To iron velvet curtains, use a steam setting on your iron and hover about an inch above the fabric to apply indirect heat, avoiding direct contact.
Velvet is a luxurious fabric known for its soft pile, which can be easily crushed or damaged by direct heat and pressure. Ironing velvet requires a delicate touch and indirect methods to smooth wrinkles without harming the texture.
Recommended Ironing Method for Velvet Curtains
Based on expert advice, the best way to tackle wrinkles in velvet curtains is to use steam without touching the fabric directly.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Prepare Your Iron: Fill your iron with water and set it to the steam setting.
- Hang the Curtains: It's often easiest to iron velvet curtains while they are hanging, allowing the steam to work with gravity.
- Hover Above the Fabric: Avoid direct contact when ironing velvet. Hold the iron about an inch above the velvet face to apply indirect heat.
- Apply Steam & Pressure: Use the steam function to penetrate the fabric. Instead of ironing back and forth, use upward, light pressure to gently smooth the fabric with the steam.
- Work in Sections: Move slowly and carefully, steaming small sections at a time.
- Allow to Dry: Let the fabric cool and dry completely before handling it excessively.
This method ensures that the pile remains lifted and the rich texture of the velvet is preserved.
Why This Method Works
- Avoids Crushing: Direct heat and pressure flatten velvet's delicate pile, creating shiny spots or permanent creases. Hovering prevents this damage.
- Steam is Gentle: Steam relaxes the fibers and removes wrinkles without the need for abrasive contact.
- Indirect Heat: Applying heat from a distance is much kinder to sensitive fabrics like velvet.
Alternatively, a fabric steamer is an excellent tool for velvet curtains as it provides steam without any contact, which is even safer. If using an iron, always prioritize the hovering, steaming technique described.
