7 Easy Ways to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothes—Even if You Don't Have an Iron
These foolproof methods will keep your garments wrinkle-free.
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Few things are more frustrating than pulling your favorite shirt or pants out of the closet to find they're too wrinkled to wear. When this happens, don't reach for something else to put on. Instead, use one of our foolproof methods for getting wrinkles out of your clothes. We provide techniques that anyone can do from home—even if you don't have an iron or steamer.
Meet the Expert
Hannah Yokoji, of The Laundress, a line of fabric care solutions
Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids, a nationwide cleaning company
Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy on Discovery+ and author of "Laundry Love"
Related: How to Iron Every Piece of Clothing—and Choose the Right Temperature Setting for Each Fabric
How to Remove Wrinkles With a Steamer
If you don't have an iron, a steamer is the next best thing—some say it's even better. "Steamers work by producing hot steam that penetrates the fabric, relaxing the fibers and releasing wrinkles," says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "They are gentler on delicate fabrics compared to irons and are quick to use but may not provide as crisp of a finish as ironing would."
Fill the steamer with water and turn it on to heat up.
Hang the wrinkled garment on a hanger or place it on a flat surface.
Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and move it up and down, focusing on wrinkled areas.
Steam until the wrinkles relax and the fabric looks smooth.
How to Remove Wrinkles in the Dryer
The heat from your dryer is also an effective way to remove wrinkles. "When using the dryer to combat wrinkles specifically, avoid overstuffing the machine, as items need room to move around to properly de-wrinkle," says Yokoji. "Always check your garment’s tag and select a dry cycle appropriate for the fabric type."
Place the garment in the dryer along with a wet towel.
Run the dryer on a medium to high heat setting for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the garment promptly and hang or lay it flat to cool down.
Related: Do Wool Dryer Balls Really Work? Here's How to Use Them Correctly in Your Laundry
How to Remove Wrinkles With a Hot Pot
Sometimes all it takes to get wrinkles out of your clothes is a hot pot. "The steam from the hot pot helps to release wrinkles similarly to a steamer," says Cohoon. "Be cautious to avoid burns and use heat-resistant gloves if necessary."
Boil water in a large pot.
Turn off the heat and let the water cool slightly.
Hold the wrinkled garment over the pot, allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric.
Smooth out wrinkles with your hands on a flat surface.
How to Remove Wrinkles With Shower Steam
While using shower steam to remove wrinkles isn't as effective as some other methods, the heat can still release some wrinkles from your clothes. This technique is best for thinner, light-weight fabrics. This is how to do it, says Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy.
Hang the item from the shower rod.
Using hot water only, turn on your shower.
Close the bathroom door to trap the steam inside.
Let the garment sit with the water on for about 10 minutes.
To speed up the process, gently stretch the fabric to pull the wrinkles out.
How to Remove Wrinkles With a DIY Spray
Make a DIY wrinkle spray you can use at home and on the go. "The water and fabric softener or vinegar help to relax the fabric fibers, making wrinkles easier to remove," says Cohoon. "You’ll want to test the spray on a small area first to ensure compatibility with the fabric."
Mix equal parts water and fabric softener (or white vinegar) in a spray bottle.
Shake well to combine the ingredients.
Spray the mixture lightly onto the wrinkled areas of the garment.
Smooth out wrinkles with your hands on a flat surface.
Related: The Right Way to Dry Clean Clothes at Home
How to Remove Wrinkles With a Hair Dryer
Your hair dryer can do more than just style your hair—it can also get wrinkles out of your clothes. "The combination of heat and moisture helps to relax the fabric and release wrinkles," says Cohoon. "But be careful not to apply too much heat to avoid damaging the fabric."
Dampen a clean cloth and place it over the wrinkled area of the garment.
Use a hairdryer on a medium heat setting and hold it a few inches away from the fabric.
Move the hairdryer back and forth over the cloth, focusing on the wrinkled areas.
Remove the damp cloth and smooth out any remaining wrinkles with your hands.
How to Remove Wrinkles With an Iron
Ironing is the most obvious and effective method when it comes to getting wrinkles out of clothes. But keep in mind that applying direct, high heat on fibers is intense and you should always check the care label first to ensure the garment can withstand ironing, says Hannah Yokoji, of The Laundress. Fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere, and velvet are typically too delicate for ironing.
Fill the iron with water and set it to the appropriate temperature for the fabric.
Lay the wrinkled garment on an ironing board and smooth out any major wrinkles with your hands.
Iron the garment in sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
Use steam or spray water from the iron as needed to help release stubborn wrinkles.
Related: Our Illustrated Guide to Laundry Symbols Will Help You Decode Your Clothing Care Tags
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
