How To Get Wrinkles Out Of Headliner Fabric: Easy Tips

Does your car headliner have unsightly wrinkles? Do you know how to get wrinkles out of headliner fabric?

There are a few different methods that you can use, but the best one is using a steamer. A steamer will heat the fabric and cause the wrinkles to disappear.

wrinkles headliner

In this blog post, we will teach you how! Read on for more tips!

About Car Headliner Fabric

Best Headliner Fabric Ideas
Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

A car headliner is the fabric lining the roof of your car. It is typically made from a foam-backed fabric applied to a vehicle’s interior roof.

It helps insulate the car, reduce noise, and add a finished and polished look to the inside of your vehicle.

Some headliner fabrics are made from foam and cloth, while others may be made from stretch nylon or even suede. No matter the material, they can all become wrinkled from wear and tear over time.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Headliner Fabric

Can I use regular fabric for headliner?
Photo by Arteum.ro on Unsplash

Why Wrinkles Form in Headliner Fabric

Here are a few reasons.

  • The most common reason is the adhesive used to adhere the headliner to the car’s roof can dry and become brittle, causing the fabric to wrinkle or sag.
  • Another common reason is the car’s moisture from a spill or humidity. The moisture can cause the adhesive to loosen and create wrinkles in the fabric.

Removing the Wrinkles

steamer
Steamer on fabric. Credit: canva

Here are some tips.

Use a Steamer

Using a steamer is the best way to remove it. Steaming the fabric will heat it and smooth out any wrinkles.

Before starting, check the headliner fabric for any stains or dirt and clean them off first. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Fill the steamer with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and turn it on to heat up.
  2. Hold the steamer several inches away from the headliner fabric and slowly run it over the wrinkled area in a back-and-forth motion.
  3. Just be sure not to hold the steamer too close, or you could damage the fabric.
  4. Repeat until all are gone, and allow the headliner fabric to dry before touching or using your car again.

Use a Hair Dryer

headliner hair dryer
Credit: canva

Set the hair dryer to the lowest setting and hold it about six inches away from the wrinkled area. Move the hair dryer back and forth until the wrinkles are gone.

Just be sure not to hold the hair dryer too close, or you could damage the fabric.

Use an Iron

headliner iron
Credit: canva

Another quick and easy way is to use an iron.

Set the iron to low heat and place a towel over the wrinkled area. Then, gently run the iron over the towel until the wrinkles are gone.

Just be sure not to set the iron too high, or you could scorch the fabric.

No matter which method you choose, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the fabric.

Preventing Future Wrinkles

  • One easy way to do this is by keeping your car’s interior cool and dry, as excessive heat and moisture can contribute to fabric wrinkling.
  • You can also avoid placing heavy objects on or rubbing against the headliner fabric to prevent wrinkling.

FAQs

How do you fix a sagging headliner in steam?

  1. The first step is to remove the headliner. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest way is using a steamer. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a Heat Gun on high and blow hot air onto the fabric until it’s loose.
  2. Once the headliner is loose, carefully remove it and set it aside.
  3. Now that the headliner is out of the way, you can start repairing it. If it’s just sagging in one spot, you can take some needle and thread and sew it back up. If there are bigger holes or tears, you’ll need to patch them up with fabric glue or spray adhesive.
  4. Once the repairs are done, use a steamer or heat gun to loosen up the adhesive on the car’s roof. Then, carefully place the headliner back into position and use a roller or your hands to smooth it out and adhere it to the roof.
  5. Allow it to dry before putting anything heavy on it or using the car again.

What type of fabric is best for a headliner?

There is no “best” fabric for headliners, as different materials can be better suited for other applications.

For example, a stiffer fabric like vinyl may be better for a car with a lot of use, as it will hold its shape better and resist wear and tear.

A softer fabric like cotton or velvet may be a better choice for a headliner in a more luxurious vehicle, as it will be more comfortable to the touch.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual buyer to choose the type of fabric that they think will best suit their needs.

Can you steam wrinkles out of suede?

Yes, you can steam wrinkles out of suede, but it’s essential to be careful. Ensure the steamer is set on the lowest heat possible and hold it at least 12 inches away from the material.

Test a small area first to ensure the suede doesn’t get too wet. If the suede starts to look shiny, stop steaming and let it dry completely.

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