How to Remove Wrinkles From Clothes Without an Iron
Seven easy ways to remove wrinkles without an iron, including steam, a damp towel in the dryer and hanging, with advice by fabric and how to prevent creases.
Key takeaways
- Wrinkles relax when fibres are warm and slightly damp, so steam and moisture are the main tools.
- A garment steamer or a steamy bathroom works for most fabrics.
- Prevention is easier than repair: remove clothes promptly from the washer and dryer.
Wrinkles form when fibres are bent and held in place by heat, moisture or pressure. Releasing them means softening the fibres with moisture and warmth and letting them settle flat. You do not need an iron to do that.
Seven ways to remove wrinkles
- Use a garment steamer. Hang the garment and pass the steamer over the fabric without pressing it. This is the quickest and safest method for most fabrics.
- Hang it in a steamy bathroom. Run a hot shower, close the door and hang the garment on a hook for 10 to 15 minutes, away from the water.
- Smooth it by hand while damp. Lightly mist the fabric with water, then pull the seams and hems straight and smooth the surface with your hands.
- Use the dryer with a damp cloth. Put the wrinkled item in the dryer with a damp towel and tumble on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it promptly.
- Use a wrinkle-release spray. Mist it lightly, smooth and hang. Test on a hidden area first.
- Hang it right after washing. Shake the garment out, smooth it and hang it on a good hanger while damp.
- Press it under weight. For small wrinkles, lay the item flat and smooth it with a flat hand, then leave a heavy book on it for a short time.
What works best by fabric
| Fabric | Wrinkling | Best method |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Wrinkles easily | Steam or mist and smooth |
| Linen | Wrinkles heavily | Steam, or accept a relaxed look |
| Wool | Resists wrinkles | Hang to air, or steam lightly |
| Silk | Moderate | Gentle steam at a distance |
| Polyester | Resists wrinkles | Hang in a steamy room or use low steam |
| Viscose | Wrinkles easily | Gentle steam, and avoid heavy wetting |
What to avoid
- Holding a steamer or hot appliance too close, which can scorch or leave marks.
- Soaking silk or other delicate fabrics, which can leave water marks.
- Using hot hair tools on clothes, because they can burn fabric and cause injury.
- Spraying water on dark silk or satin, which can stain.
How to prevent wrinkles
- Do not overload the washer or dryer. Space lets fabric move freely.
- Remove clothes as soon as the cycle ends and hang or fold them.
- Use a lower spin speed for wrinkle-prone fabrics.
- Choose blends with a little polyester or elastane if you want less creasing. Our synthetic fabrics guide explains why.
If the label says do not steam or do not iron, follow it. Our care label guide explains the ironing symbols.
