How to Prevent Wrinkles in Cotton

Heat, moisture and weight cause wrinkles in cotton. As a heated garment cools down after the drying process, the colder air it comes into contact with allows existing wrinkles and folds to set in the fabric. Steam ironing helps remove wrinkles that have formed, but wrinkles can also be prevented. Careful handling of cotton garments at laundry time and attention to details can save the unnecessary effort needed to remove wrinkles once they set in.

Things You'll Need

• Clothing rack
• Padded clothing hangers

Instructions

1. Remove wet cotton clothing immediately from the washing machine. Shake out each piece and remove any knots and twists that formed during washing. Place each garment into the dryer separately.

2. Dry the cotton fabrics in a loosely packed dryer to allow free movement of air flow and to create enough room for the cotton clothing to open up while drying.

3. Load the dryer with items of the same weight to prevent heavy, damp garments from pressing wrinkles into lighter-weight garments.

4. Remove clothing as soon as the dryer stops tumbling to prevent the fabric from clumping and creating wrinkles. Hang the cotton clothing before the fabric begins to cool down.

5. Smooth the fabric from top to bottom with your hand and hang freshly washed cotton garments with padded hangers on garment racks or in closets that are not packed tightly with clothing.

References

• Hanging Vs. Folding Clothing
• How To Keep Natural Fiber Clothes From Wrinkling