Taffeta is a crisp woven fabric with a lustrous sheen made of silk or synthetic fibers such as nylon. The fabric is most frequently used in formal wear such as party dresses and wedding attire, but it may also be used as curtains, as a lining material in window treatments or lining for tailored garments such as jackets or blazers. As a delicate fabric that can melt easily, use extra caution when removing wrinkles. Wrinkles can be removed at home or by a professional.
Method One: Warm Iron
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Things You'll Need
Iron
Ironing board
Pressing cloth
Step 1
Preheat the iron to the appropriate setting for taffeta. Depending on the iron, taffeta may be ironed from cool to medium heat.
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Step 2
Place the taffeta fabric on the ironing board with the right side up. Position the pressing cloth on top of the wrinkled area. Taffeta is easily stained by water and scorched by heat, so the pressing cloth will protect it.
Step 3
Place the iron on top of the pressing cloth, pressing lightly. Move the iron in light circular motions to avoid melting the fabric.
Step 4
When you have finished ironing, move the pressing cloth to the next wrinkled area. Repeat the process until you have ironed all the fabric and all the wrinkles are gone
Step 5
Hang up the item made from taffeta immediately to avoid having to iron it again.
Tip
- Some taffeta wrinkles can be removed by simply hanging the fabric and allowing the wrinkles to relax. Taffeta curtains, for example, may release the wrinkles when hung for a few days.
- If you are ironing a large item such as curtains or a long dress, drape the fabric over a chair to prevent wrinkling while ironing.
Warning
Using a steamer on taffeta can cause permanent damage and staining.
Method Two: Shower Steam
Things You'll Need
Lint roller
Wooden hanger
Shower
Step 2
Hang the garment on a wooden hanger, as plastic and metal could accumulate condensation that will stain the garment. Smooth out the fabric.
Step 3
Hang the taffeta as far as possible from walls and doors that could become moist, ideally in a central location of the bathroom.
Step 4
Turn on the shower and close the bathroom door to trap steam. Watch the taffeta, smoothing it out until it is no longer wrinkled. Do not leave the taffeta unattended in the steamy bathroom, otherwise it could become damaged.
Step 5
When you are satisfied with the results, turn off the shower.
Method Three: Professional Wrinkle Removal
Many taffeta garments include special dresses like prom and wedding attire, so these precious items are best left to professionals. Take your taffeta item to a professional dry cleaner who will remove the wrinkles with special equipment.
If the taffeta item was purchased at a special boutique, the boutique may offer special complimentary wrinkle removal services or at a discount. For example, if the taffeta is a bridesmaid dress, then the store where it was purchased may include steaming services with the cost of the dress.