Creases that will not come out

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Most creases come from drying, not from wearing. Hang the garment up straight away and smooth it with your hand, and most of them disappear by themselves. What is left can usually be handled with steam instead of an iron.

Where creases come from

Creases set when fabric is pressed together and then left lying while it dries. In the washing machine the spin pushes the laundry against the drum in a bundle. As long as the fabric is wet, it can be smoothed out again. Once it has dried in the crumpled shape, the folds are fixed.

Hang it up straight away

Creases set when the laundry lies crumpled after the spin. Take the clothes out as soon as the programme ends and shake each one once before you hang it up. It takes a minute longer but saves you ironing later. This goes for everything from shirts to bamboo t-shirts for men.

Smooth by hand while wet

Ten seconds of running your hand over the fabric removes most folds. Smooth from the middle out to the edges, and pull lightly on the seams so they lie straight. Your hand works like a small iron because the fabric is wet and easy to shape. It also works on close fitting bamboo underwear for men.

Do not overload the machine

An overfilled drum presses the laundry harder together and gives deeper creases. Fill the machine so there is room to slide a hand in above the clothes. Then the pieces can move freely and come out less creased. It also gives a better wash, since water and detergent reach everywhere.

Use a lower spin

The harder the spin, the tighter the laundry is pressed against the drum. For soft fabrics a medium speed is usually enough. The fabric stays a little wetter, but it smooths out better on the drying rack. That is a good trade for clothes you would rather not iron.

Steam instead of ironing

Hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower. The steam loosens the folds in about twenty minutes, and its own weight pulls the fabric smooth. It works especially well on thicker layers like a bamboo sweatshirt for men. A handheld steamer can be used the same way, without pressing the fabric flat.

Does it need ironing

Bamboo viscose rarely needs ironing. If you want to anyway, use low heat and iron inside out, so the surface does not turn shiny. A damp cloth between the iron and the fabric adds protection. Never push hard back and forth, but lift the iron and set it down again.

Storing without new creases

A smooth garment can pick up new creases in an overfilled drawer. Fold clothes loosely, or roll them instead of folding, so no sharp creases form. If you hang them in the wardrobe, leave a little space between the hangers. Then they stay smooth until you need them.