On one hand, Wrinkle Releaser Plus is probably not what you’d consider “tech.” On the other, anything that gets me out of ironing a shirt is tech enough for me!
You may have seen this or similar products in the drug store or an airport kiosk, and might have entertained the notion of buying it. If you stopped short, it’s probably because you, like me, had a nagging doubt whether it really worked. So I set out to find out, grabbing a travel-sized version on sale for $3.99.
About the Product
Wrinkle Releaser Plus is made by Dry Cleaner’s Secret, who also makes the Woolite products; a fact I was unaware of until I looked it up online. According to the packaging, Wrinkle Releaser Plus is meant to “freshen clothes and eliminate static,” and “easily removes wrinkles”. It’s a blend of water, fragrance and “surfactant.” I didn’t know what that meant either so, again, I looked it up: compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. I’m always a little distrusting when an ingredient list doesn’t tell me exactly what’s in the bottle (even though I rarely know what those things are), and this did not reassure me. For all I know, it could be kerosene and I might be a walking fireball if someone lights a match close by. Professional that I am, I pressed on in the name of Travel Bloggery, hoping to avoid actual pressing.
Using the Product
When packing for this trip, I chose a cotton shirt and Chinos that were freshly laundered but not pressed, and intentionally folded them to induce wrinkles. I figured that should provide a good challenge for this little anti-ironing genie in a bottle. The instructions are simple:
- Place garment on a hanger or flat surface and spray from 6-8 inches away
- Smooth away wrinkles with your hand
- Hang until dry or tumble in the dryer for 2 minutes for quick drying
It does not say how much to saturate the garment. I found a spritz was not enough and had to spray until the garment was damp – but not wet – to the touch. I was able to “smooth away wrinkles” with my hand, though sometimes it took several attempts. This was particularly true with deep fold marks. I hung my clothes to dry, but allowed myself ample time to iron, just in case.
The Results
When spraying, you’ll notice a fairly strong Fabreeze-like scent. I was afraid it would linger but, once dry, it wasn’t so noticeable. If you’re sensitive to fragrance additives, this could be an issue, particularly given the lack of circulation in many hotel rooms.
The product did a reasonable job removing the wrinkles, and probably would have done better with a tumble in the dryer. It is not a replacement for a good pressing but, in a pinch, it will suffice. I did later use it on a wool sports coat and slacks, with better results than on cotton. For that reason alone, it’s earned a spot in my carry-on for some trips. (2 fluid ounces, so I can put it in my TSA-approved Ziplock!) By the way, it’s apparently not made of kerosene and not once did I burst into flames. (Not for lack of trying. But I digress.)
If you can’t find it in local drugstores or at the airport – or just can’t wait to order some –you can purchase through our Amazon link, below. (Thanks!)
Note: This review was neither solicited nor compensated. Photos are our own.
