How to Get Wrinkles Out of Curtains (5 Methods, Ranked from Best to Worst)

Introduction

You’ve just hung your new curtains, or perhaps you washed them for the first time. Instead of looking elegant, they are covered with wrinkles and creases. The room suddenly feels cheap and unfinished.

This is one of the most frustrating post‑purchase pain points for homeowners. The challenge is you want to unwrinkle curtains quickly, but you’re terrified of ruining them. Can you iron curtains safely? Will a dryer shrink them? What if you melt a blackout liner or crush velvet?

This guide is your best bet if you’re all about getting creases out of curtains. Instead of dumping a list of random tricks, we’ll rank the methods from best to worst, explain which fabrics need special care, and reveal the ultimate solution: our free Pre‑Washed and Dried service. By removing factory “sizing” chemicals before curtains ever reach your home, we eliminate stubborn creases at the source.

Method 1: The #1 Pro‑Recommended Way (A Garment Steamer)

Wondering how to steam curtains? The garment steamer is the safest and most effective method. It works directly on hanging panels, so you don’t have to wrestle with heavy fabric or risk damaging delicate linings.

Why it’s ranked #1:

● Works with and is gentle on any fabric, e.g., cotton, velvet, etc.

● Removes wrinkles quickly without direct contact with the fabric

● Safe for blackout curtains when used on the fabric side only.

● An added benefit is that it refreshes curtains by lifting odors and dust at the same time.

Pro Tip: Always move the steamer in slow, vertical passes from top to bottom. A little distance should be maintained so that the fabric is not saturated with steam.

Method 2: The Backup Plan (How to Safely Use an Iron)

Sometimes wrinkles are too stubborn for steam alone, and homeowners wonder, can I iron curtains without ruining them? The answer is yes, but only with caution.

Why it’s ranked #2:

● An iron delivers strong heat and pressure, which flattens deep creases quickly and effectively.

● It’s effective for cotton and linen but a risky gamble for fabrics with special coatings or textures.

● Always use the lowest heat setting, and make sure to always place a thin cloth between the iron and the curtain to protect the fibers.

Pro Tip: In no case should you iron blackout liners or velvet directly. For those materials, steaming is a safer option.

Method 3: The High‑Risk Dryer Hack

Many homeowners contemplate how to get wrinkles out of curtains in a dryer because it sounds quick and convenient. The concept is quite straightforward: put in the curtains along with a damp towel, set the dryer on low or “air-only,” and let the tumbling motion relax the fabric.

Why it’s ranked #3:

● Convenient option: It saves time compared to steaming or ironing.

● Risk of shrinkage: Natural fabrics like cotton or linen can contract, especially if exposed to heat.

● Damage potential: Blackout liners may melt, and velvet can lose its texture.

Pro Tip: If you try this method, always check the care label first and use the lowest possible setting. For many fabrics, air-drying or steaming is far safer.

The “Weak” Methods: Shower Steam & Wrinkle‑Release Sprays

These tricks are often mentioned in quick guides, but they only work for the lightest creases. So, if you’re wondering how to get wrinkles out of curtains without a steamer, these are your options.

● Shower Steam: Hang the curtains in the bathroom while running a hot shower. The steam may relax minor wrinkles; however, it is very inconsistent and will not reach the deep folds.

● Wrinkle‑Release Sprays: Spray a little on the fabric and then smooth it out with your hands. It can work when there is no other way, but the results depend on the type of fabric.

Why they’re ranked last:

● They’re convenient but unreliable.

● They don’t address stubborn folds caused by factory sizing or post‑wash creases.

● Best used as temporary fixes until you can steam properly.

WARNING! A Fabric‑Specific Safety Guide

Different fabrics demand different rules. Missteps here can cause permanent damage.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Blackout Curtains (Don’t Melt Them!)

● Never iron directly on the liner, as the heat can melt it instantly.

● Use a garment steamer only on the fabric side, keeping distance.

● Low‑heat dryer settings are dicey; air‑drying is safer.

● This is the safest approach when people ask how to get wrinkles out of blackout curtains.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Velvet Curtains (Don’t Crush Them!)

● Velvet’s pile can be permanently flattened by an iron.

● Use gentle steaming from a distance to lift wrinkles.

● Avoid pressing or folding them; if velvet curtains are stored, it would be best to roll them.

● These steps solve the frequently asked question of how to get wrinkles out of velvet curtains while preserving their luxury look.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Linen Curtains (Natural Wrinkles Are Part of the Style)

● Linen wrinkles easily, but that’s part of its charm.

● Steam lightly to relax folds, or iron while slightly damp.

● At threegirls, we offer a pre-washed service that removes factory creases, making linen easier to manage.

● Thinking of how to get wrinkles out of linen curtains without losing the fabric’s natural drape? This is the best solution.

The Ultimate Solution: How to Avoid Stubborn Creases in the First Place

Most guides only explain how to get creases out of curtains after the fact. But the real frustration comes from hard factory folds that resist every method. These creases are caused by “sizing” chemicals applied during manufacturing to stiffen fabric for packaging.

Our answer is simple: we remove the problem before it ever reaches your home. With our Pre‑Washed and Dried service, curtains arrive soft, fresh, and free of chemical stiffness. That means:

● No shrinkage fear: the risky first wash is already done.

● No chemical smell: healthier for kids, pets, and allergy‑sensitive households.

● Easy to unwrinkle: folds relax quickly with a steamer, instead of fighting stubborn creases.

This preventative approach is what sets us apart. We do not only just teach you how to repair wrinkles but also give you the assurance that your curtains will come perfectly ready for hanging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will new curtain creases fall out on their own? Yes, some light folds will relax after a few weeks of hanging, especially in airy rooms. But deep factory creases usually need steaming or ironing.

How to get wrinkles out of curtains without a steamer? You can try shower steam or wrinkle‑release sprays. These methods work for light wrinkles but won’t fully remove stubborn folds.

Can I iron curtains safely? Curtains can be ironed but only on fabrics such as cotton and linen. Low heat should always be employed, and a cloth should be placed between the iron and the curtain. Blackout liners or velvet should not be ironed.

How to get wrinkles out of blackout curtains? Never iron the liner. Use a garment steamer on the fabric side only, and keep your hand at some distance from the fabric to avoid melting.

Do velvet curtains need special care? Absolutely. Velvet should never be pressed with an iron. Gentle steaming from a distance is the safest way to relax wrinkles.

Conclusion: Wrinkle‑Free Curtains, Without the Stress

Wrinkles can make even the most beautiful curtains look cheap and unfinished. The good news is you now know the safest ranked methods—from steaming to ironing and even the dryer hack—as well as the fabric‑specific warnings that protect blackout, velvet, and linen.

But the ultimate answer isn’t just learning how to get wrinkles out of curtains; it’s preventing stubborn creases in the first place. And that is why our Pre‑Washed and Dried service matters. By removing factory sizing and stabilizing fabrics before they reach your home, we deliver curtains that hang smoothly, smell fresh, and are easy to maintain.

What next? Explore our How to Wash Curtains Guide to keep fabrics fresh without fear, or check our Measurement Guide to ensure every panel fits perfectly. The right care, together with our preventative solution, will make your curtains look as neat as the rest of your home.