“Steaming is a great way to release creases and eliminate wrinkles. Use distilled water in the steamer for best results. The heat from irons is harsher on fabrics than steam. Ironing is safe for flattening sturdier fabrics like cotton that can handle the higher temperature.
I have found that a steamer is the best thing for all wool and rayon items that you need to de-wrinkle at home. It doesn't cause any shine, and it fluffs up wool—in fact, it makes wool a bit springier and more lively. Instead of flattening fibers like an iron, steamers relax fibers.
Steaming can bring out hidden (or sometimes not so hidden) odors in vintage clothing. When washing isn't an option and drycleaning could be dangerous for antique pieces giving the item a steam or two can help remove the smells.
If you're searching for the easiest way to remove wrinkles from your clothes, toss them back into the dryer! For items like shirts and pants that are wrinkled all over, slightly dampen a small thing, like a sock or washcloth, and toss your wrinkled clothes into the dryer on high for five to ten minutes.
According to Apartment Therapy, fill a spray bottle with two cups of water, one teaspoon of hair conditioner, and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Shake it up and spray onto your wrinkled clothes until they're lightly damp (not soaked). Stretch and pull the fabric until the wrinkles release and you're ready to go.
If your clothes are coming out of the dryer full of wrinkles, it's probably a case of overstuffing. Make sure you don't fill your dryer (or your washer) with too many clothes. Packing the appliances will cause clothes to bunch together and cause wrinkles. You can also set your dryer on the permanent press setting.
If you're wondering why your clothes always get wrinkled, the simple answer is because of heat and water. The fabric in clothing is made up of bonded molecules. When they get wet or heat is added, the bonds are broken. As the fabric cools, new bonds form that lock the fibers into a new shape, causing wrinkles.
Most cottons, silks, wools and polyesters can be steamed. Waxed jackets, suede and materials that could possibly melt, like plastic, should not be steamed. If you are unsure about a material, check fabric care labels for advice. You can also test out by steaming a small corner of the fabric.
Remove Old Stains
Before laundering, try soaking the fabric in an enzyme textile cleaner diluted with water, or add a non-chlorine bleach to the wash water. Sometimes an old-fashioned method for bleaching white fabrics can be a gentle yet effective technique: Rub lemon juice and salt over the stain.
The conclusion is clear: According to dermatologists, clothing manufacturers, vintage dealers, and common sense, it's smart—and highly recommended—to wash your new clothing items before wearing them.
Soak overnight in plain, tepid water (keeping like colors together). Soaking will begin to remove dirt and old detergent, and will rehydrate the fabric. If linens are yellowed, add 1/2 cup oxygen bleach to 2 to 3 gallons of water (do not use chlorine bleach, which can weaken fibers).
Certain diseases like dermatitis and scabies can be transferred from wearing unwashed second-hand clothes. Bed bugs may also hitch a ride into your home on second-hand clothes, so It's always a good idea to wash your thrifted finds if you can.
Use a hair dryer to get wrinkles out of clothes
Lay the wrinkled item on a flat surface and blast hot air with your hair dryer. Keep the dryer a couple of inches above the fabric, and cover the front and back of the garment. Like magic, the wrinkles will disappear before your eyes.
In addition to softening clothes and linens, fabric softener can also help reduce or eliminate wrinkles, lessen static, and prevent pilling (you know, those little balls of collected fabric that make your shirt look less than new).
Add either 1 tablespoon (5 milliliters) of fabric softener or 1 cup (237 milliliters) of vinegar to the bottle. If you chose to use vinegar, add 14 or so drops of your favorite essential oil. Screw on the spray cap and give the bottle a shake to mix everything thoroughly.
By far, the easiest way to dewrinkle without an iron is to go to the laundry room and stick the wrinkly clothes inside the dryer for 5 to 15 minutes on low to medium heat. For best results, lightly mist the clothes with water so they're slightly damp, or place a few ice cubes in the dryer along with the dry clothes.