How to get creases out of clothes without an iron

Shower steam

This is the easiest method and works well on most fabrics, including many that dislike a hot iron.

1. Hang the garment on a hanger in the bathroom, away from where the water lands.
2. Run a hot shower with the door and window shut, so the room fills with steam.
3. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Smooth the creases with your hands, pulling the fabric gently straight along the seams.
5. Let it dry on the hanger in a room with fresh air before you wear it.

It works best on light and medium creases in cotton, viscose, silk and synthetic blends. Deep creases in linen may soften but not disappear.

A light spray of water

For a single crease, or a shirt that has been folded:

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with plain water.
2. Mist the creased area lightly. It should be damp, not wet.
3. Pull the fabric gently straight, or smooth it flat on a clean surface with your palm.
4. Hang it up to dry.

Test on a hidden area first on silk and viscose, which can show water marks.

A damp towel

For trousers and skirts with stubborn folds, lay the garment flat on a clean surface, put a slightly damp towel over it and press down firmly with your hands. Lift the towel and hang the garment to dry. It is slow, but it is gentle.

The tumble dryer, if the label allows

If a garment can go in the tumble dryer, a short spin on a low heat with a damp (not wet) clean cloth or a couple of ice cubes can release creases. Take it out as soon as the cycle ends and hang it straight away, or new creases form while it cools in the drum.

Do not use this for wool, silk or anything labelled "do not tumble dry", and remember that heat can shrink cotton.

A handheld steamer

If you often deal with creases, a handheld steamer is a good investment. It works on a hanger, it is quick, and it is gentler than an iron on many fabrics.

• Hold the steamer a few centimetres from the fabric and move it slowly downwards.
• Pull the hem gently with your free hand to keep the fabric taut.
• Keep your hand out of the path of the steam.
• Do not hold it in one spot on synthetics, sequins or plastic trims.

Fabric by fabric

• Cotton: creases easily, but responds well to steam and a damp spray.
• Linen: creases are part of its character. Steam softens them, but expect some to stay. Our fabric guide explains why.
• Wool: creases usually drop out on a hanger, especially after steam. Avoid soaking it.
• Silk and viscose: shower steam is safest. Avoid direct heat and heavy spraying.
• Polyester and other synthetics: often uncrease on a hanger overnight. Avoid high heat, which can melt or shine them.
• Sequins, velvet and embellished pieces: shower steam only, from a distance. Never press them.

If you are unsure, the care label is the best guide. Our guide to reading a clothing care label explains the symbols.

Stopping creases before they start

• Hang or fold clothes as soon as they are dry. Leaving them in a pile is how most creases form.
• Roll rather than fold soft clothes when packing a suitcase.
• Do not overload the washing machine, and use a shorter spin for shirts if the programme allows.
• Shake out washing before hanging it, and hang shirts on hangers to dry.

Unpacking a parcel

Second-hand clothes often arrive folded and creased from the post. That is normal and usually drops out with a hang in a steamy bathroom. Before you decide whether something fits or suits you, give it a chance to relax, then try it on.

If you are selling, smooth out creases before you photograph a piece, because creases make clothes look tired in pictures. Our guide to photographing clothes to sell has more tips. When you pack it, fold it neatly along its natural lines and smooth it flat, as our guide to posting clothes cheaply explains.

The short version

Steam from a hot shower, a light spray of water, a damp towel, a short tumble with a damp cloth if the label allows, or a handheld steamer. Hang clothes promptly, check the care label before using heat, and give parcels a chance to relax before you judge them.