No iron, no time, or a fabric you do not trust to heat? You can get most wrinkles out of clothes without an iron. Here are the methods that work, which fabrics need extra care, and when a professional press is the better choice.
Check the care label first
Some fabrics, such as silk, satin and certain synthetics, can be marked by heat, steam or water. The iron symbol on the label tells you the maximum heat the fabric can take, and a crossed-out iron means do not iron. Our laundry care symbols guide explains each one.
Six ways to remove wrinkles without an iron
- Steam in the bathroom. Hang the garment on a hanger in the bathroom, run a hot shower with the door closed for 10 to 15 minutes, then smooth the fabric with your hands and let it dry.
- Use a handheld steamer. Hold it a few inches from the fabric and move it slowly from top to bottom. This is the gentlest method for most clothes.
- Use the dryer. Put the garment in for about 10 minutes on low or medium heat with a damp cloth or towel. The moisture creates steam that relaxes the wrinkles.
- Smooth it while damp. Lightly mist a wrinkled area with water, pull the fabric flat with your hands and hang it to dry.
- Use a wrinkle-release spray. Spray lightly, smooth the fabric and let it dry on a hanger. Test on a hidden spot first.
- Hang it up straight away. Many wrinkles fall out on their own if you hang the garment on a wide hanger and leave it for a few hours.
Wrinkles by fabric
| Fabric | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cotton and linen | Steam or a damp-dryer cycle. Linen wrinkles easily and relaxes best with steam. |
| Polyester | Low heat and steam. Avoid high heat, which can leave shiny marks or melt the fabric. |
| Wool | Steam from a distance, then let it dry flat or on a hanger. |
| Silk and satin | Steam gently from a distance and avoid water spots. If in doubt, ask a professional. |
How to keep clothes from wrinkling
- Take clothes out of the dryer as soon as it stops, and fold or hang them right away.
- Do not overload the washer or dryer. Crowded loads wrinkle more.
- Use proper hangers. A wide hanger supports the shoulders of shirts and jackets.
- Do not cram your closet. Clothes need room to hang without creasing.
When a professional press is the better choice
Some garments are not worth the risk or the effort: dress shirts, suits, blazers, formal wear and anything you need to look sharp for an event. Pressing and finishing is part of our dry cleaning process, and every garment is checked again before it is returned. At Top Hat Cleaners, shirts start at $5.25 and pants at $5.99, and final prices are confirmed after inspection. See how dry cleaning works and how to care for a suit.
Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas. Same-day service may be available at select locations, with drop-off by 10 AM and pick-up by 6 PM where offered, so call 214-348-0666 if you have an event. Find your nearest store on our locations page.
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