Can You Iron Blackout Curtains? (Find Out Now!)
Blackout curtains can come in handy when you need to block out the light for an afternoon nap or watch a movie without window glare. The thick, tightly woven fabric does a great job of keeping light pollution out. However, when you get a crease or wrinkles in these drapes, they will also be more difficult to remove. Can you iron blackout curtains to keep them wrinkle-free?
Before you iron your blackout curtains, you will want to check the manufacturer’s label. Many blackout curtains are made with a liner that can melt if exposed to high heat. If your blackout curtains give you the go-ahead, you can cover the curtains with an old sheet to protect them and set your iron to the appropriate temperature.
We’ll let you in on the best ways to get the wrinkles out of your blackout curtains with simple step-by-step instructions. Whichever method you choose, make sure it is in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How to Get the Wrinkles Out of Your Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains can add an extra layer of protection to your home and give you deeper more satisfying sleep by blocking out light pollution. However, if your curtains are brand new, or you’ve taken them out of storage, you may notice that they have deep creases or wrinkles. How do you get these out without ruining your curtains? Here are some of our best tips to keep your drapes looking fine.
Ironing
Depending on your fabric type, you may be able to iron your blackout curtains. Read the manufacturer’s label to see if there is a note or symbol letting your know if your curtains are safe to iron. If your drapes can be ironed, you will want to make sure to use the suggested temperature.
You don’t want to place your iron directly on top of your fabric as your iron may leave behind unsightly marks or burns on your curtains. Better to play it safe and cover your curtains with an old sheet. Just make sure the sheet is also safe for ironing.
Clothes steamer
If your blackout curtains can’t be ironed, you may be able to get away with steaming them. A handheld clothes steamer can work well. For this method, you won’t even need to take the curtains off the rod! Make sure not to hold the steamer to close so you don’t melt your material. You can test your steamer in a small corner section to make sure it is safe
Shower steaming
If you don’t own a clothes steamer, you can turn on the hot water in your shower and hang your curtains on the bathroom door to achieve a similar effect. If your curtains are dry-clean only, you will want to make sure your curtains do not come in direct contact with water.
The dryer
If your curtains can be washed and dried, a dryer can be an easy way to let out the wrinkles in your curtains. Place only one curtain in the dryer at a time so you don’t overcrowd your machine. Then add a damp washcloth to tumble with your curtains. The steam and heat should get rid of your curtain creases.
Sprays
An anti-wrinkle fabric spray may not be as effective as the other methods listed. However, it will help loosen up the fabric fibers and soften your curtain wrinkles. Also, some fabric sprays will deodorize your fabric and leave a pleasant scent behind.
The Benefits of Blackout Curtains
If you are looking to add drapes to your windows, blackout curtains can be a great option. Here are a few benefits blackout curtains can provide:
Energy efficiency
Since many blackout curtains are made of thick fabric, they can also help add some extra insulation around your windows. You may notice they block out more of the chill on cold winter nights and keep a room a few degrees cooler on hot summer days.
UV ray protection
Blocking out the afternoon sun not only can keep your house at a cooler temperature in hot weather, but it can also protect your artwork and furniture. By drawing your blackout curtains and blocking those UV rays, your indoor colors can stay vibrant.
Noise reduction
Blackout curtains can provide a noise barrier to outdoor traffic and sounds. They won’t block out as much noise as they will light. Still, this added layer of protection can help you toward your goal of sweet, undisturbed sleep.
Privacy
If you can’t see outside, the outside won’t be able to see you, either! When you draw your blackout curtains at night, you can be assured of your privacy.
Colors and styles
If you want to block out light, but dark colors aren’t your thing, don’t worry! Blackout curtains come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit your style. However, if you can’t find a curtain your like, you can purchase a separate blackout liner to go behind your regular curtains. This option can give you the best of both worlds!
Some blackout curtains may give you a few of these perks, while others may give you all! Before you buy your curtains, you can check to see how to care for them and if you can wash or iron them. If you don’t find any patterns you love, you can choose to add a blackout liner to your existing curtains.
Related Questions
What is the difference between blackout and thermal curtains?
Thermal curtains and blackout curtains have a lot of overlap, however, they differ in their main purpose. The main goal of a thermal curtain is to insulate the room and keep the temperature where you want it. Often, these curtains contain a layer of acrylic foam between layers of fabric, which insulates and often blocks light.In contrast, the main purpose of blackout curtains is to block light and provide privacy. Some blackout curtains may be thick enough to also help insulate, while some are made of lightweight fabric with a dense weave.
Why do most hotels use blackout curtains?
Most customers spend the greater part of their time in a hotel sleeping. They usually spend the day hitting up the tourist sights, so at night, they just need a place to lay their head down. To get good reviews and repeat customers, hotels make it their job to give you the best rest possible. This is why hotels invest in comfy mattresses, cool hotel sheets, and blackout curtains.
Are there blackout blinds?
If you don’t want to worry about your curtains wrinkling, but you like the blackout feature, you can check into blackout blinds or roll-down shades. These can give you the same sun-block as curtains, but you don’t have to worry about ironing them.
Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.
More by Alex Praytor
