There’s nothing worse than hanging a new pair of curtains or drapes and having it display with creases and fold from the packaging. This article from SF Gate has tips to solve this problem.
How to Remove Packing Creases From New Drapes
Ready-made draperies are generally simple to install on drapery rods. All too often, however, when you remove the draperies from their packaging, they are badly creased with wrinkles that remain even after hanging. A little work on your part can bring out the beauty of the fabric.
If the draperies are dry clean only, take them to a professional cleaning service for wrinkle removal. Otherwise, applying water, either through laundering or steaming, is the fastest way to remove creases.
Laundering and Pressing
Launder the curtains with mild laundry detergent in lukewarm water on the gentle cycle, if the fabric is machine washable. Distribute curtains evenly in the tub, filling the tub no more than half-way, if using a top-loading machine. Although many front-loading machines can accommodate larger laundry loads, you should loosely layer the curtains, leaving some room at the top. If you have several sets of curtains, wash and dry several smaller loads rather than one big load.
Remove the curtains from the washing machine promptly when the load is done. Place the curtains in the dryer, setting it for a cool or permanent press cycle. Adding a few small towels in with the curtains helps prevent the curtains from bunching together and wrinkling.
Remove the curtains from the dryer while still slightly damp. If the fabric has any remaining wrinkles, press them with a steam iron, using the heat setting appropriate to the fabric type. Hang the curtains in the window immediately.
Using a Fabric Steamer
Install the draperies on the curtain rod.
Fill the tank of a fabric steamer with water. Once the water is heated, slowly move the unit’s steam nozzle over the draperies with one hand, while smoothing the fabric with the other hand. Work from the bottom to the top of the curtains.
Repeat the steaming a second time if any creases remain. For stubborn wrinkles, try steaming from the underside of the fabric to relax the fibers.
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