Creases in faux leather are usually easier to ease than they look. The safe approach is patient and gentle: give the material time, add a little moisture or warmth, and smooth it as it cools. Never press a bare iron onto faux leather, and do not put it in a hot dryer. PU and vinyl coatings can melt, glaze or blister under direct heat.
If your item is real leather, the steps are different. See repairing old leather.
Check what your faux leather is made of
Most faux leather is polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC, also called vinyl), coated onto a fabric backing. Both are sensitive to heat, but they respond differently. PVC often softens at lower temperatures than PU, though this varies by product.
Before you start:
- Read the care label. If it says dry clean only or do not iron, follow it.
- Test your method on a hidden seam or the inside facing, and wait to see whether the surface changes.
- Work out whether you are looking at a crease or at damage. Cracking, peeling or flaking means the coating is breaking down, and heat will not fix it.
Start with time: hang it and let it relax
The gentlest method is also the most overlooked. Hang the item on a padded hanger, away from direct sun and heat, and leave it for 24 to 48 hours. Many light creases relax this way, especially those from long folding or a tight pack.
Steam from a safe distance
Steam can ease creases, but it can also burn you, and too much heat or moisture can damage the coating. Keep the steam moving, and keep your hands clear of the nozzle.
Bathroom steam: Hang the item in the bathroom, near a hot shower but not in the spray. Let the steam work for 15 to 20 minutes, then smooth the fabric gently by hand. Let it air dry.
Garment steamer: Hold the steamer roughly 15 to 30 cm (about 6 to 12 inches) from the surface and keep it moving. Never let the head or droplets sit on the faux leather. Smooth the surface with your hand while it warms, then let it cool.
Low heat with a pressing cloth (last resort)
Use this only if the first two methods do not work.
- Set the iron to its lowest or synthetic setting, with no steam or minimal steam.
- Place a thin cotton towel or pillowcase over the faux leather. Never press the iron directly onto the surface.
- If you can, iron on the reverse or lining side.
- Press for a few seconds at a time, then lift and check. Stop if the surface starts to shine, soften or change texture.
A hairdryer on low to medium heat, held about 15 cm (6 inches) away and kept moving, can also help you smooth a crease while the material is warm. Do not hold the dryer in one spot.
Set the shape as it cools
Heat makes faux leather pliable, but the new shape holds only once it cools. Smooth the piece flat while it is still warm, weight it with books or a board, and leave it until it is fully cool. Light dampening with a cloth before low heat can help some PU items, but test first.
What to avoid
- A bare iron on faux leather. It can melt, warp or scorch the surface almost instantly.
- Tumble dryers. Even on low heat, a dryer can delaminate or melt the coating. Some people suggest tumbling with a damp towel, but it is risky.
- Radiators, hot cars and direct sun, which can soften or crack the coating.
- Oil-based leather conditioners. Faux leather does not absorb them, and they can leave a residue. If you need to condition it, use a product labeled for vinyl or faux leather.
- Overheated PVC releases harmful fumes, including hydrogen chloride. This is also why PVC should never be laser engraved. If you smell something sharp or acrid, stop, ventilate the room and let the item cool.
Common questions
What is the downside of faux leather?
Faux leather is generally less breathable than real leather, and it is more sensitive to heat. PU can break down over time, especially with heat and humidity, leading to cracking, peeling and stickiness. That breakdown is usually permanent, and faux leather is harder to repair than real leather. For the causes, see sticky leather: why it happens and how to fix it.
Can I use Dawn dish soap on faux leather?
Many people use a small amount of mild dish soap in water to wipe faux leather. Test it on a hidden spot first. Wipe with a damp cloth rather than a soaked one, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and dry. Soap is for cleaning, not for removing creases. If the product label for your item names a specific cleaner, follow that instead.
What can I do if creases won’t iron out?
Deep creases set by long folding may be permanent. Try the gentle methods again, with more time on the hanger. If the crease remains, you may need to accept it, or ask a specialist such as a dry cleaner or an upholsterer for advice. Avoid pressing harder or adding more heat, which can damage the coating.
Can you put fake leather pants in the dryer?
It is best not to. A tumble dryer’s heat can delaminate or melt the coating and leave the surface sticky or cracked. Hang the item or lay it flat to dry instead. To prevent creases, hang or roll faux leather rather than folding it, and keep it away from hot cars and radiators.