Wrinkled curtains can make your space feel a little off, even when everything else is clean and put together.

I’ve been there, pulling curtains straight from the package or dryer, only to find deep creases that won’t fall out on their own. It’s frustrating, especially when all you want is a tidy, relaxed-looking room.

In this guide on how to get wrinkles out of curtains, I’ll walk you through simple and effective methods that actually work.

You’ll learn what to do for different fabrics, like blackout, linen, and sheer, plus how to handle stubborn creases and delicate materials. I’ll also share common mistakes to avoid and easy tips that help your curtains look smooth without a lot of effort.

Why Do Curtains Wrinkle?

Curtains wrinkle for a few simple reasons. Heavy fabrics like velvet and thick cotton hold creases longer, while lighter ones like polyester tend to smooth out faster.

Washing and drying can cause deep wrinkles, especially when curtains bunch up or stay in the machine too long. Packaging and storage add to the problem by pressing sharp folds into the fabric.

These wrinkles aren’t just about looks. Deep creases can wear down the fibers over time. Tackling them early helps your curtains stay in good shape and last longer.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Curtains: Best Methods

Now that you know why wrinkles form, let’s talk about how to deal with them. You don’t need fancy tools or harsh treatments, just the right approach for your curtain type.

Below are the most effective ways to get wrinkles out of curtains, from quick everyday fixes to deeper treatments when creases won’t budge.

1. Steaming

Steaming works well for most curtain types and gives professional results. The gentle heat and moisture relax fabric fibers without causing damage.

Using a Fabric Steamer

A handheld fabric steamer is your best tool for wrinkle removal. Hold the steamer about 6 inches from the fabric and work from top to bottom. Move slowly and let the steam penetrate the fibers.

Work in sections to avoid missing spots. Start with one panel and finish it completely before moving to the next. This gives you better results than jumping around randomly.

Keep the steamer moving to prevent water spots. Hold it steady for 2-3 seconds, then move to the next area. The steam should make the fabric feel slightly damp but not soaking wet.

Shower Steam Method

This method uses your bathroom as a steam room. Hang your curtains in the bathroom and run a hot shower for 10-15 minutes. The steam fills the room and relaxes the wrinkles naturally.

Close the bathroom door to keep the steam inside. Make sure the curtains don’t touch the wet shower walls or floor. Leave them hanging for 30 minutes after the shower stops.

This works best for light to medium-weight fabrics. Heavy curtains might not get enough steam exposure to make a real difference.

2. Dryer Method

The dryer method uses heat and tumbling action to smooth out wrinkles. This technique works well for most washable curtains.

How to Use a Damp Towel in the Dryer

Put your curtains in the dryer with a clean, damp towel. The towel creates steam as it heats up. Set the dryer to low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Check the curtains halfway through the cycle. If they’re still wrinkled, add another 5 minutes. Remove them while they’re still slightly warm for best results.

Hang the curtains immediately after removing them from the dryer. The remaining warmth helps the fabric settle into smooth lines. Wait too long, and new wrinkles might form.

When to Avoid This Method

Don’t use the dryer method on delicate fabrics like silk or vintage materials. High heat can shrink or damage these curtains permanently.

Check care labels before using any heat method. Some synthetic fabrics melt at high temperatures. Blackout curtains with rubber backing can also get damaged by heat.

3. Wrinkle Release Sprays

Wrinkle release sprays offer a quick solution for light wrinkles. These products work by relaxing fabric fibers and helping them return to their natural shape.

Application

Spray the product evenly across the wrinkled areas. Don’t soak the fabric – a light mist works better. Smooth the fabric with your hands after spraying.

Pull the curtains taut while the spray is still damp. This helps the fabric remember its smooth position. Let the curtains dry completely before checking the results.

Best for Quick Fixes

These sprays work best on cotton, polyester, and cotton blends. They handle light wrinkles from storage or minor handling. Deep creases need stronger methods.

4. Hanging and Gravity

Sometimes the simplest solution works best. Gravity can smooth out many wrinkles if you give it enough time.

How Gravity Works to Reduce Wrinkles

Hang your curtains properly and let the weight of the fabric pull out the wrinkles. This method takes patience but works well for many fabric types.

Make sure the curtains hang straight without bunching or folding. Use proper curtain rods that support the weight evenly. Adjust the length so the fabric hangs naturally.

When to Hang Immediately

Hang curtains right after washing while they’re still damp. The moisture helps fibers relax and settle into smooth lines. This prevents wrinkles from setting in the first place.

5. Ironing

Ironing gives you the most control over wrinkle removal. This method works well when you need perfect results for special occasions.

Best Practices for Ironing Curtains

Always use low heat settings to prevent fabric damage. Start with the coolest setting and increase heat only if needed. Most curtain fabrics respond well to gentle heat.

Iron on the reverse side to protect the fabric surface. This prevents shine and keeps colors from fading. Use a pressing cloth for extra protection on delicate materials.

Work in sections from top to bottom. Keep the iron moving to avoid scorching. Press firmly, but don’t drag the iron across the fabric.

When to Use Steam

Steam helps with stubborn wrinkles on natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Fill your iron’s water reservoir and use the steam setting. The combination of heat and moisture works better than dry heat alone.

Fabric-specific Tips for Removing Wrinkles From Curtains

Not all curtains are made the same, so what works for one fabric might not work for another. Here’s how to handle wrinkles based on the type of curtain you have.

1. Blackout Curtains: Blackout curtains have a special backing that needs gentle handling.

• Avoid Heat Damage: Iron only on the fabric side using low heat.
• Steam Safely: Use a steamer or hang in a steamy bathroom.
• Spray Carefully: Test wrinkle sprays first and avoid soaking the fabric. Spray only on the fabric side.

2. Linen Curtains: Linen wrinkles easily but responds well to the right approach.

• Gentle Heat Only: Use low-heat ironing or light steaming.
• Prevent Shrinkage: Avoid high heat in dryers; air dry or use low heat.
• Best Methods: Steaming or a short dryer cycle with a damp towel.

3. Sheer Curtains: Sheers are thin and need extra care.

• Use Light Steam: Hold the steamer 8–10 inches away and keep it moving.
• Let Them Hang: Hanging straight often smooths wrinkles naturally.
• Gentle Fixes: Try bathroom steam or light misting instead of heat.

Eco-Friendly and Natural Solutions

Using natural methods is a simple, low-cost way to smooth out wrinkles without relying on harsh chemicals. Here’s how to do it right.

Natural Methods: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on the curtains and let them hang to dry.

The vinegar smell fades as the fabric dries. You can add a few drops of essential oil, like lavender or lemon, for a gentle, fresh scent.

Benefits of Non-Toxic Options: Natural solutions are safer for your family and pets since they don’t leave behind harsh residues or overpowering scents.

They’re also budget-friendly; common items like vinegar work just as well as commercial sprays, often at a much lower cost.

Which Products to Avoid: Stay away from products with strong fragrances if you’re sensitive to scent. Curtains cover a lot of space, and the smell can quickly become overwhelming.

Also, avoid bleach or chemical-heavy sprays, which can damage fibers or cause discoloration. Stick to fabric-safe, gentle formulas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using high heat on delicate fabrics like linen or blackout curtains.
• Skipping the care label before using heat or chemicals.
• Rushing the process and not allowing time for methods to work.
• Over-wetting curtains with too much water or spray.
• Ignoring equipment maintenance, clean steamers and irons regularly.
• Not testing methods on a small area first.
• Using harsh chemicals or products not suited for the fabric.

Summing Up

Now that you know how to get wrinkles out of curtains, I hope you feel more confident handling them without stress. You’ve seen how different fabrics need different care, and how simple steps can make a real difference.

If you’re working with heavy blackout panels or lightweight sheers, there’s a method that fits your needs.

I’ve kept things simple so you don’t have to second-guess yourself. You deserve a space that feels clean and put together, and smooth curtains are just one part of that.

If you found this helpful, I’d love for you to check out some of my other blogs. You might pick up some easy tips to help keep your home looking the way you like it.