How to Iron Out Really Stiff Curtains

Use a high heat setting to iron stiff curtains.

When you buy new curtains, they typically come folded in plastic packaging, which causes wrinkles, particularly in curtains made of stiff, heavy fabric. Unless the tag with instructions for care on your curtains reads "Dry Clean Only," in which case you will need to have the curtains professionally cleaned and pressed, you can smooth out the wrinkles yourself. Washing and drying your new curtains will help smooth stubborn wrinkles before you tackle them with an iron.

Things You'll Need

• Mild detergent
• Iron
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Check the care instructions label on your curtains. If they say "Hand Wash Only," wash them in your sink or a large tub with a mild detergent. If you can wash them in your washing machine, follow the care instructions for doing so.

2. Dry the curtains as instructed. This will vary depending on the manufacturer and the fabric. If you have to air-dry them, hang them so they hang loose and flat. Pull the fabric from the bottom to help smooth the fabric before it dries.

3. Place the curtains on a large, heat-proof, flat surface. Preheat your iron to a setting that is appropriate for the fabric -- this information can also be found on the care instructions tag. If your curtains are very stiff, they may be able to stand up to the highest heat setting.

4. Iron the curtains with the preheated iron. Lightly spritz the curtain with a spray bottle full of water, then go over the moistened areas with the iron. This will create steam, which will help smooth out stubborn wrinkles. Keep ironing until all of the wrinkles are smoothed out.

References

• Best Window Treatments: How To Clean Curtains
• Sew What; Drapery Care and Cleaning FAQs; Lynda M Gabel;