The Ultimate Guide to Getting Wrinkles Out of Curtains
Last Update: April 2025
Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. We've made custom curtains for over 10 years. I know how annoying wrinkled curtains can be. They make your whole room look messy!
Don't worry - I'll show you some easy ways to remove wrinkles from curtains. You won't need fancy tools or expensive services. These are the same tips I share with my customers every day.
Key Takeaways
| Main Section | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Why Curtains Get Wrinkled | Wrinkles happen due to tight packaging, humidity, or improper handling. Always unpack and hang curtains immediately to reduce creases. Use proper storage to avoid folds. |
| Wash and Dry Your Curtains | Washing curtains can remove wrinkles, but always check the care label first. Dry on low heat with a damp towel or hang them while slightly damp for the best results. |
| Steam Away Wrinkles | Steaming is the safest and most effective way to remove wrinkles. Use a handheld steamer, keep it 6 inches away, and work from top to bottom for smooth results. |
| Use Wrinkle Release Spray | Wrinkle release sprays are a quick fix for light creases. Spray lightly on wrinkled areas, smooth with your hands, and let the fabric air dry for the best effect. |
| Iron With Care | Ironing works for tough wrinkles but requires caution. Use a pressing cloth, low heat, and keep the iron moving to avoid damaging delicate fabrics like silk or polyester. |
| Other Easy Tricks | Try steaming curtains in a hot shower or using weights to pull out wrinkles naturally. These methods are great for quick fixes without special tools. |
| Different Fabrics Need Care | Each fabric needs specific care: steam sheer curtains, use low heat for polyester, and avoid ironing silk. Always follow care labels for best results. |
| Prevent Wrinkles Before They Start | Use sturdy rods, evenly spaced rings, and tiebacks to keep curtains wrinkle-free. Open and close curtains gently to maintain their smooth appearance. |
| Custom Curtain Service | Custom-sized curtains fit perfectly and wrinkle less over time. At Dolcewe.com, we offer affordable custom options starting at $26.99 that are easy to care for. |
Why Curtains Get Wrinkled
Curtains get wrinkles for many reasons:
- They come tightly folded in packages
- They get bunched up when you close them
- Humidity changes make the fabric expand and shrink
- Kids or pets pull on them
- They get washed without proper care
Let me share the best ways to remove wrinkles from any type of curtain.
Method 1: Wash and Dry Your Curtains
Washing is a simple fix for wrinkled curtains. It works well for most fabric types.
First, check the care label on your curtains. Not all curtains can be washed at home. Some need dry cleaning only.
For washable curtains:
- Take off any hooks or hardware
- Use gentle detergent and cold water
- Choose a gentle cycle on your washer
- Dry on low heat with a damp towel
The damp towel is my secret trick. It makes steam in the dryer. This steam helps smooth the wrinkles away.
| Fabric Type | Washing Tips | Drying Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Cold water, gentle cycle | Low heat, remove promptly |
| Polyester | Cold water, mild soap | Low heat or hang to dry |
| Linen | Cold water only | Hang to dry while damp |
| Sheer | Hand wash gently | Hang to dry, never wring |
I've seen many ruined curtains in my time. Always check the care label first. Some fabrics can shrink or lose color when washed wrong.
Method 2: Steam Away Those Wrinkles
Steaming is my favorite method for most curtains. It's gentle and works while curtains hang on the rod.
You'll need a handheld steamer. These cost about $20-50 and last for years. I use one in my own home all the time.
To steam curtains:
- Fill the steamer with clean water
- Let it heat up fully
- Hold the steamer 6 inches from the fabric
- Move slowly from top to bottom
- Pull the bottom of the curtain gently for better results
Steaming works on almost all fabrics. It's best for delicate curtains that you can't iron.
For thicker curtains like blackout styles, steam both sides. Go slowly to let the heat work through the fabric.
The best part? You don't need to take the curtains down. This saves so much time and effort.
Method 3: Use Wrinkle Release Spray
For quick fixes, wrinkle release spray works great. It's perfect for light wrinkles that pop up between deep cleanings.
Tom & Sheri's Iron in a Bottle is a good option. It's plant-based and safe for most fabrics. You can also make your own spray with water and a little fabric softener.
How to use wrinkle spray:
- Spray lightly on the wrinkled areas
- Gently pull and smooth the fabric with your hands
- Let it dry completely
This method works best for minor wrinkles. Deep creases might need steaming or ironing.
I keep a bottle of wrinkle spray at home. It's great for quick touch-ups between more thorough cleanings.
Method 4: Iron With Care
Ironing can remove tough wrinkles, but you must be very careful. Direct heat can damage some curtain fabrics.
If you choose to iron:
- Check the care label for heat settings
- Use low to medium heat only
- Place a clean cloth between the iron and curtain
- Keep the iron moving - don't stay in one spot
- Iron on the back side of the fabric when possible
| Fabric Type | Iron Setting | Special Care |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Medium | Iron when slightly damp |
| Polyester | Low | Use pressing cloth to prevent melting |
| Silk | Low/No | Better to steam than iron |
| Linen | Medium | Iron while still damp |
I've seen too many curtains ruined by ironing. When in doubt, use a lower heat setting. Test in a hidden corner first.
Other Easy Wrinkle-Removal Tricks
Try these clever methods if you don't have special tools:
Bathroom Steam Method
Hang curtains in your bathroom. Run a hot shower for 10 minutes. Close the door to trap steam. The steam will relax the fabric wrinkles.
Dryer Method
Put curtains in the dryer with a damp towel. Run on low heat for 10 minutes. Take them out and hang right away.
Weight Method
Hang your curtains normally. Clip weights to the bottom hem. Let gravity pull out the wrinkles over a day or two.
You can buy special drapery weights. Or use large binder clips with coins inside as a cheap option.
Different Fabrics Need Different Care
Each curtain material needs special care for wrinkles:
Sheer Curtains
These tear easily, so be gentle. Never iron directly. Use light steam or hang in a steamy bathroom.
Blackout Curtains
These thick blackout curtains need more work. Steam both sides slowly. Or use wrinkle spray and smooth by hand.
Linen Curtains
Linen wrinkles very easily. It's just how the fabric works. Steam works well. Or spray lightly with water and smooth by hand.
Silk Curtains
Silk is super delicate. Best to get these cleaned by pros. If you try at home, use cool steam only and never iron.
In my years making custom curtains, I've worked with all these fabrics. When in doubt, start with the gentlest method first.
Prevent Wrinkles Before They Start
Stop wrinkles before they happen with these simple tips:
- Hang curtains on sturdy rods that won't sag
- Use enough curtain rings for even support
- Keep curtains away from heaters and vents
- Open and close curtains gently
- Use tie-backs or holdbacks when curtains are open
The best way to prevent wrinkles? Get curtains that fit your windows perfectly. At Dolcewe.com, we make custom sizes starting at just $26.99.
When To Get New Curtains
Sometimes curtains won't come unwrinkled no matter what you try. This happens when:
- The fabric is old and worn out
- Sun damage has weakened the fibers
- They've been washed wrong too many times
- The material just wrinkles easily by nature
If you've tried everything and still have wrinkles, it might be time for new curtains.
Our Custom Curtain Service
At Dolcewe.com, we make curtains to fit your exact window size. Custom curtains hang better and get fewer wrinkles.
Our prices start at just $26.99. We offer many fabric choices that resist wrinkles. All our curtains come with easy care instructions.
FAQ
Q: Can I wash and dry my curtains to remove wrinkles?
A: Yes, if the care instructions on your curtains allow for machine washing. Use a gentle cycle and remove them promptly from the dryer to help eliminate wrinkles. Adding small towels to the dryer can also prevent the curtains from bunching together and creating wrinkles.
Q: Can I use a steamer to remove wrinkles from hanging curtains?
A: Yes, using a handheld steamer is a great option for removing wrinkles from hanging curtains. Just make sure to have a partner to help pull the curtains taut while you steam them, as it can be a two-person job.
Q: Are wrinkle release sprays effective in removing curtain wrinkles?
A: Yes, wrinkle release sprays can be an easy and effective solution for removing wrinkles from curtains. One recommended product is Tom & Sheri's Iron in a Bottle, which harnesses the wrinkle-removing power of a traditional iron in a convenient spray form.
Q: Can I iron my curtains to remove wrinkles?
A: Yes, ironing can be an effective method for removing wrinkles from curtains. However, be sure to use a low setting and protect the fabric with a cloth if necessary, especially for delicate fabrics. Ironing may not be practical for larger curtains or those with pleats.
Q: Are there any other methods I can try to remove wrinkles from curtains?
A: Yes, you can try using drapery weights to help eliminate wrinkles and keep your curtains hanging nicely. Another option is to steam your curtains in the bathroom by hanging them over the shower curtain rod and using the steam from hot water to relax the fabric.
Q: How do I deal with heavily wrinkled new curtains?
A: If your new curtains are heavily wrinkled from packaging, using a handheld clothing steamer is the best bet. Steam from top to bottom on the front side of the curtains, and for thicker fabrics, steam from the underside as well.
Q: Are there any care instructions for different fabrics?
A: Yes, it's important to check the care instructions on your curtains before attempting any wrinkle removal methods. Different fabrics may require professional cleaning or a more delicate approach.
