Getting Wrinkles Out of Clothing

[officerripley]

So 2 new pairs of slacks arrived with wrinkles from the packaging. Have tried ironing with my good steam iron but no luck; I've never had such trouble getting packaging wrinkles out of new clothes before. Years ago heard that there was a tip to do it using white vinegar but can't find it or any other tips online. Anybody know any tricks; appreciated in advance. (The slacks are 50 percent cotton & 50 percent polyester.)

 

[Aunt Bea]

So 2 new pairs of slacks arrived with wrinkles from the packaging. Have tried ironing with my good steam iron but no luck; I've never had such trouble getting packaging wrinkles out of new clothes before. Years ago heard that there was a tip to do it using white vinegar but can't find it or any other tips online. Anybody know any tricks; appreciated in advance. (The slacks are 50 percent cotton & 50 percent polyester.)

Try tossing them in the dryer with a damp towel.

 

[Jules]

Have you washed them?

I’ve had tablecloths that absolutely refused to lose the wrinkles.

If I wanted a sharp crease down the front of something, it would be gone instantly.

 

[officerripley]

Have you washed them?

I’ve had tablecloths that absolutely refused to lose the wrinkles.

If I wanted a sharp crease down the front of something, it would be gone instantly.

Yes, I've tried washing and ironing them. I've never had this much trouble with wrinkles before. I hope I can get the wrinkles out because I just love this brand of slacks, they fit perfect.

 

[jujube]

I just wear the clothes with wrinkles. It draws attention from my face....

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I don't think anything is going to get those wrinkles out after you've already tried washing them and that didn't work.

 

[Naturally]

What material are the slacks made of?

EDIT: AH HA ... The slacks are 50 percent cotton & 50 percent polyester

 

[Naturally]

In addition to the other good ideas mentioned, here's the vinegar thing ...

Vinegar method (the old tip)
Mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water (basically one to one ratio)
Lightly mist the wrinkled areas (don’t soak).
Iron while still damp, using steam.
The vinegar smell disappears once dry. This really does work on heat-set creases.

Why this happens:
Polyester fibers can “remember” folds from packaging. Dry heat alone often isn’t enough—you need moisture + heat + time to relax the fibers.

If none of these mentioned, work, a professional steam press at a dry cleaner will usually knock them out in one go.

 

[Happy Heart]

Hang them in the shower so the steam will relax the fibers.

 

[Pinky]

We have a small steamer that removes wrinkles very well.

 

[Been There]

Send them to the cleaners. If their machines don’t get the wrinkles out, nothing will.

 

[officerripley]

In addition to the other good ideas mentioned, here's the vinegar thing ...

Vinegar method (the old tip)
Mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water (basically one to one ratio)
Lightly mist the wrinkled areas (don’t soak).
Iron while still damp, using steam.
The vinegar smell disappears once dry. This really does work on heat-set creases.

Why this happens:
Polyester fibers can “remember” folds from packaging. Dry heat alone often isn’t enough—you need moisture + heat + time to relax the fibers.

If none of these mentioned, work, a professional steam press at a dry cleaner will usually knock them out in one go.

Yay, this worked! Since the steam function on my iron doesn't work right--I usually just spray the clothes with water, then iron--I heated up a big pot of water on the stove; sprayed the slacks with the vinegar/water solution, held them over the steaming pot and then ironed. Got almost all the wrinkles out (you can only see them if you got up close, pointed a flashlight at 'em, lol).

Thanks again @Naturally! (I think when I tried the vinegar before, it didn't work because I didn't use the steam maybe?) Anyway, you saved me a trip to the dry cleaners, thanks!