A simple laundry trick involving ice cubes has been making the rounds online, with claims that it can help remove wrinkles from clothes without using an iron. The method is straightforward: put a few ice cubes in the tumble dryer with wrinkled clothes, run the machine on a high-heat cycle for a short period and let the melting ice create steam. The steam, heat and tumbling action can help relax light wrinkles. But while the hack has some science behind it, there are a few things to consider before putting ice in your dryer.How does the ice cube dryer hack work?The trick relies on a combination of heat, moisture and movement. As the dryer heats up, the ice cubes melt and release water. The heat then turns some of that moisture into steam inside the drum.Read more - Houston lawyer buys $15.5 million, 15,000-sq-ft mansion just to demolish it; plans to donate $4 million worth of luxury materials & turn the land into a garden; here’s whyThe combination of steam and the tumbling movement can help loosen light wrinkles in clothing.For a single garment, some experts suggest using one or two ice cubes. For two or three items, up to four ice cubes may be used. The dryer can then be run on high heat for around 10 to 15 minutes.Read more - In 2021, when scientists were exploring Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf seafloor, they discovered 'underwater city' with 60 million fish nests & its own natural energy sourceOnce the cycle is finished, remove the clothes immediately and hang them up. Leaving them inside the warm dryer can cause fresh wrinkles to develop.Does putting ice in the dryer actually remove wrinkles?It can help, but the result depends on the clothing. The steam produced as the ice melts can relax light wrinkles, particularly in shirts and other lightweight garments. However, the trick is unlikely to completely remove deep creases or heavy wrinkles from thicker fabrics.So, while it can make clothes look smoother, it should not be considered a full replacement for ironing or steaming.Is putting ice cubes in a tumble dryer safe?This is where a little caution is needed. Tumble dryers are designed to deal with moisture from wet clothes, so a small amount of melted ice does not necessarily mean the appliance will be damaged. However, some appliance technicians advise against making the trick part of a regular laundry routine.Their concern is that water could potentially collect inside the drum or reach areas such as seams, sensors or electrical components if it does not evaporate quickly enough.The ice cubes can also make quite a bit of noise as they move around the drum before melting.Can high heat damage your clothes?The bigger concern may actually be the heat rather than the ice. The hack generally involves using a high-temperature setting, which is not suitable for every type of fabric. Delicate clothing can shrink, lose its shape or suffer heat damage.Always check the garment's care label before using a high-heat drying cycle. If the label advises against high temperatures, it is better to avoid this method.Can a damp cloth work better than ice cubes?If the aim is to create steam, there may be a simpler option. A damp cloth placed inside the dryer can provide moisture immediately, rather than requiring ice to melt first. Some tests have found this approach can be effective for relaxing wrinkles.Another option is to lightly mist the clothes with water before putting them in the dryer.The key is to avoid soaking the clothes, a small amount of moisture is enough to create steam when combined with heat.What if your dryer has a steam setting?If your tumble dryer already has a steam or wrinkle-release cycle, there may be little reason to use ice cubes.A steam function is specifically designed to introduce moisture and help refresh or smooth clothing, making it a more straightforward option than adding ice to the drum.Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a steam or wrinkle-release programme.Should you try the ice cube laundry hack?The viral trick does have a logical basis. Melting ice creates moisture, and heat can turn that moisture into steam. Steam can help relax wrinkles when combined with the movement of a tumble dryer. However, it is not a miracle solution and may not work well on heavy fabrics or deep creases. There are also concerns about repeatedly introducing loose water into an appliance that is not specifically designed for ice cubes.For a quick alternative, try a damp cloth or lightly mist the clothes with water. If your dryer has a dedicated steam setting, that is an even more practical option.Ultimately, the ice cube trick may help with a few light wrinkles, but it is best treated as an occasional household hack rather than a replacement for proper garment-care methods.Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only. Results may vary depending on the appliance, materials and individual circumstances. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check care labels before trying any household hack.