How to Get Creases Out of Clothes (And Keep Them Out)
- Stephen Patrick
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Let’s be real: you almost certainly own an iron. It’s likely sitting in a cupboard, wrapped in its cord, waiting for a wedding, a job interview, or a very specific formal event.
But for the day-to-day grind? Most of us avoid it at all costs. Dragging out the squeaky ironing board and waiting for the iron to heat up is not how anyone wants to spend their morning. Yet, walking out the door looking crumpled isn't an option either. A sharp outfit commands respect, while a wrinkled one suggests you just rolled out of bed.
If you are looking for how to get creases out of clothes efficiently, without spending your life chained to an ironing board, this guide is for you. We will cover the quickest removal methods, the proper way to iron when you actually have to, and the storage secret that stops wrinkles from forming in the first place.
The Basics: What Are Creases?
To fix the problem, we need to understand it. What are creases?
They are essentially "fabric memory." When your clothes are wet and hot (like in the washing machine), the bonds between the fibers loosen. As they dry and cool, those bonds reform and lock into place. If your shirt twists into a ball when it cools, the fibers lock into that shape.
Therefore, creases in clothes are just fibers that have "set" in the wrong position. To fix them, you need to reintroduce heat or moisture to loosen the fibers, smooth them out, and then let them cool in that new, flat shape.
The "I Don't Have Time to Iron" Methods
We all have those mornings. You are running late, and the shirt you planned to wear has a massive crease down the front. Here is how to remove creases from clothes when time is of the essence.
1. The "Dryer Steam" Cycle
If you have 10 minutes, this is the most hands-off method.
The Trick: Do not just throw a dry, wrinkled shirt into a dry dryer. That does nothing. Throw the shirt in with a damp washcloth or a clean, wet sock.
Why it works: The heat turns the water in the damp cloth into steam. This humid environment relaxes the creases in fabric, while the tumbling action smooths them out.
Pro Tip: Remove the item immediately when the timer dings. If you let it sit, it will wrinkle again.
2. The Shower Steam Strategy
This is a classic for a reason, especially for travelers.
The Trick: While you take your morning shower, hang your outfit on the back of the bathroom door or the shower rod (away from direct water spray). Close the windows and the door to trap the steam.
Why it works: The humidity relaxes the fibers gently. It is excellent for creases in shirt collars and removing the "box folds" from new clothes.
Realistic Note: This won't give you a crisp, starched look, but it will make you look presentable.
3. Wrinkle Release Sprays
Every wardrobe should have a bottle of this. Commercial wrinkle release sprays, as well as DIY mixtures (water + a drop of fabric softener), work well on cotton and blends
The Trick: Spray the garment until it is slightly damp, then tug the fabric taut with your hands. Shake it out and let it hang for 2 minutes.
Why it works: The liquid relaxes the tension in the fibers, allowing gravity to pull the wrinkles out.
When You Must Iron (Doing It Right)
Sometimes, there is no substitute for the heat and pressure of a metal plate. If you are wearing a dress shirt, a suit, or crisp chinos, you need to know how to get creases out of clothes the old-fashioned way.
However, most people iron harder, not smarter. Here is how to cut your ironing time in half:
1. Dampness is Key
Ironing a bone-dry shirt is a struggle. It takes twice as long and requires higher heat, which damages fibers.
The Fix: Use the spray button on your iron or a separate spray bottle. Misting the fabric makes the fibers pliable immediately.
2. The "Inside Out" Rule for Synthetics
Polyester and dark fabrics can develop a "shine" if the iron is too hot. This is permanent damage.
The Fix: Always iron dark trousers and synthetic blouses inside out. You get the same heat to remove creases in clothes, but you protect the visible surface.
3. Order of Operations
Don't just randomly attack the shirt. Follow this path to stop re-wrinkling parts you just finished:
Collar and Cuffs: These are the stiffest parts; do them first.
Shoulders (Yoke): Hook the shoulder over the narrow end of the board.
Sleeves: Flatten them out carefully.
Body: Do the back first, then the front.
The Root Cause (Why Your Closet is the Enemy)
Here is the frustrating reality: You spend 20 minutes ironing your clothes on Sunday. You hang them up. On Wednesday, you pull out a shirt and find it covered in wrinkles.
Why? Closet Compression.
Most of us have too many clothes in too small a space. When you jam hangers together, the clothes press against each other. This pressure, combined with the lack of airflow, essentially "irons" new wrinkles into your clothes while they hang.
If you are tired of ironing the same shirt twice, you need to look at your storage.
The Solution: Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST)
The most effective way to deal with wrinkles is to prevent them. Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) is a simple yet brilliant tool designed to solve the overcrowded closet problem.
What is it? It is a specialized tape with evenly spaced bumps that you apply directly to your closet rod. It enables your hangers to stay at perfect, equidistant intervals.
How does RST prevent wrinkles?
Zero Contact: By keeping hangers spaced apart, RST ensures that your clothes hang freely without touching or rubbing against neighboring garments. No friction means no creases in fabric.
Airflow is Crucial: If you iron a shirt and hang it up while it is still slightly warm or has residual steam, it needs to breathe. If you shove it into a tight closet immediately, that trapped warmth will set new wrinkles. Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) creates the necessary air gap for clothes to cool down and "set" perfectly smooth.
The "Boutique" Look: Beyond wrinkle prevention, it makes your closet look like a high-end display. You can see everything you own, which stops you from frantically rummaging through the rail, another common way clothes get crushed.
Using RST Spacing Tape is the difference between a wardrobe that works for you and one that creates more work for you.
A Quick Guide to Different Fabrics
Not all creases in clothes are the same. Here is how to handle specific materials:
Cotton
Stubbornness: High.
Best Method: High-heat iron with plenty of steam.
Quick Fix: The dryer method with a damp towel works wonders on cotton.
Linen
Stubbornness: Extreme.
Best Method: Iron while the garment is significantly damp.
Reality Check: Linen is supposed to have some creases. Don't aim for perfection; aim for "pressed but relaxed."
Synthetics (Polyester, Rayon, Nylon)
Stubbornness: Low (but sensitive to heat).
Best Method: Steaming is safest. If you must iron, use the "Synthetic" or "Low" setting. High heat will melt these plastic-based fibers.
Wool
Stubbornness: Medium.
Best Method: Steam only. Direct ironing can crush wool fibers, making the fabric look flat and shiny. If you use an iron, use a "pressing cloth" (a thin cotton towel) between the iron and the wool.
Conclusion: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Keeping your wardrobe sharp doesn't require a dry-cleaning budget or hours of labor. It requires a system.
Wash and dry smartly: Don't overload the machines, and shake clothes out before drying.
Know your tools: Use the shower trick for light wrinkles and the iron for heavy-duty tasks.
Upgrade your storage: Use Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST). It is the only "set it and forget it" tool that actively prevents wrinkles while you sleep.
By respecting the science of what are creases are and giving your clothes the space they need, you can spend less time holding an iron and more time wearing your clothes with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get creases out of clothes without electricity?
If you are camping or without power, you can use the "mattress method." Lay the wrinkled garment flat on a bed, smooth it out with your hands, and place a mattress on top (or heavy books). Leave it overnight. The pressure will press the garment flat.
Why do I get creases in shirt elbows and backs?
These are "wear wrinkles." They happen because your body heat warms the fabric, and your movement (bending an arm, sitting down) creates a crease. Once the fabric cools in that position, the crease sets. Fabrics with a little stretch (elastane) recover from this better than 100% cotton.
Does hanging clothes in the bathroom really remove creases?
Yes, but it depends on the fabric weight. It works great for lightweight wool, silk, and thin cotton. It struggles with heavy denim or thick canvas, which usually requires direct heat to smooth out.
Can I iron dirty clothes to remove creases?
Never. Heat sets stains. If your shirt has a small invisible stain (like sugar water or sweat) and you iron over it, you will bake that stain into the fabric permanently. Only iron clean clothes.
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Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.
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