Blackout curtains are perfect when maintaining the privacy and providing absolute light blockage and noise reduction, especially in bedrooms. Learn how to get wrinkles out of blackout curtains and enjoy a smart, elegant, and tidy look.
Fortunately, you can get rid of these unpleasant folds by either steaming, ironing, or placing them in the dryer. For most people, these fabric wrinkles can be pretty frustrating to look at since it affects the curtain’s tailored look.
Blackout curtains
These heavy and thick draperies can come in many different colors and designs and are typically made out of polyester or polyester blend. Manufacturers line them with rubber materials to enhance their light, noise, and heat blockage abilities.
You can use your blackout curtains anywhere, not just in your bedrooms. Some media and photography businesses also utilize this elegant fabric as a beautiful backdrop for their shoots.
The cloth comes folded and packed in small boxes. However, unpleasant and messy creases can be quite visible within the fabric, especially from a newly opened package. Other times, the wrinkles form due to curtain mishandling.
Luckily, they aren’t impossible to get rid of. Here are a few methods and step-by-step procedures to tackle how to get wrinkles out of blackout curtains.
Steaming
Using a garment steamer or regular steam iron, you can easily get rid of those pesky fabric wrinkles without too much work. This is probably one of the most popular methods because it is the easiest and quickest one.
Step 1: Warm your iron
Set your iron to 1400 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up to the steaming temperature. If you are using a steam iron, fill it up with water before turning it on. It is probably better if you use garment steamers because they are safer to use on any fabric.
Step 2: Stretch the curtain
When your steam iron is ready, get someone to help you in stretching your curtain. Be careful if you are extending your curtains while they are on the rod. It might fall due to too much weight. Just make sure that you pull the fabric enough so that the iron’s steam shoots through the material and other layers.
Step 3: Steam the fabric
Take your iron and stand by the side of the fabric facing the foam or rubber lining. Shoot the steam through the iron or garment steamer and gently run it over the material in a single vertical or horizontal direction. Make sure that you keep the curtain stretched while doing this step.
Run the steam over the wrinkles at a fair distance away from the rubber or foam lining. Due to the liner’s material, it is prone to melt at relatively high temperatures. Do not let the iron touch the rubber lining.
Let the cloth cool for a while before re-steaming the area to get rid of stubborn wrinkles. You can run the iron over lingering creases repeatedly but be cautious of too much heat exposure. Never leave the steam to heat one spot for too long.
Once you finish one side of the curtain, let it cool and repeat the process at the backside.
Ironing method
Since steaming shoots indirect heat, you might want to opt for a more direct wrinkle-removing method. In this case, you can iron your blackout curtains to get rid of stubborn creases and folds. Just be extra careful when using the iron on your blackout curtains.
Step 1: Prepare the curtain
Set up your ironing board or table and place aluminum foil on top. Lay your curtain with the rubber lining or insulated side facing the foil. The foil will help you distribute the heat and get rid of the wrinkles despite not ironing on the other side.
Step 2: Fabric protection
Get a thin piece of cloth such as a bedsheet or thin towel that you can place over the curtain fabric. The fabric will serve as an added layer of protection to prevent the heat from melting the curtain.
If you don’t have a large bedsheet, you can use any thin fabric like a pillowcase. Just make sure to move it along the curtain as you iron over other areas.
Step 3: Iron the curtain
Adjust your temperature to the lowest heat setting and let it warm up. Iron the curtain starting from the top and move in an orderly direction. Make sure that you aren’t ironing directly over the curtain fabric.
When ironing, remember to never leave it in one area for too long. Too much heat can melt or burn the curtain and cause permanent damage. Keep the iron moving at a steady pace and only move on the areas covered with the protective layer.
Dryer alternatives
Some blackout curtains are fit to place in the dryer. Make sure to read the curtain manufacturer’s guide when considering if you should put them in the dryer or washing machine. If recommended, set your machine to the lowest heat setting and wash or dry them as normal. Don’t forget to use a damp towel or washcloth with the curtains while drying.
Overall, wrinkled drapes look untidy and unkempt. It spoils the room aesthetics, and it doesn’t exactly scream luxury and extravagance. It is best to learn the proper methods in how to get wrinkles out of blackout curtains for the best results without causing damage.