Introduction
Hemp material has become very popular these days as a result of its greenness, resilience, and breathability. It is a natural fiber that has been used for centuries in textile manufacture and is now acknowledged for its environmental sustainability and versatility. Because hemp is not only sturdy and durable but also moisture wicking and UV-resistant, it is widely used for clothes.
But like other natural fibres, hemp has one quirk: it wrinkles. Hemp garments, when worn after laundering, are prone to wrinkles and smoothness, a major concern for people who wish to keep it in its purest state. A wrinkle can also change the contour of the garment to make it unwearable or wrinkly.
This article is meant to teach readers the useful steps and tricks of how to avoid the wrinkles on hemp clothing. Knowing why hemp fabrics wrinkle and how to wash, dry, and store hemp garments correctly will allow you to keep your hemp clothing looking and smelling fresh for many years to come. Let’s check out the easiest ways to prevent wrinkles and make your hemp clothes last longer.
1. Understanding Why Hemp Clothing Wrinkles
Hemp garments, while thick and multifunctional, tend to stretch. This is mainly because hemp is a natural fiber. Hemp fibers are not as resilient as synthetic fabrics, which causes them to wrinkle when it is washed or worn.
Natural Fibers and Wrinkling
Natural fibres such as hemp, cotton and linen are made from cellulose, making them breathable and absorbent. But they are also prone to creasing. While synthetic fibres, like polyester or nylon, are artificial fabrics that are less prone to wrinkles, hemp fabric does not hold its shape after long wear.
When hemp fibers become moist, they expand, and this can make the cloth feel supple. Yet, when it dries, it retains the wrinkles created by the wetting and drying process. That’s why hemp garments tend to look wrinkled when they are washed.
Challenges with Hemp Fabric
Although hemp fabric tends to be more durable than cotton, its tendency to wrinkle is a challenge. Hemp garments will also crease as they are stiff and, while they may soften over time, they will continue to wrinkle upon washing. Also, hemp absorbs moisture, so wrinkles will appear more pronounced if the fabric is not properly dried or pulled over too much.
When you wash or wear hemp clothing, the fibers tend to move and create wrinkles. The more years the fabric remains subject to these forces, the more noticeable the wrinkles will become. Washing a hemp shirt, pant, or dress and not washing it right, drying it properly, and keeping it in a correct manner will only increase this issue, which leads to wrinkled clothes that need extra attention.
Also Read : Can Hemp Fabric Be Ironed? Safe Practices to Follow
Impact of Improper Handling
Bad handling is one of the main causes of wrinkles in hemp garments. Common blunders like boiling water, overfilling the washer, or high heat can put stress on the fibers and leave deep wrinkles that are not easily removed. Moreover, creases left in hemp fabric when folded or crushed during the damp stage can leave a long-lasting mark that is difficult to undo.
The best approach to getting rid of wrinkles on hemp clothes is to find out what wrinkles are and care for them accordingly. Wash and dry your hemp clothes in the right ways and store them correctly to reduce the chances of your hemp clothes getting wrinkled and ensure their durability and looks.
2. Washing Techniques to Prevent Wrinkles
How you wash your hemp clothing also determines whether or not it wrinkles. Washing may bring water and friction into the wash, which results in wrinkles. But you can do a few things to alter your washing habits to minimize the impact of these factors on your hemp fabric.
Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
The easiest way to keep hemp clothes from getting too wrinkled is to wash them in cold or warm water. Warm water will make the fabric wrinkle and sag, making it more prone to wrinkles. Cold water is less damaging to the fibres and keeps the fabric elastic, meaning it’s less likely to wrinkle.
You can wash hemp clothing in cool or warm water to preserve the fiber integrity, and prevent the clothes from buckling or stretching. This, too, preserves the comfort and elasticity of the hemp fabric, so that it remains wearable and soft without becoming too wrinkly.
Use a Gentle Washing Cycle
Another important thing to keep in mind while washing hemp clothes is the process of washing. Hemp fabrics are easily destroyed by washing processes that rely on too much shaking and spinning. This motion may strain the fibres and cause wrinkles. To avoid this, use a gentle or delicate cycle when washing hemp clothes.
Gently spools require less stirring and turning, and are less susceptible to wrinkles. The technique keeps the fabric clean without stressing the fibres. For fine hemp, use a hand wash setting or simply hand wash the garment to further safeguard it from wrinkles.
Avoid Overcrowding the Washing Machine
The washing machine should not be filled with hemp clothing. Overfilling the washer leaves less room for the water and detergent to move, which results in less cleaning and more vibration. That makes the hemp fabric more susceptible to wrinkles.
If you are washing hemp, leave enough space in the machine for the fabric to spin. This allows the water and detergent to pass through every part of the garment and keeps the fibers from getting caught in friction. Overfilling the washing machine also makes clothes get stuck in a pile, which will only make wrinkles worse.
Turn Garments Inside Out
Turn clothes inside out when washing to help keep the outside of your hemp clothes free of wrinkles and prevent it from rolling up. This prevents the fabric from coming into excessive contact with other garments during the wash cycle and thereby minimizes surface abrasion. Turning the item inside out will also prevent it from fading, particularly with darker or lighter-colored hemp clothing.
Turning garments inside out keeps the outer fibers from being exposed directly to the agitator of the washer and retains the overall appearance of the fabric without creating heavy wrinkles on the outside of the garment.
3. Drying Methods to Reduce Wrinkles
For hemp clothing, drying helps eliminate wrinkles and keeps the cloth looking its best. Whereas synthetic materials tend to dry quickly and are wrinkle resistant, hemp fibres crease much more easily after they have been washed. Hence, knowing the correct way to dry the garment will maintain its shape and reduce the wrinkles.
Air-Drying : The Most Effective Way to Prevent Wrinkles.
Air-drying is usually considered the best drying method for hemp garments, because it allows the fabric to dry naturally without damaging it through intense heat. When you air-dry hemp garments, you are less likely to over-dry, shrink, or crease your clothing as it is done by the machine.
If you want to dry hemp clothes well, follow these steps:
- Flat or Hanging Straight: Depending on the type of clothing, you can lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it on a clothesline. For shirts, dresses and lighter clothes it works better if the garment is pulled over your shoulders or on a hanger so that the fabric does not stretch. If you have heavier hemp clothing, such as a jacket or pants, you might lay them flat to keep the material from stretching or warping.
- Be Careful with Direct Sunlight: Although hemp is strong and a natural fiber, long exposure to sunlight over time can brittle the fibres, darken the fabric and reduce the quality of the fabric. You will want to hang or lay your hemp garments in the shade to retain its natural color and maintain the integrity of the fabric.
- Place Garments Apart: When air-drying hemp garments, it’s important to leave space between each garment to allow for airflow. This prevents wrinkles and shirts from clumping together and forming deep wrinkles in the fabric. The right spacing also helps the hemp dry evenly, without leaving moisture in the fabric.
- Don’t Wring or Twist: When you’re finished washing hemp clothes, don’t wring or twist them to squeeze out the water. Hemp fibres are less durable when damp, and too much twisting or wringing will stretch the fabric, creating edgy wrinkles or unreliable folds. Instead, rub the cloth lightly with your hands to dry off excess water, and then dry it flat or hang it up.
Through these air-drying techniques, you can easily minimize the wrinkles of hemp clothing and keep its natural feel, texture, and quality intact.
Drying Racks or Clotheslines.
Hanging racks and clotheslines are also excellent air-drying devices for hemp fabrics. They enable air circulation and won’t make the fabric saggy or over-compressed, as is the tendency with a standard clothes dryer.
- Drying Racks: You will need a drying rack to store small items like hemp shirts, tops, or light clothing. Leave the clothing flat on the rack or hang it up from the bars of the drying rack to keep it in shape. The good thing about a drying rack is that it offers ample space for the fabric to dry without being in contact with other clothes.
- Clotheslines: When you’re working with items such as pants, jackets, or hemp blankets, a clothesline provides enough room for the material to dry evenly. When you hang clothes on a clothesline, the fabric won’t pile up and dry evenly, which reduces wrinkles.
If you’re using a drying rack or clothesline, don’t hang the clothes too close to each other. Space for airflow will allow the fabric to dry faster and avoid wrinkles created by overlapping or crumpling.
4. Ironing and Steaming to Exfoliate Wrinkles.
Even after drying according to the instructions, hemp clothes might require a little extra work to eliminate any stubborn wrinkles. Ironing and steaming are the best techniques to remove wrinkles and regain the natural smoothness of the garment without ruining it. But it’s best to take these techniques very seriously, as too much heat could scorch the fine fibers of hemp clothing.
Ironing Hemp Clothing
Ironing can help you iron out the wrinkles in hemp fabric, but only on your own. Hemp is more heat-resistant than other natural fibres, but overheating still causes the fabric to contract, burn or lose its original shape.
How to iron hemp clothing safely:
- Low or Medium Heat: Using a low or medium heat setting is essential when ironing hemp fabrics. Excessive heat might shrink or burn the fibers. The rule of thumb is to begin with a lower temperature and then gradually raise it if needed.
- Steam Setting: When ironing hemp clothing, one of the best ways to not scorch the fabric is to use your iron’s steam setting. Steam loosens the fibres and eliminates wrinkles without using heat directly on the fabric. The steam lets the hemp fibers bend slightly, restoring them to their original form without damaging them.
- Iron when the Fabric is a Little Wet: If you’re a wrinkle hound, iron hemp fabric when it’s a little damp. The moisture loosens the threads, making it easier to iron out wrinkles. After air-drying or washing, spray the fabric lightly with water or use the steam function on the iron to make the fabric damp.
- Use a Pressing Cloth: To further shield the hemp fabric from contact with the hot iron, always use a pressing cloth. A pressing cloth keeps the fabric in contact with the iron so that the heat will not damage the fibers and leave you with shiny spots. Use a clean soft cloth, like cotton or muslin, as a pressing cloth.
By following these safe ironing guidelines, you can get rid of wrinkles from hemp clothing without destroying the quality or texture of the material.
Steaming Hemp Clothing
Steaming, which is less traumatic than ironing, is effective in removing wrinkles from hemp clothes without the heat damaging them. Steaming involves emitting steam that relaxes the fibres and minimizes creasing.
- Handheld Steamers: If you don’t have an iron with a steam setting, handheld steamers are a great way to remove the wrinkles from hemp garments. Portable steamers work very quickly and efficiently by ejecting steam that warps the fabric and loosens wrinkles.
- Steaming in the Bathroom: A simple, natural way to get wrinkles out of hemp clothing is to use steam from a hot shower. You hang the garment in the bathroom while you’re taking a shower. The steam will wilt the fabric, eliminating wrinkles. This technique is suitable for minor creases, and great for clothes that don’t need a heavy press.
- Steam for Thin Fabrics: Steaming is particularly useful for thick hemp fabrics. Because it evaporates and heats rather than touching, there’s less danger of damaging the fabric, which makes it a good, safe option for any hemp apparel.
Protecting the Fabric while Ironing or Steaming.
When ironing or steaming hemp, do not let the fabric come into contact with too much heat and moisture, in order to keep the fabric fresh:
- Iron Inside Out: To minimize lustrous spots on the outside fabric, iron hemp clothing inside out. This process makes sure that no heat or pressure gets into the fabric to alter the outside appearance of the clothing, so that it will remain as it is.
- Do Not Touch the Heat: Never let the iron or steamer touch the cloth without a paper towel. The iron or steamer may warp the fibers or burn them, particularly if the clothing is placed in close contact for too long.
Carefully steam or iron your hemp clothing, cover it with a pressing cloth, and your hemp will remain wrinkle-free and in excellent shape for years to come.
Hemp Wear Avoiding Wrinkles : How to Store, Cleanse, and Make The Mistakes
Hemp wear is a wonderful choice because it’s environmentally friendly, strong, and breathable. However, a drawback for most hemp fabric lovers is that the fabric is very wrinkly. Fortunately, learning how to store, maintain and care for hemp clothes can drastically decrease the chances of wrinkles, saving the garment’s appearance and life.
5. Storage Tips to Prevent Wrinkles
Hemp clothes need to be properly stored in order to retain their shiny finish. Wrinkles appear not only during washing and drying but also when clothes are stored incorrectly. You can keep hemp clothing wrinkle free and in top condition for a much longer time by using the correct storage methods.
Proper Folding and Hanging
Poor storage is one of the main reasons behind wrinkles. This is how you can properly maintain hemp clothing to keep it from creasing:
- Hang Clothing That Might Be Easy To Wrinkle: We recommend hanging wrinkle-prone clothes (shirts, dresses, blouses, etc.) – clothing that’s made of soft or strong fabrics. Hanging on wooden or padded hangers will help maintain the shape of the item and prevent the garment from loosing its shape. This is particularly important when using hemp fabrics that tend to wrinkle after washing because it preserves the garment’s natural form and eliminates creases.
- Fold Pants: When you fold hemp pants or other pants, you have to fold them tightly in order to avoid making deep folds. Instead of folding them randomly, make sure you square the seams and folds. You’ll be able to wear a pair of hemp pants, folded properly, and the wrinkles won’t become so vexatious that you might need to iron them off again.
- Fold the Piece Carefully for Thin Layers: Fold more delicate hemp pieces, such as sweaters or knit tops, gently to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. Fold close to the edges and don’t press too hard to create deep folds. Turn these pieces into thirds or quarters to reduce wrinkles and maintain their appearance.
Avoid Overcrowding in Closets
The clogged closet not only leaves your favorite hemp clothes out, but also causes excessive wrinkles. Overpacking a garment causes it to shatter and buckle, leaving deeper wrinkles that are nearly impossible to pull out.
- Hang Garments Carefully: Space between every hanging piece to allow proper air circulation. This avoids garments from getting crushed against one another, leading to wrinkles and strain on the fabric. If you’re the kind of person who lives in a tight closet, consider using thinner hangers or freeing up space by arranging your clothes differently.
- Make Room: Give your hemp clothing plenty of room to breathe, and rotate clothes each season so that it doesn’t clutter up your life. The seasonally appropriate storage like placing winter clothing in a garment bag or underneath your bed can reduce clutter and allow your clothes room to get wrinkled.
Use Garment Bags for more delicate pieces.
On light weight hemp items or for less-worn clothes you rarely wear, a garment bag is a great way to resist wrinkles. Fabric bags shield clothing from dust, dirt, and water, and keep clothes from crushing and folding.
- Choose Breathable Garment Bags: While garment bags are perfect to protect your clothes, select breathable ones for hemp fabrics. Plastic garment bags will wick away moisture which will make the fabric frayed or moldy. Consider cotton or linen bags that circulate air while keeping your garments dry.
- Store Seasonal Clothes: If you’re storing hemp clothing for long periods of time, like off-season clothing, garment bags provide the added advantage of keeping your clothes wrinkle-free and protected from the elements. They stop your clothes from getting pushed under and they give you peace of mind if you’re carrying in delicate pieces for the winter or summer.
If you fold, hang, and store your hemp clothes correctly, you’ll be able to eliminate wrinkles as quickly as possible and ensure that your clothing stays put.
6. Wrinkle-Free Hemp Clothing Care Products
Although proper washing and storage is the key to keeping hemp clothes wrinkle-free, there are a few more care products you can use. You might need something that can replace ironing or can soften the cloth, and it can help make your hemp clothing wrinkle-free.
Wrinkle-Releasing Sprays
Wrinkle releasing sprays are popular for people that want to get rid of wrinkles without applying heat. Such sprays are typically made of natural ingredients and work by dissolving the fibers in the fabric, which releases wrinkles and keeps new ones from developing.
- What Wrinkle-Release Sprays Do: The vast majority of wrinkle-release sprays use a blend of water and natural ingredients such as glycerin, essential oils, or plant-based enzymes. When applied to hemp textiles, the emulsion softens the fibers and eliminates wrinkles. Simply apply the product to the shirt, pull a bit to loosen it up, and hang it out to dry.
- Wrinkle-Release Sprays: Wrinkle-release sprays are great when you just want to instantly smoothen hemp clothes without ironing or steaming them. They’re simple to use, take very little work, and are especially helpful for clothing that doesn’t have lots of wrinkles. Furthermore, most wrinkle-releasing sprays are made with non-toxic ingredients and will not damage your clothes or the environment.
- Directions For Use: Apply the product onto the creased patches and rub the fabric around with your hands. Hang the garment to dry, and you’ll see that wrinkles will be drastically reduced without the use of hot water.
Fabric Softeners
Another good method for removing wrinkles from hemp clothes is using fabric softeners. While conventional softeners can have harmful chemicals, there are plenty of natural and eco-friendly alternatives that are kind to hemp fabric and maintain softness and flexibility.
- How Fabric Softeners Work: The fabric softeners soften the fibres which reduce wrinkles and makes them look more smooth. Hemp fabrics will become stiff with use, particularly after repeated washes, and a fabric softener will keep them soft without stiffness-causing creasing.
- Organic Fabric Softeners: Choose plant-based, biodegradable fabric softeners, such as those made with essential oils or extracts from plants. These are products that will soften hemp fabrics without destroying the natural fabric. Be sure to avoid using fabric softeners that are scented with artificial perfumes or harmful chemicals that will degrade hemp fibers in the long run.
- Fabric Softener Application: Use the recommended amount of fabric softener in your washing machine during the rinse cycle. Just remember to dilute it well so there’s no accumulation, and never use too much fabric softener as it will cause residue to collect that will make the fiber stiff or brittle.
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are a great, natural replacement for softeners and can reduce wrinkles and soften hemp garments while drying. The reusable dryer balls tumble around your clothes while you’re in the dryer, fluffing up the fabric and making it less likely to tangle.
- Wool Dryer Balls Use: Wool dryer balls naturally soften fabrics by vibrating the clothes in the dryer. The balls separate clothes from each other, allowing warm air to move freely and avoiding wrinkles and creases. Wool dryer balls also shorten drying time, which is both energy efficient and prevents over-drying.
- Wool Dryer Balls Benefits: Wool dryer balls are reusable, chemical-free, and harmless to hemp fabrics. They plump and smooth away wrinkles without the need for chemicals. Plus, they’re an eco-friendly choice for people trying to save carbon.
- Use Wool Dryer Balls: Simply place 3-6 wool dryer balls in the dryer with your hemp garments. Select the lowest temperature setting, ensuring you do not shrink too much or break the fabric. Wool dryer balls work best in the dryer when air-dried, and it provides a great balance between wrinkle reduction and softer fabric.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although there are numerous tips and tricks to making hemp clothes wrinkle-free, sometimes mistakes can get in the way. These errors will keep your hemp clothing looking good and minimize the chance of over-wrinkling.
Overloading the Washing Machine
The biggest mistake people make when doing hemp laundry is overfilling the washing machine. When the machine is over-loaded, the water and detergent do not circulate properly, which causes the wash to be uneven and wrinkly.
- Why It Wrinkles: When you overload the washing machine, hemp fabric brushes up against other clothing, and the friction causes wrinkles. Overly packed garments can also leave water trapped in the fibers, leaving the fibers stiff after laundering.
- Avoidance: Always wash hemp garments in small, easy-to-handle loads. This gives each piece enough room to move and a thorough wash; less clothing per cycle reduces wrinkles and saves fabric damage from over-crowding.
Using Too Much Detergent
Too much detergent can also accumulate residue on hemp garments and cause them to become stiff and wrinkly. It also depresses the washability and makes the cloth feel rough.
- Why It Makes You Wrinkle: Excess detergent leaves a soapy film on the surface of the fabric, making hemp clothes stiff and heavy. This can also attract dirt and wrinkles, making them harder to get out of.
- What To Avoid: Always use the amount of detergent recommended per washing, and use a detergent that is eco-friendly and contains less residue. Don’t overdo it, because more detergent isn’t always better. Make sure to thoroughly wash away the detergent residue.
Not Following Care Instructions
Hemp clothes usually have specific maintenance requirements to keep them in good shape. Without these instructions, the clothes will wrinkle, damage the fabric, and the fabric will wear away at a faster rate.
- Why It Turns Wrinkly: Hemp fabric care instructions are included to avoid excess wear and tear. Failure to observe them can lead to incorrect handling resulting in wrinkles, shrinkage or weakening of the fibre.
- What to Avoid: Read and abide by the care label of your hemp garments. It means that you’re washing, drying, and storing each item the correct way, eliminating wrinkles and prolonging the life of your hemp clothes.
Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.