How to press clothes without an iron? (Remove wrinkles)

Are you in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for your iron to heat up? Or perhaps you are traveling and don’t have access to an iron? Don’t worry; there are still ways to get those wrinkles out of your clothes without using an iron.

In this article, I’ll be showing you some easy and effective ways to press your fabrics without ironing.

From using a steam iron to a simple press cloth and hair dryer, I’ve got you covered.

If you don’t want to read the entire article, here’s a quick and easy way to get rid of wrinkles and creases without using an iron:

To remove wrinkles and creases from clothes without using an iron, you can place the clothes in a dryer with a damp towel or a few ice cubes. This will create steam and release the wrinkles and creases from the fabric. Having said that, check the care label on the fabric before putting it in the dryer.

Key Takeaways

  • The simplest way to press your clothes without an iron is to put the clothes in the dryer along with a thick, damp cloth or towel. As an alternative, you can even put in a few ice cubes so that steam is released.
  • Other alternatives include using a handheld steamer, hanging the garment post-wash, using hair straighteners, rolling pins, a hotpot, or a tea kettle, and using commercial wrinkle-removing spray.
  • Before putting the fabric in the dryer or using any source of heat, check the care label of the fabric as some items may not tolerate the heat that well.

Different ways to press fabric without an iron

Handheld steamer

Using a handheld garment steamer, you can quickly and easily remove wrinkles from your clothes without any hassle.

Here’s how to use a handheld steamer to get rid of wrinkles in your clothing.

  • First, hang your clothes up or lay them flat on an ironing board, you can also use a flat surface that can withstand heat.
  • Fill the steamer with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Next, turn on the steamer and hold it a few inches away from the fabric and slowly move it back and forth over the wrinkled area until the wrinkles are gone.
  • Finally, let the garment dry for a few minutes before putting it on or hanging it up.

Hang the garment

Another alternative is to hang the fabric up and let gravity do the work for you; moreover, this particular method can take a bit longer, but it doesn’t require any extra equipment.

This method works best when your clothes are still wet or damp.

So, if your garment is in a damp state, simply place it on a clothesline or hanger and let it air dry.

The weight of the fabric will help smooth out any wrinkles or creases while at the same time allowing the garment to dry in a more natural way.

Alternatively, if there are wrinkles on a particular surface area of your garment and you don’t want to wash the entire item, sprinkle some water over the wrinkles and hang the item to dry naturally.

Use steam in the bathroom

Steam can remove wrinkles from clothes by relaxing the fibers and allowing the fabric to return to its original shape.

The heat and moisture from the steam also help to release any trapped dirt or debris that may be causing the wrinkles.

Simply hang the garment in the steamy bathroom and let the power of steam eliminate wrinkles and creases safely.

Note: You can either use a steaming machine in your bathroom or simply fill the tub with hot water and make sure the bathroom is closed and packed.

Hair straightener

If you have a hair straightener, you can use it to press your fabric.

Just make sure the temperature is set to low or medium so you don’t damage the fabric.

So, hang the garment on a clothes hanger, followed by plugging your hair straightener into the power socket.

Set the hair straightener to a low to medium heat setting and start pressing the fabric gently.

Keep moving the straightener back and forth until the wrinkles disappear or the entire garment is pressed.

Next, turn off the straightener and just be sure not to touch anything else with it, as it will be hot.

Another way of using a hair straightener is to place the garment on an ironing board or other heat-resistant surface, followed by slowly running the hot plate of the straightener over the fabric.

Don’t forget to press the seams and around buttons, and finally, let the garment cool down before wearing.

Note: Check the care label on your clothing to see what temperature setting is safe to use; most fabrics can be pressed on a low-heat setting.

Damp towel

There are two ways to use a damp towel to press your fabric.

One way of pressing fabric with a damp towel is to lay the fabric on a flat surface and place the damp towel over it, followed by using your hands to press the fabric until the wrinkles and creases are gone.

Once you are done pressing the fabric, you can hang it on a clothesline or a hanger to air dry naturally.

The other way to use a damp towel is to place your garment in the dryer with a damp towel and set the dryer on low heat for about five to fifteen minutes, depending on the fabric type and the severity of the wrinkles.

Put ice cubes in the dryer

Another effective method for removing wrinkles and creases from your garment is to use ice cubes.

The way it works is that you place several ice cubes in the dryer, turn it on low heat, and let the ice cubes melt.

As the ice cube melts, it will create steam along with the heat, which helps to soften the fabric and relax wrinkles and creases.

So, just put the affected fabric in the dryer, add some ice cubes, set the dryer to medium heat settings, and let it run for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Use a rolling pin

If you don’t have an iron or a hair straightener, you can try using a rolling pin.

Place the fabric on a flat surface and roll the pin over it; this will help smooth out any wrinkles.

This technique works best when the fabric is damp, and it’s effective on lightweight as well as heavy fabrics, including silk, cotton, linen, wool, and denim.

Just make sure that whatever you use is clean and smooth so it doesn’t snag or tear your clothes.

Use a hotpot or a tea kettle

Wrinkles from clothes can also be removed by moving the flat base of a hot kettle on the clothes; likewise, you can use a hot pot as well.

Make sure to place the garment on an ironing board or a flat surface; if the surface is not flat, you can also place a towel or a heat-resistant sheet before spreading your garments over to make the surface even.

The hot bottom surface of a kettle or hotpot will act as a soleplate and will help to get rid of wrinkles on the clothing.

Place a heavy object

You can lay and fold the fabric on a flat surface and use a heavy book or other objects to weigh it down; this particular method works best for small areas or delicate fabrics.

You can leave it for at least 30 minutes to an hour for better results.

Press it under the bed

This method has been used for ages and works best at removing wrinkles from clothes.

Simply fold your garment or lay it flat on your bed, and then lay your mattress over it. Within a few hours, the wrinkles should be removed from your clothing.

Most people leave clothes under the mattress overnight so that they can wear their wrinkle-free clothing the next morning.

Commercial Wrinkle Remover Spray

There are various commercial wrinkle-remover sprays that can be purchased from retail stores and used to effectively reduce wrinkles and creases.

Just spray on the wrinkled garment, wipe it, and shake the garment to get rid of wrinkles and creases.

How do you press fabric with your fingers?

Finger-pressing fabric is a great way to shape and sculpt fabric without using an iron.

It’s done by pressing the fabric with your fingers or knuckles, as you would with an iron, but without heat.

Here’s how you can finger-press your fabric:

  • Begin by laying out the fabric on a flat surface and smoothing it out with your hands.
  • For best results, before you begin finger pressing, lightly spray the fabric with water using a spray bottle to dampen it or you can also steam the fabric. This will help set the crease better when finger pressing.
  • Use your fingers to gently press and smooth out the wrinkle, starting at the middle and working your way out towards the edges.
  • Once you have pressed out all of the wrinkles, give the fabric a final smooth with your hand to ensure that it is wrinkle-free.
  • After completing the pressing, it is important to allow the fabric to dry completely.

What is the best way to get wrinkles out of jeans?

The best way to get the wrinkles out of your jeans is to place them in a dryer along with a thick, damp cloth or a towel. Next, set the dryer on a medium to high settings for about 10 minutes and let it run; this should help to eliminate wrinkles and creases.

Alternatively, you can lay the jeans flat on an even and smooth surface, followed by buttoning and zipping up the jeans.

Then, set the iron to the lowest heat setting, as too much heat can damage the denim fabric.

While ironing, move it in quick motions over each wrinkle.

Lastly, allow the jeans to air dry completely before wearing or storing them.

Note: The high heat from a dryer or iron can burn the elastic; thus, read the care label carefully before using these methods.

What is the best way to remove wrinkles from clothes when traveling?

To get wrinkles out of clothes while traveling, try to hang your clothes up in the bathroom while you shower; the steam from the hot water will help reduce wrinkles.

If the fabric is delicate or cannot be hung up, lay a dry towel over the garment and press it with a warm iron (if you have access to an iron).

Another tip when packing is to roll the items instead of folding them; this helps prevent many wrinkles from forming in the first place.

Additionally, you can spray some fabric refresher on wrinkled pieces and shake them out before wearing them; this will help smooth out creases.

Last but not least, if there’s no time or resources to get rid of wrinkles, choose clothes that won’t wrinkle or won’t show the wrinkles, such as dark-colored shirts or blazers made of a thicker material like wool or cotton.

Wrap Up

There are many ways to press fabric without using an iron, and each has its own pros and cons.

Some may take a long time for you to get rid of wrinkles, while some methods may not be safe for the fabric.

To handle this situation well, you must go through the care label once, as it will give you an idea of using the right methods.

For example, if the care label prohibits you from using a dryer or iron, you can use some other methods, like hanging the fabric when it’s damp or finger-pressing them.

Also, when traveling, it’s best to load your backpack with clothes that don’t wrinkle easily and keep a wrinkle remover spray handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ice cubes effective at reducing wrinkles in clothes?

Using ice cubes in the dryer is a great way to reduce wrinkles in clothes. The heat from the dryer helps melt ice and create steam. The high heat and steam combined help to reduce wrinkles and creases by relaxing the fibers.

Should you press the fabric before sewing?

Yes, it is recommended that you press the fabric before sewing. This helps to ensure that the fabric looks neat and professional when it is sewn together. Pressing the seams and edges of the fabric gives them a crisp and clean look. Also, pressing removes any creases or wrinkles from the material, which can make a huge difference in the overall appearance.

What should I use as a press cloth when ironing?

A piece of clean cotton cloth, napkin, or even a towel can be used as a press cloth when ironing. However, you need to make sure that the cloth is thin enough to allow the heat to pass through without any obstruction but thick enough to provide protection against scorching the fabric. Also, the cloth itself should be able to withstand high temperatures and should not melt, shrink, or get discolored due to heat.

Manish Singh is an expert in electrical engineering with a Diploma in the field. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in repairing music systems, washing machines, dryers, and other laundry-related appliances. His in-depth knowledge in electrical repairs and decent knowledge about garment care makes him a trusted authority in the field of appliance repair and laundry related topics. If you have any questions or need assistance with your appliances, you can reach out to Manish through email: manish.singh (at) portablelaundry.com