How to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

You pulled a shirt from the closet and it’s covered in wrinkles. You’re already running late and don’t have time to set up the ironing board. Wrinkles happen when fabric is folded or crushed while warm or damp, and the fibers set in that position as they cool and dry. Removing wrinkles means relaxing the fibers so they return to their smooth state. You can do this with heat, moisture, or a combination of both. Here’s how to get wrinkles out of clothes with and without an iron.

Wrinkles in clothes are creases that form when fabric fibers are bent or compressed while warm or damp and then cool in that position. Removing wrinkles requires relaxing the fibers with heat, moisture, or tension so they return to their smooth state.

To get wrinkles out of clothes, use a steam iron on the appropriate heat setting for the fabric, or use a garment steamer for quick de-wrinkling. For no-iron methods, hang the garment in a steamy bathroom, use a wrinkle release spray, or dampen and smooth by hand. Always check the care label for the recommended ironing temperature.

Method 1: Steam Iron (Most Effective)

A steam iron is the most effective tool for removing wrinkles. It combines heat and steam to relax the fibers.

Step 1: Check the care label. Look for the ironing symbol (an iron with dots). One dot means low heat, two dots mean medium heat, three dots mean high heat. A crossed-out iron means do not iron.

Step 2: Set the iron temperature. Match the iron setting to the fabric:

Fabric	Iron Setting
Cotton	High (3 dots)
Linen	High (3 dots)
Wool	Medium (2 dots)
Polyester	Low (1 dot)
Silk	Low (1 dot)
Synthetics	Low (1 dot)

Step 3: Fill the water reservoir. Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the iron.

Step 4: Iron in sections. Place the garment on the ironing board and iron in sections, moving the iron smoothly. Don’t leave the iron in one spot too long, as it can scorch the fabric.

Step 5: Hang immediately. Hang the garment as soon as you finish ironing to prevent new wrinkles.

Method 2: Garment Steamer (Quick and Gentle)

A garment steamer is faster than an iron and gentler on delicate fabrics. It uses steam to relax fibers without direct contact.

Step 1: Fill the steamer. Fill with distilled water.

Step 2: Hang the garment. Hang the garment on a hanger.

Step 3: Steam from top to bottom. Run the steamer head down the garment from top to bottom, keeping it about 1 inch from the fabric. The steam relaxes the fibers and smooths the wrinkles.

Step 4: Let dry. Let the garment dry for 5 to 10 minutes before wearing.

The benefit: gentle on all fabrics, including delicates. The drawback: less effective on deep wrinkles in heavy fabrics like cotton and linen.

Method 3: Steamy Bathroom (No Equipment Needed)

If you don’t have an iron or steamer, use your shower.

Step 1: Hang the garment. Hang the wrinkled garment in the bathroom near the shower.

Step 2: Turn on the hot shower. Turn on the shower to hot and close the door. The steam fills the room and relaxes the fabric fibers.

Step 3: Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Let the steam work for 10 to 15 minutes. The wrinkles will relax.

Step 4: Smooth by hand. Gently pull the fabric taut to help smooth out remaining wrinkles.

Step 5: Let dry. Let the garment dry completely before wearing.

Method 4: Wrinkle Release Spray

Wrinkle release sprays contain ingredients that relax fabric fibers. They’re convenient for travel and quick fixes.

Step 1: Spray the garment. Spray the wrinkled areas lightly. Don’t soak the fabric.

Step 2: Smooth by hand. Pull the fabric taut and smooth the wrinkles with your hands.

Step 3: Hang to dry. Hang the garment and let it dry. The wrinkles will relax as it dries.

The drawback: less effective than ironing or steaming. Best for light wrinkles.

Method 5: Damp Towel Method

For items that can’t be ironed or steamed, the damp towel method works.

Step 1: Dampen a towel. Get a clean towel slightly damp with water.

Step 2: Place on the garment. Lay the damp towel flat on the wrinkled garment.

Step 3: Press down. Press down on the towel with your hands. The moisture transfers to the garment and relaxes the fibers.

Step 4: Smooth by hand. Remove the towel and smooth the garment by hand.

Step 5: Let dry. Let the garment dry completely.

How to Prevent Wrinkles

Remove clothes from the dryer promptly. Don’t leave clothes sitting in the dryer after the cycle ends. Remove and hang or fold immediately.

Use the Perm Press cycle. The Perm Press dryer cycle has a cool-down period that prevents wrinkles from setting.

Don’t over-dry. Over-drying creates wrinkles. Remove clothes while they’re slightly damp.

Hang or fold immediately. Hang shirts and dresses on hangers. Fold t-shirts and pants neatly. Don’t throw clothes in a pile.

Don’t overload the dryer. Overloading prevents clothes from tumbling freely, which increases wrinkles.

Use dryer balls. Wool dryer balls help separate clothes and reduce wrinkles.

Shake items before drying. Shake each item to separate it from the load before putting it in the dryer.

FAQ

How do you get wrinkles out of clothes? Use a steam iron on the appropriate heat setting for the fabric, or use a garment steamer for quick de-wrinkling. For no-iron methods, hang the garment in a steamy bathroom, use a wrinkle release spray, or dampen and smooth by hand.

How do you get wrinkles out of clothes without an iron? Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes, use a wrinkle release spray and smooth by hand, or use the damp towel method. A garment steamer is also a good alternative to an iron.

Does a steamer remove wrinkles from clothes? Yes. A garment steamer uses steam to relax fabric fibers, which smooths wrinkles. It’s faster than ironing and gentler on delicate fabrics. Run the steamer head down the garment from top to bottom, keeping it about 1 inch from the fabric.

How do you prevent wrinkles in clothes? Remove clothes from the dryer promptly, use the Perm Press cycle, don’t over-dry, hang or fold immediately, don’t overload the dryer, use dryer balls, and shake items before drying.

What is the best way to remove wrinkles from delicate fabrics? Use a garment steamer or the steamy bathroom method. Don’t use an iron on silk, lace, or other delicates unless the care label says it’s safe. The damp towel method also works for delicates.

Does wrinkle release spray work? Yes, for light wrinkles. Spray the wrinkled areas lightly, smooth by hand, and hang to dry. It’s less effective than ironing or steaming but convenient for travel and quick fixes.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Wrinkles from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Wrinkle Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Whirlpool. “Dryer Settings to Prevent Wrinkles.” whirlpool.com.