Should you iron Velvet fabric? (Answered)

Velvet is a delicate fabric that can easily be damaged by heat and steam, so ironing it can be risky. If you do need to iron velvet, it’s important to use a low heat setting and to place a pressing cloth, such as a thin cotton or linen cloth, between the iron and the velvet. Alternatively, to revive crushed pile and smooth out wrinkles, a clothes steamer works reasonably well on velvet.

In general, most types of velvet fabrics don’t need ironing because the velvet fibers are usually resistant to wrinkles, and the fabric springs back into shape after being worn or sitting in a closet.

Moreover, velvet is quickly damaged by heat sources like irons and may also fade or shrink in the sun. When exposed to high heat, silk, rayon, and crushed velvet are more likely to break than other fabrics.

So, if you want to remove wrinkles from your velvet item, the best way is to use a cool iron or simply set the iron to the lowest heat setting.

If you are using a low heat setting, make sure to cover the fabric with a thin cloth and move the iron quickly over the surface of the fabric to avoid burning or damaging the fibers.

Key Takeaways

  • Velvet is a luxurious fabric with a rich history often used in high-end fashion and decor, and is known for its soft, plush texture.
  • It has a delicate surface and requires special care especially when it comes to ironing.
  • You shouldn’t iron velvet since doing so might cause the fabric’s fibers to scorch and shrink. Instead, you can use steam with utmost care to get rid of wrinkles from velvet.
  • Alternatively, you can place a cotton cloth between the iron and velvet clothes in order to iron them safely.

How to use iron on velvet safely?

Ideally, you should avoid ironing velvet fabrics, however, if you still want to iron it, here are some best practices that you can follow.

  • Read the care label and see if your velvet fabric qualifies for ironing.
  • If the fabric is not iron friendly, you can lightly mist the fabric with water and then use a cool iron to smooth out any wrinkles.
  • Be sure to test the iron on a small inconspicuous area first if you are using low heat settings, as heat can damage velvet.
  • Do not use the iron directly over silk, rayon, or other synthetic velvet to prevent burning and irreparable damage to your clothing.
  • You should place a soft towel over a flat surface or your ironing board and then lay your velvet garment over it to iron.
  • High temperatures can shrink velvet or cause the pile to become matted down in no time. So, ensure using the lightest setting possible on the iron.
  • Instead of ironing velvet items, use steam and avoid contacting the surface of the fabric with the iron.
  • Make sure to use iron or steam on the reverse or the wrong side of the velvet garment to be on the safe side.
  • To prevent wrinkles from reappearing, hang your garment up as soon as you’re finished ironing.

What are the consequences of ironing velvet?

Ironing velvet can be difficult, as the fabric is susceptible to burning and scorching; moreover, it can cause the fabric to become distorted.

This is because the heat from the iron can cause the fibers in the fabric to expand and contract, which can cause the velvet to lose its shape.

Also, ironing velvet can make the surface rougher and cause wrinkles and damage to the fabric.

How do you remove wrinkles from velvet without ironing it?

If you’re considering removing wrinkles from your velvet fabrics without using a hot iron, here are a few tips to help you out.

  • Consider using a steamer to remove wrinkles from your velvet fabrics since it is a gentle method that may be very efficient at removing pesky creases.
  • Simply hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and run it over the surface.
  • Steaming velvet in a proper way can help loosen up the fabric and release some of the wrinkles.
  • If steaming doesn’t seem to be working, you can try using a cool iron on your velvet fabrics, be careful not to damage the fabric by using too much pressure.
  • Additionally, you can also try hanging your velvet fabric in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to help release the wrinkles.
  • Finally, if all else fails or if you are unsure about the process, you can always take your velvet fabrics to a professional cleaner. They have the experience and expertise needed to safely and effectively remove wrinkles from your delicate velvet fabrics.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to caring for velvet, you should avoid ironing it, as this can damage the fabric in no time.

If you are unsure of how to remove wrinkles, dry cleaners are the best places to visit and treat velvet items.

However, if you must iron it yourself, be sure to use the steam feature in your iron and the lowest temperature setting.

Avoid ironing synthetic velvet items as this can flatten the pile and make the fabric look dull, instead, hang your velvet garments or drapes to air out any wrinkles.

Lastly, if you are using a low heat setting to iron your velvet fabric, don’t forget to place a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron.

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