Polyester is a go-to fabric for many people because it’s durable, quick-drying, and resists shrinking and stretching. But despite its convenience, polyester isn’t completely wrinkle-proof. If you’ve ever pulled a polyester shirt from the dryer only to find stubborn creases, we’re here to help.

The good news is that wrinkles in polyester aren’t permanent, and there are plenty of easy ways to smooth them out (with no special skills or tools required). Whether you prefer a quick steam fix, a spin in the dryer, or an old-fashioned iron, we’ve rounded up the best wrinkle-removal methods to get your polyester looking fresh again. Plus, we’re sharing some simple tips to keep those wrinkles from showing up in the first place.

Prevent Polyester Wrinkles Before They Happen

To save time and energy down the line, try preventing wrinkles in your polyester fabrics from the start. After washing, either air dry the item immediately or run it through the dryer. If you’re using a dryer, you should still hang the item right away to avoid new wrinkles.

Items that belong in the dresser can be a little trickier, but rolling these items instead of folding them can help avoid creases. Washing items with fabric softener can also help with wrinkle prevention, but don’t overdo it. You should only use fabric softener once every three to four washes. Otherwise, it can build up and cause damage to your washing machine.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Polyester

Before tackling wrinkles, check for any hidden stains. Removing wrinkles requires moist heat, which can set stains into fabrics and make them almost impossible to remove.

Next, take a look at the garment’s care tag to avoid accidental damage. If you’re unsure how the fabric will react to a specific method, do a quick patch test on a hidden spot, like an inside seam. If you notice any shrinking or scorching, stop immediately and try a different method instead.

No matter which technique you choose, always let the item dry completely before using or wearing it. Skipping this step can lead to fresh wrinkles, especially if you sit down in an item while the fabric is still damp.

1. Steam with a Hot Shower

If you’re low on time and need to multitask, you can use a part of your morning routine to remove those pesky wrinkles. Simply hang your wrinkled polyester item on a sturdy hanger and attach it to a wall hook or towel rack in the bathroom. For larger items like tablecloths or drapes, drape them over a pants hanger instead.

Next, turn on the shower or fill the bathtub with hot water to create steam. Close the door to trap the moisture, and let the steam build up for at least 20 minutes for the best results. By the end of your shower, your polyester piece will have had a quick, hassle-free steam treatment with no ironing required.

2. Run Through the Washing Machine

Washing your polyester items the right way can help reduce wrinkles before they even have a chance to set in. Before you start, check the garment’s label for washing instructions, including the recommended water temperature. Once you’re ready, select a gentle or permanent press cycle, which will feature a slower final spin cycle to help combat wrinkles.

You don’t need anything fancy for this method, so regular laundry detergent will do the job. Just be careful not to overload the washer. Giving items plenty of room to move around helps prevent creasing. After the cycle is complete, give the item a good shake to loosen any remaining wrinkles. Then send it through the dryer on medium heat for five to twenty minutes. For best results, remove it while it’s slightly damp and hang it up to air dry the rest of the way.

3. Toss It in the Dryer

If you’d like to skip the washing machine, you can still remove wrinkles using just the dryer. However, there still needs to be some sort of moisture in the load to create steam. Toss in a damp towel or a handful of ice cubes alongside your polyester item, then run the dryer on medium heat for five to ten minutes. When it’s done, finish by hanging the item up to air dry to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

4. Iron with Steam

You can safely iron most polyester fabrics, but using the steam function will offer better results with less risk of damage. Select a medium heat of around 300°F and place a pressing cloth over the fabric to prevent direct contact. If the fabric is lightweight and thin, try opting for a slightly lower heat setting.

Lightly mist the fabric with water before beginning, then iron the “right” side of the fabric (the side that faces outward when worn or used). Iron slowly with long strokes moving from top to bottom. The fabric should feel slightly damp by the time you’re done, so hang the item to air dry.

5. Use a Clothes Steamer

If you prefer a no-contact method for removing wrinkles, try using a clothes steamer. Begin by placing your item on a hanger to prevent new creases and to give full access to all areas. You can attach the hanger to a shower rod or clothing rack to expose as much surface area as possible and avoid damaging table surfaces.

While steaming, be sure to hold the steamer nozzle upright so hot water doesn’t spill or dribble out. You should lightly brush the fabric with the nozzle as the steam comes out (there’s no need to press it against the material).

As you steam, gently pull the fabric taut at the hem to help smooth out wrinkles. When you’re finished, allow the item to air-dry before wearing, folding, or storing.

6. Apply Wrinkle-Releaser Spray

One of the best on-the-go wrinkle-removing methods is wrinkle-releaser spray. You can buy it or make your own by diluting fabric softener or hair conditioner in distilled water.

Spray the wrinkles you want to remove and then give the item a good shake. As you shake, the wrinkles should loosen and disappear. For stubborn creases, apply more spray. If the item ends up a little damp, follow-up with a blow dryer on a cool setting.