice for thin and soft fabrics that show folds clearly.

Does it help to fill the machine less

Yes, the clothes have more room and are pressed together less. That gives fewer folds and makes shaking them smooth easier.

Can you avoid ironing entirely

With knits, yes, if the clothes are shaken and hung up straight away. Most soft everyday items manage fine without an iron.