Let’s be real — no matter how neatly you fold or roll your clothes, if you’re packing for a trip, wrinkles are going to happen. I’ve tried every hack in the book. Rolling instead of folding, packing cubes, even hanging my dresses in the bathroom while blasting hot water for that “steam hack.” Spoiler: it never really works as well as you hope. And if you’re like me, the last thing you want to do after a long flight is hunt down an iron in some hotel that looks like it hasn’t been plugged in since the 80s.
That’s where wrinkle-release sprays come in. Honestly, I used to think they were kind of gimmicky. Like, how can a little mist of liquid smooth out fabric creases that even an iron struggles with? But I finally gave them a real shot, tested a bunch of them during trips (planes, trains, and way too many hotel rooms), and wow… some of them are actually life-saving. Others? Let’s just say they went straight into the “never again” pile.
So, if you’re traveling soon — or just hate ironing in general — here’s my rundown of the best wrinkle-release sprays I’ve tested, ranked from “you need this in your carry-on” to “maybe skip it.”
1. Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus – My Ride-or-Die
Okay, I’ve got to start with this one because it completely changed my mind about wrinkle sprays. The first time I tried it was on a cotton blouse that looked like it had been stuffed into my bag for weeks (in reality, it was only two days). A couple of spritzes, a quick tug and smooth with my hands, and within minutes, it looked totally wearable.
It’s not magic — like, don’t expect crisp ironing results — but it’s more than good enough for dinners, meetings, or just not looking like you slept in your clothes. The scent is light and fresh, not overpowering, which I appreciate when I’m already dealing with hotel room air.
The only downside? The bottle is a little big if you get the standard size, so I always pour some into a travel-friendly spray bottle. Pro tip: keep one at home too because I now use it on my bedsheets to freshen them up.
2. Grove Co. Wrinkle Release Spray – The Eco-Friendly Pick
I stumbled across this one because I’ve been trying to be more eco-conscious, even with little things like laundry. Grove’s version is plant-based, which made me skeptical at first (like, will plants actually smooth out wrinkles?). But it worked surprisingly well on lighter fabrics — think cotton tees, linen pants, casual dresses.
Where it struggles a little is with heavier stuff, like denim or thicker knits. I sprayed and tugged, but the creases just sort of… shrugged back at me. Still, for summer travel wardrobes, it’s lovely. And the scent is really natural and not chemical-y, which makes me feel better about spraying it in small hotel rooms.
3. The Laundress Crease Release – The Fancy One
Okay, let’s talk about The Laundress. This one feels luxurious, even down to the packaging. It smells like a high-end laundry detergent — clean but sophisticated. I used it on a silk blouse (yes, risky, I know), and it actually made it look decent enough to wear without steaming.
Here’s the thing, though: it’s pricey. Like, you kind of wince when you spray too much because you feel like you’re misting money into the air. If you’re the type who likes little luxuries and you want your clothes to smell as polished as they look, this is worth it. But if you’re just trying to keep travel clothes wrinkle-free on a budget, maybe skip.
4. Faultless Wrinkle Remover – Budget-Friendly but Decent
This is the one I grabbed last-minute at a drugstore before a trip, and honestly, it’s not bad. It works quickly on t-shirts and blouses, and the price is great. Where it lags is with stubborn wrinkles on structured fabrics. Like, it’s fine for casual wear, but I wouldn’t rely on it if you’ve got a business meeting.
Still, I like keeping it in my bag for emergencies. Plus, it doubles as a fabric refresher if your clothes are smelling a little… “travel-worn.” You know what I mean.
5. Homemade DIY Wrinkle Spray – The Surprise Winner
Yes, I went there. Out of desperation one trip, I mixed up a DIY version: half water, half fabric softener, and poured it into a mini spray bottle. And you know what? It actually worked shockingly well. The only catch is that you’ve got to go light with the softener or else your clothes feel a little sticky.
I wouldn’t rely on this for delicate fabrics (because who knows what fabric softeners might do long-term), but in a pinch, it’s great. Plus, it’s ridiculously cheap and you can make as much as you need.
A Few Tips I Learned While Testing
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Give it time. None of these sprays are instant. They need a few minutes to relax the fibers. Spray, tug, smooth, then let the clothes hang while you finish getting ready.
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Don’t overspray. More liquid doesn’t mean faster results. Too much just leaves your clothes damp.
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Pack a mini bottle. Most of these don’t come in TSA-approved sizes, so I always decant them into little travel spray bottles. Game changer.
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Combine with the shower hack. If you’ve got stubborn wrinkles, spray the clothes, then hang them in the bathroom while you shower. The combo of spray + steam works way better than steam alone.
Final Ranking (For the Impatient Readers)
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Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus – reliable, affordable, and my personal favorite.
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The Laundress Crease Release – luxury vibes, amazing scent, but pricey.
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Grove Co. Wrinkle Release – eco-friendly option, great for light fabrics.
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Faultless Wrinkle Remover – budget-friendly, solid for casual clothes.
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DIY Spray – works in a pinch, but not for delicate fabrics.
My Honest Takeaway
Here’s the truth: wrinkle-release sprays aren’t perfect. They won’t replace an iron or a good steamer if you want that crisp, sharp look. But for travel, for those moments when you just want to look put-together without stressing, they’re absolute lifesavers.
Since testing these, I don’t travel without one. And honestly, I’ve even started using them at home on laundry day when I’m too lazy to drag out the iron (which, let’s be real, is most days). If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, just throw a little bottle in your bag — future you will thank you.
