How to Unwrinkle Tulle (With or Without a Steamer or Iron)

Tulle is a great fabric because of its filmy, flowing qualities, but it can become wrinkled after you store it. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to get wrinkles out of tulle so your garment looks brand new! In this article, we’ll teach you the best methods to remove wrinkles, including using shower steam, a clothes steamer, an iron, or even your dryer. Plus, learn how to clean and store tulle to prevent wrinkles (and get answers to other common questions about caring for tulle).

Getting Wrinkles Out of Tulle Clothes

Steam the tulle by running a steamer over the fabric, or by hanging the garment in the bathroom and turning on a hot shower. The steam will loosen the wrinkles so they disappear. Or, hover an iron with a steam setting over the fabric. Be careful not to touch the fabric to the iron, or it could melt.

Section 1 of 7:

Removing Wrinkles with Shower Steam

Download Article

1
Hang the tulle on a hanger in the bathroom. Slip the tulle garment onto a clothes hanger, then hang it on a hook in your bathroom or on the bathroom door. Ensure that the steam can circulate around the garment.^{[1]
X
Research source} Do not hang the tulle from the shower curtain rod since you’ll be running the shower.
- If you’re smoothing the tulle on a dress, hang the dress on a padded hanger.
- To get wrinkles out of a tulle veil, attach the veil to a clip on a hanger.
- For a tulle tutu, hang it on a tutu hanger to ensure that it keeps its shape.
2
Lay towels on the floor and run a hot shower. Place towels on the bathroom floor to prevent it from becoming slippery and dangerous. Then, turn the shower on and make the water hot enough that the room begins to fill with steam.^{[2]
X
Research source} Keep the bathroom door open to prevent the tulle from becoming too moist.
- If the room isn’t getting steamy enough with the door open, it’s okay to close it.
Advertisement
3
Run a clean, dry towel across the tulle to smooth it. Wrap a clean, white towel around your arm so it’s completely enclosed in the fabric. It’s important to use a white towel to prevent colors from bleeding onto the tulle. Once the room is steamy, slowly brush your towel-covered arm down the tulle. Repeat this as many times as needed to remove light wrinkles. Keep the shower running until you’ve finished steaming out the wrinkles.
- When you’re done, turn the shower off and move the tulle garment out of the bathroom. Hang it somewhere it won’t get wrinkled until you’re ready to wear it.

Section 2 of 7:

Removing Wrinkles with a Steamer

Download Article

Hang a tulle dress or tutu on a hanger, or attach a tulle veil to a hanger clip. If you’re using a large steam machine, hang the item on the steamer’s pole. If you’re using a handheld steamer, hang the tulle from a shower rod, a wall hook, or in an empty closet.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Ensure that the steamer has enough water in its tank to create lots of steam. Then, turn on the steam machine and leave it to heat up for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure it will be hot enough to steam your tulle properly.^{[4]
X
Research source}
3
Point the steamer nozzle at the wrinkles to remove them. When the steamer is ready to use, steam will start to come out of the nozzle. Hold the nozzle and move it about 1 or 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) away from the wrinkled tulle. Keep moving the nozzle over the tulle until the wrinkles flatten and disappear. Depending on the fabric, you’ll probably need to hover the steam over it for a few seconds.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Once the wrinkles are removed, turn off the steamer and keep your tulle in a place it won’t get wrinkled until you’re ready to wear it.

Section 3 of 7:

Removing Wrinkles with an Iron

Download Article

1
Fill the iron with water and turn it to the steam setting. While the iron is unplugged, fill its tank with water. Then, plug the iron in and turn it to the steam setting. Let the iron heat up until it produces steam when you turn the iron down.^{[6]
X
Research source} If the iron doesn’t have a steam setting, it’s usually best to try a different method.
- It is technically possible to iron tulle by setting the iron to the lowest heat setting. However, this does risk damaging or melting the fabric, so try it at your own risk.
- If your iron is prone to leaving rust spots, avoid using it to steam the tulle.
Ensure that your ironing board is clean and dry, then lay the tulle on the board so the wrinkled area is on top. Hover the iron over a small, inconspicuous spot (or some scrap fabric) to make sure the iron won’t damage the fabric, especially if you aren’t using the steam setting.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Hold the iron 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the tulle to steam it. Lower the iron towards the tulle, but don’t lay it on the fabric directly, as it could melt.^{[8]
X
Research source} Keep the iron about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the tulle and hover it over the wrinkles for a few seconds. The steam from the iron should flatten the wrinkles out.
- If you’re using an iron on a low heat setting rather than a steam setting, place a press cloth (like muslin or a thin cotton fabric) over the tulle to protect it from the heat. Then iron the press cloth as you normally would with smooth, continuous strokes. Check beneath the press cloth regularly to make sure the tulle isn’t damaged.
- Once you’re finished, turn the iron off and allow the garment to cool. Hang it somewhere it won’t get more wrinkles.

Section 4 of 7:

Removing Wrinkles with Your Dryer

Download Article

1
Check the fabric label to make sure it can go in the dryer. If you’re trying to remove wrinkles from an article of clothing that has tulle attached, read the clothing’s fabric label first.^{[9]
X
Research source} If the item is made with another delicate fabric (like wool), don’t put it in the dryer. Plain fabrics with tulle, such as plain tutus or veils with no embellishments, are safe to put in the dryer.
- For example, don’t use the dryer to remove wrinkles from a wool dress with tulle embellishments, as wool will shrink in the dryer.
- Avoid using the dryer to remove wrinkles from large items of clothing, such as wedding dresses. Don’t use the dryer if your tulle has rhinestones, pearls, or lace glued onto it.
Turn the dryer to its lowest heat setting, then turn it on without putting the tulle into it. Run the dryer for 3 to 5 minutes so it warms up. Some dryers have a delicate setting, which is the lowest heat setting, and some newer dryers have a permanent press setting, which works well for removing wrinkles.^{[10]
X
Research source}

EXPERT TIP

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Bridgett Price is a House Cleaning Professional based in Phoenix, Arizona. She has over 8 years of experience in the industry and is the Co-Owner of Maid Easy, a maid service company servicing the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area witih over 17k professional cleanings under its belt. Maid Easy was featured on CNBC's 'Made It!' program and was voted as The Best of The Desert - Residential Cleaning Service by AZCentral. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional

The best way to reduce wrinkles is to use the permanent press setting. If you use the permanent press setting on a new washing machine, the key is making sure you have the right temperature. Remove the clothes immediately when the cycle is done. The longer they sit, the more likely they’ll wrinkle.
Take a spray bottle full of water and spray the tulle with several spritzes of water. The tulle or clothing item should feel slightly damp. This moisture will create steam in the dryer, which will release the wrinkles. Alternatively, add a damp (not soaking) towel to the dryer.^{[11]
X
Research source}
4
Dry the tulle for 5 minutes. Put the tulle or clothing into the warm dryer, and turn the dryer back onto its lowest setting. Then, dry the tulle until it becomes smooth. Don’t dry the tulle for more than 5 minutes, however, or it can dry out and become stiff.
- It’s okay to put the tulle into the dryer by itself as long as you’ve spritzed it with water first.
Once the 5 minutes are up, turn the dryer off and immediately remove the warm tulle. Hang it up on a hanger or clip and let it dry completely. The wrinkles should fade once the tulle is cool.

Section 5 of 7:

Other Easy Ways to Remove Wrinkles from Tulle

Download Article

1
Hang the tulle on a hanger if you aren’t in a rush. Simply hanging the tulle on a clothes hanger is a gentle and effective way to remove wrinkles over time, as it leverages the fabric’s natural relaxation and smoothes its appearance. Hang the tulle in a well-ventilated area somewhere it doesn’t touch the ground. Check on it periodically over the course of a few days to a few weeks.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you need to remove wrinkles quickly, it’s best to choose another method.
2
Mist the tulle with water to remove light wrinkles. Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the entire surface of the tulle, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Allow it to dry completely, then iron the fabric using an iron with a steam setting. For extra wrinkle-removing power, add a bit of fabric softener to the water or use a wrinkle releaser.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Cleaning expert Bridgett Price also recommends wrinkle release sprays: “I love the Downy release sprays. They're great for traveling; they're great for a quick refresher. Say you didn't get to your dryer in time, or let's say the dryer didn't get all the wrinkles out. I spray Downy release on my clothes and give it a great shake. The wrinkles come out like magic.”
If you can’t remove the wrinkles yourself or are afraid you might damage the garment, consider taking it to a professional steamer. Professional steaming services are great for delicate garments like wedding dresses or veils and guarantee that your tulle will receive proper care.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Section 6 of 7:

How to Clean & Store Tulle

Download Article

1
Hand wash tulle in cold water and mild detergent. To preserve tulle’s delicate fibers, it’s recommended to hand wash the fabric. Mix a mild detergent (like laundry detergent or dish soap) in some cold water and swirl the fabric in the mixture to clean it. Rinse the garment in clean, cold water, then squeeze the water out, being careful not to wring the fabric. Lay it flat to air dry and prevent wrinkles.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- It may be okay to wash some tulle garments in the washing machine if you use a delicate setting. Check the fabric care label to be sure, as tulle may rip and snag in the washing machine.
2
Store the garment in a breathable garment bag. Tissue paper is another good option. Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and humidity. Check on it regularly to make sure it hasn’t developed wrinkles. If it has, go ahead and steam the garment to remove them.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- If you have room, laying the garment flat is another way to prevent wrinkles in storage.

Section 7 of 7:

Caring for Tulle FAQs

Download Article

It’s better to steam tulle, as it’s safer than using an iron. If you put an iron directly on tulle, the fabric may melt. Steaming, on the other hand, gently relaxes the fabric so the wrinkles loosen and disappear. It’s possible to steam tulle with a steamer or by hanging it in a steamy bathroom.^{[17]
X
Research source}
It isn’t recommended to iron a tulle veil directly, as it could melt. Instead, opt for a handheld steamer, or hang the veil in a steamy bathroom to loosen and remove wrinkles. If your iron has a steam setting, it may be okay to hover it over the veil, but check the fabric’s care label to be sure.^{[18]
X
Research source}
3
How do I get wrinkles out of tulle without a steamer? If you don’t have a steamer, one of the easiest ways to get wrinkles out of tulle is with shower steam. Simply hang the item up in your bathroom, turn the shower on a hot temperature, and wait for the bathroom to fill with steam. The steam will relax the fabric and remove the wrinkles.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- It’s also possible to remove wrinkles in the dryer, with an iron, or by simply hanging the garment up for a few days to a few weeks.
- It may also be possible to remove wrinkles with a hair dryer. Dry cleaner and laundry specialist Ayad Mirjan says, “Spray water on your garment, [then] dry the garment with a hair dryer. If the wrinkles are still visible, place your garment under your mattress overnight.” If you try this method, be sure to use the lowest heat setting possible, and don’t hold the blow dryer too close to the tulle, as it could melt. Test an inconspicuous area first.
If you plan on wearing tulle for an important event, like a wedding, check the garment regularly in the weeks leading up to the event to make sure there aren’t any wrinkles or creases. If there are, use one of the methods above to remove them. It’s also a good idea to steam tulle right before you wear it to ensure the garment looks its best.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do you get wrinkles out of silk?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Wrinkles in sink can be removed in a variety of ways, depending on what’s convenient for you. You can iron them out, steam them out or sprinkle with water and dry with a hair dryer. For detailed instructions on removing wrinkles from silk, see How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
Question

How do you get wrinkles out of a veil?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Since most modern veils are made from synthetics, the best method for wrinkle removal is steaming––do not iron the veil as it may melt. Try hanging the veil in the bathroom while having a shower, allowing the steam to work its way into it (this may take a few showers). Another option is to spray with a little water and a product designed to remove wrinkles from garments, such as Wrinkle Release. If you have troubles removing the wrinkles at home, a dry cleaner can help.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can tulle be put in the dryer?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Tulle should not subjected to high temperatures as it will melt. If your dryer has a cold or very cool drying cycle, that should be okay but only if the tulle that is in good condition; if old or it already has some weak spots, it may rip or disintegrate when tumbled. Given that tulle is delicate, it is better to let tulle air dry; it won’t take long if you hang it on a plastic hanger in a well ventilated space to dry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0