Blackout curtains are a staple in many homes because of their functionality. They keep out bright lights, and even keep your room warm. However, they have many layers, making them hard to iron.
So, how can you iron curtains with blackout lining? In this article, we teach you the best ways to remove the wrinkles and crinkles from blackout curtains.
Read on for our step-by-step guide to wrinkle-free curtains. Plus, learn about common ironing challenges and alternatives!
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What Is Blackout Lining?
A blackout lining panel is a specialized fabric that has tightly woven fibers. Manufacturers often make this lining panel out of cotton or polyester.
The construction of blackout fabric prevents most light from penetrating. This means they’re perfect as bedroom curtains, ensuring a comfortable sleep.
You can also buy ready-made blackout curtain linings. Some people use a sewing machine to turn regular curtains into blackout curtains.
The Challenges of Blackout Liner
The only problem with blackout curtains is that you might not have a smooth ironing process.
These polyester curtains are heavy and come in layers. You’ll need to take special care and use gentle heat on the lining fabric to avoid damage.
How to Iron Curtains With Blackout Lining: 5 Easy Steps
Here are simple steps to remove wrinkles from blackout curtains:
1. Prepare the Curtain
To remove wrinkles in blackout curtains, you might want to wash them first. Washing the curtains prevents dirt damage during the ironing process.
Check the care instructions to see if the curtains are machine washable. Pay attention to the highest temperature the curtains can handle.
Run the curtains through a quick wash cycle in the washing machine. Once done, immediately hang them up or lay them on a clean surface.
Smooth the blackout curtain creases out with your hands before they dry completely.
2. Set an Ironing Board Up
Next, prepare your workstation or ironing board. Since the curtains are large, you can set up a makeshift ironing surface that’ll allow you to lay the curtains flat.
A firm mattress makes a great ironing board because of its flat surface. What’s more, you can turn a table into a makeshift ironing surface by lining it with blankets.
The lining protects your table from direct contact and iron marks.
3. Use an Iron With Adjustable Heat Settings
Check the care label on the blackout curtains and adjust the temperature of the clothes iron accordingly.
Make sure you use gentle heat to avoid nasty iron marks on the curtain.
4. Iron the Curtains With a Pressing Cloth
Unfortunately, direct ironing can ruin a blackout curtain. A hot clothes iron can melt or burn the panel, so it’s best to avoid direct contact with a pressing cloth.
A pressing cloth is any fabric that protects your curtain from the risk of damage. It works by preventing direct heat from reaching your clothes.
To set it up, lay the entire curtain out, then cover the blackout curtain panel with the pressing cloth. Iron over the pressing cloth on the lowest heat setting.
The indirect heat should still work to remove wrinkles on the curtain.
5. Hang the Curtains Up
Finally, prevent further wrinkles from forming on your curtains.
Blackout curtain creases can appear if you fold this type of cloth. Instead of folding, hang the curtains up during storage.
Other Ways to Remove Wrinkles From Blackout Lining
Don’t worry if you have no space for ironing curtains with blackout lining. Let’s look at alternative methods that are also effective for removing wrinkles on blackout curtains.
1. Use a Steam Iron
Using a regular steam iron is one of the easiest ways to get rid of wrinkles on cloth.
A clothes steamer works by allowing steam to penetrate the fibers of the cloth. Steam ironing relaxes the cloth and smoothes creases. All you have to do is pull the curtain taught as you go.
With a handheld steamer, you don’t need to have a suitable ironing surface. You can use the steam iron while hanging the curtain up.
However, remember to hold clothes steamers a few inches from the curtain. Avoid direct contact or you could ruin the fabric.
2. Try Anti-Wrinkle Spray
Using anti-wrinkling spray is an effective method for straightening blackout fabric. It allows alcohol, water, and other additives to remove creases.
We love that you can use wrinkle release spray without heat or an ironing board!
Simply spray the entire curtain, then wait for it to dry for 15 minutes. Make sure to hang the curtain up as it dries.
3. Do the Clothes Dryer Method
Clothes dryers can straighten wrinkles in blackout curtains because of their heat.
To do it, tumble dry the entire curtain in the lowest setting. Once the cycle is done, work quickly to hang the curtain up.
Run your hands across the curtain while it’s still warm. Doing this should smoothen any creases out.
4. Test Shower Steaming Out
If you don’t have a garment steamer, you can still try the bath steam option.
The shower steaming method is pretty straightforward. Just hang the entire curtain up and take a hot shower with the door closed.
This creates a steamy room that can soften the curtain fibers.
5. Have It Dry-Cleaned
Let’s face it. Blackout curtains are incredibly bulky and difficult to iron. And sometimes the easiest way to iron blackout curtains is by having it dry-cleaned by a professional.
Dry cleaning is a solvent-based cleaning method. Before leaving your curtains for ironing, let the staff know that your curtains have blackout lining. The information you provide will help the cleaners use the correct solvents.
Going to the dry cleaners is costly but it can definitely save you time and effort.
Tips for Maintaining Blackout Lining
Now that you know how to remove wrinkles from blackout curtains, it’s time to learn how to maintain them properly. Here are the tips you should know.
- Proper Folding: If you must fold the curtain edges, do so without compressing. Hang the curtains up during storage when possible.
- Monthly Vacuuming: Vacuuming your curtains with an upholstery attachment can help smooth creases. In addition, it can also remove pollen, dust, and other allergens.
- Useful Tools: Use curtain rings or curtain tape to hold the blackout lining up. These allow you to fold the curtain without causing wrinkles.
- Correct Positioning: To prevent creasing at the window frame, make sure you have the correct curtain rod height. Only use a curtain pole if it can support the weight of the entire curtain.
FAQs
Can You Iron Blackout Blinds?
Yes, you can iron blackout blinds or use a fabric steamer to get rid of wrinkles. Note that you should only iron on the woven side.
Use a pressing cloth to avoid damaging the blackout blinds.
Where Can You Iron Blackout Curtains?
Start by ironing the curtain edges and the side with the blackout panel. Slowly work your way to the other layers.
Avoid ironing the front of your curtains, especially if they have embellishments or prints. The heat of the clothes iron can melt any decorations on blackout curtains.
Conclusion
Blackout curtains are great additions to your home because of their effectiveness in keeping sunlight out.
If you have them, you should take extra care during their cleaning process. Ironing curtains with blackout lining without using pressing cloths can cause irreparable damage.
You can always try alternative ironing methods like steaming and tumble drying to keep your curtains wrinkle-free!
