How To Get Wrinkles Out of Tablecloths
TL;DR: This guide explains how to get wrinkles out of tablecloths, especially polyester ones, so they look flawless right out of the box. Readers learn why wrinkles form during shipping and how to safely and effectively remove them without damaging the fabric.
- Polyester’s wrinkle resistance: Although durable and low-maintenance, folded polyester develops light creases that respond well to gentle heat and moisture.
- Steaming works best: The safest, easiest way to unwrinkle tablecloths—no direct heat needed and ideal for weddings or large events.
- Ironing for a crisp finish: Use low heat, a damp cloth, and a pressing barrier to achieve a smooth, polished look.
- Fast fixes: Wrinkle-release sprays, low-heat dryer cycles, and hair dryers can quickly refresh linens in a pinch.
- Pro event prep: Unpack linens early, hang or roll them before setup, and enjoy pristine, picture-perfect tables at every event.
Renting tablecloths means you’re going to receive high-quality, well-maintained linens that are clean, bright, and project elegance and class every single time. However, when you rent your linens, they go on a journey before arriving at your venue. They’ll often spend some of that trip compressed in a box.
One of the first questions our customers ask is, “How do you get wrinkles out of tablecloths right out of the package?”
At ASAP Linen, smoothing out those wrinkles is easy. We specifically choose materials that are wrinkle-resistant to ensure a pristine appearance with minimal effort. More often than not, our tablecloths are ready to use right out of the package. However, every so often, you might notice crease marks, which can benefit from a little TLC upon unpacking.
In this guide, we’ll explain the best way to get wrinkles out of tablecloths for a picture-perfect tablescape at every event. Continue reading to learn how to unwrinkle tablecloths and achieve the luxurious, unblemished event tables you desire.
Why Polyester Tablecloths Wrinkle
Polyester tablecloths are popular for events because they’re naturally wrinkle-resistant and low-maintenance. Unlike cotton, polyester linens retain their shape with minimal care.
With that said, any fabric that is folded for shipping can develop wrinkles. When your table linens arrive, you might see fold lines or slight creases. Not only is that normal, but it’s quick and easy to address.
Wrinkles are caused by something known as “fiber memory.” While polyester fibers have good elasticity, they can still form creases under pressure. The goal of unwrinkling is to relax the fabric’s fibers back to a smooth state. That requires moisture, heat, and pressure, which release wrinkles without damaging your tablecloths.
Always use gentle methods for polyester table linens. Polyester’s wrinkle-resistant nature means you won’t need extreme heat or effort to get a smooth result.
Want to avoid wrinkles altogether? We recommend unpacking your linens as soon as they arrive. If you can hang them, even better. Gravity and ambient humidity will generally do the work for you. As a result, the rest of the steps below may be unnecessary! However, if you don’t have the time or space, the methods below will work in a pinch!
Steaming: How to Unwrinkle Tablecloths Safely
When you need to get wrinkles out of tablecloths for weddings or big events, steaming is the best way. In fact, many professional event planners keep a garment steamer on hand for final touches. As a bonus, they can smooth wrinkles from dresses and other garments, too. If you plan a lot of events, it’s one of the best small investments you can make.
Why does steam get the job done? It relaxes wrinkles using gentle heat and moisture, without the iron’s hot plate touching the fabric. This avoids the risk of shine marks or melting.
As the fibers loosen up, the wrinkles fall away without any contact necessary. Best of all, you can steam tablecloths either while hanging or even once they’re already on the tables.
When steaming, use distilled water if possible. This prevents any mineral residues or water spots on the tablecloth.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can try the “hot shower” trick. Just hang the tablecloth in a bathroom and run a steaming hot shower for several minutes with the door closed. Allow the room to fill with steam and relax the wrinkles. This should only take about ten minutes.
Ironing: The Best Way to Get Wrinkles Out of Tablecloths for Perfectionists
Ironing is our second choice, but it can achieve a completely wrinkle-free, sharply pressed tablecloth. Set your iron to low heat and use the “polyester” or “synthetic” setting if available. If you don’t have a special setting, aim for between 275°F and 300°F. Never use high heat on polyester, as it can melt or scorch the fabric.
We also recommend dampening your tablecloth slightly before you press it. Most irons have a spray function for this purpose, but a spray bottle filled with distilled water will do the trick, too. This uses the same mechanism as steaming to loosen the wrinkles. The pressure from the iron just adds a more pressed and polished appearance.
If you’re worried about accidental scorching, use a barrier cloth between the iron and the polyester tablecloth. Even a pillowcase will work in a pinch. Keep the iron moving in smooth strokes with light pressure.
When you’re done, let the tablecloth cool. Ideally, lay it flat or hang it to avoid the fabric re-wrinkling while it’s still pliable. We recommend rolling rather than folding when it’s time to transport linens to the venue.
Quick Fixes and Alternative Methods
If you don’t have a steamer or an iron, the following options may help get wrinkles out of table linens:
- Wrinkle-release sprays: Sprays often contain a light fabric softener and help get wrinkles out of tablecloths fast.
- Tumble in the dryer: Place the tablecloth in the dryer on a low heat setting. Add a damp towel so the dryer will produce steam. Tumble for ten minutes.
- Hair dryer method: Lay the tablecloth on a table and slightly dampen the wrinkled spots. Use a hair dryer on high heat a few inches away.
Smooth Table Linens Made Easy
ASAP Linen ensures your tablecloths arrive in excellent condition. With these tips, you can give them that final polish so they’re event-ready fast.
Once the party’s over, you don’t have to worry about laundering or pressing. Simply send the rentals back as-is, and we’ll handle the rest. However, right before your guests arrive, you have all the knowledge you need to make every tablecloth flawless.
Ready to put these techniques to the test? Check out our selection of tablecloth rentals for your next event!