How to Steam Linen Materials

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Steam iron filled with distilled water (option 1)

  • Clothesline or hanger

  • Fabric steamer (option 2)

Linen is used for many items, including bedsheets, drapes and dress shirts.

Linen is a durable, naturally stain-resistant material that wrinkles easily. The most common way to get wrinkles out of linen is with steam. If the linen has not been preshrunk it will probably shrink when you steam it. In addition to shrinking, linen is prone to permanent creases and becoming shiny if steamed incorrectly.

Advertisement

Steaming Linen With an Iron

Step 1

Place the linen material wrong, or back, side up on the ironing board. Make sure the material is flat, and free of pleats or folds before iron it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place the steam iron on the material, push down with light pressure. However, do not allow the hot iron to rest in one spot. Immediately press the fabric, move the iron in a slow, continuous side to side motion.

Advertisement

Step 3

Hang up the material while it is still lightly damp from the steam. While the linen is hanging, gently shake out any creased areas, or smooth them with your hands, so new wrinkles don't form.

Using a Steamer on Linen Materials

Video of the Day

Step 1

Hang up the linen item with the wrong, or back, side of the fabric facing your body.

Advertisement

Step 2

Hold the nozzle of the hot steamer close to the linen, at the bottom of the item you are steaming. You should see steam rolling against the fabric right in front of the nozzle, and then rising upward.

Step 3

Raise the nozzle of the steamer upward slowly, follow the rising steam, until you reach the top of the item. Wait about three seconds, to avoid burning your hand, then use your hand to quickly smooth out any deep creases.

Warning

Folds steamed into linen can become permanent creases.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...