Forget ironing curtains after washing: One ingredient can help prevent wrinkles

Ironing large, heavily creased curtains is one of the most disliked household chores, but the right washing routine may make it unnecessary.

A powerful spin cycle can compress and twist the fabric, creating numerous folds. When the material permits, a program with fewer revolutions is a better choice. The amount of laundry in the drum also matters. Large, lightweight curtains need room to move, so it is better to wash them separately than to force several pieces into an overcrowded machine.

What happens after the cycle ends is just as important. Curtains left crumpled in the drum for hours can develop deeper creases that prove harder to remove. They should be taken out as soon as the wash finishes, shaken well and smoothed by hand.

One popular household trick is to use ordinary white vinegar instead of fabric softener. Around 100 milliliters can go into the softener compartment, allowing it to enter during the final rinse. Vinegar may remove detergent residue and soften the fabric, making the curtains less stiff. Care instructions should be checked first, particularly for delicate or specialized materials.

If the fabric allows it, hanging the curtains while they are still damp lets their own weight straighten them as they dry. They can also dry in place, avoiding extra handling and renewed creasing. With a gentler spin, enough space in the drum and prompt hanging, some curtains may not need an iron at all.