How to Get Wrinkles Out of Faux Leather: A Complete Guide

Faux leather is a stylish and affordable alternative to genuine leather, but it’s prone to wrinkles, especially after storage or shipping. Whether it's a faux leather jacket, couch, or handbag, those unsightly creases can ruin its sleek appearance.

The good news? You don’t need expensive treatments to restore your faux leather. With the right techniques, you can smooth out wrinkles safely and effectively.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

Why faux leather wrinkles

Safe & unsafe methods (what NOT to do)

Step-by-step wrinkle removal techniques

Pro tips to prevent future wrinkles

Let’s get started!

Why Does Faux Leather Wrinkle?

Faux leather (also called PU or vegan leather) is made from a fabric base coated with plastic polymers. Unlike real leather, it doesn’t have natural oils to keep it supple. Instead, it can develop wrinkles due to:

Folding or improper storage (e.g., stuffed in a closet)

Heat exposure (left in a hot car or near heaters)

Moisture loss (dries out over time)

Low-quality material (cheaper faux leather wrinkles easier)

The key is to gently relax the fibers without damaging the plastic coating.

What NOT to Do: Common Faux Leather Mistakes

Before fixing wrinkles, avoid these damaging methods:

Ironing directly – High heat can melt the plastic coating.

Steamers on high heat – Can cause peeling or bubbling.

Harsh chemicals – Alcohol, acetone, or strong cleaners can strip the finish.

Stretching forcefully – May cause permanent tears.

Instead, use low-heat, controlled methods to relax wrinkles safely.

6 Safe Ways to Remove Wrinkles from Faux Leather

1. Hang & Let Gravity Smooth It Out (Best for Mild Wrinkles)

Ideal for: Jackets, skirts, pants

How it works: Over time, the weight of the fabric helps wrinkles fall out.

Steps:

Hang the faux leather item on a wide, padded hanger (wire hangers can cause more creases).

Place it in a well-ventilated area (not in direct sunlight).

Leave it for 24–48 hours—check for improvement.

Pro Tip: For faster results, gently tug the fabric downward while hanging.

2. Use a Hair Dryer (Low Heat Method)

Ideal for: Small wrinkles on bags, shoes, or furniture

How it works: Mild heat softens the material, allowing wrinkles to relax.

Steps:

Set your hair dryer to low or medium heat (not hot).

Hold it 6–8 inches away from the faux leather.

Move it constantly to avoid overheating one spot.

Use your free hand to smooth wrinkles outward as the material warms.

Let it cool—repeat if needed.

Warning: Test on an inconspicuous area first to prevent damage.

3. Damp Towel & Iron (Indirect Heat for Stubborn Wrinkles)

Ideal for: Deep creases on faux leather couches or larger items

How it works: Steam penetrates without direct heat contact.

Steps:

Lay the faux leather flat on a clean surface.

Place a thin, damp cloth (like a cotton towel) over the wrinkled area.

Set your iron to low heat (no steam).

Press the iron briefly (2–3 seconds) onto the towel, then lift.

Check progress—repeat as needed.

Let it air-dry completely.

Caution: Never iron directly on faux leather—always use a barrier!

4. Stuff with Towels or Pillows (For Bags & Furniture)

Ideal for: Sagging purses, wrinkled faux leather couches

How it works: Filling the item helps stretch out creases naturally.

Steps:

Stuff the bag or couch cushions with soft towels or pillows.

Overfill slightly to stretch the material.

Leave it for 24–72 hours.

Remove stuffing—check if wrinkles have improved.

Bonus: For couches, sit on it occasionally to help reshape.

5. Use a Fabric Steamer (Carefully!)

Ideal for: Large items like faux leather jackets or car seats

How it works: Light steam relaxes fibers without overheating.

Steps:

Fill a handheld steamer with distilled water (prevents mineral buildup).

Hold the steamer 6–10 inches away from the faux leather.

Steam in short bursts while smoothing wrinkles with your hand.

Let it air-dry—do not rub.

Warning: Avoid holding steam too long—excess moisture can weaken glue.

6. Condition with a Faux Leather Protectant

Ideal for: Preventing future wrinkles & maintaining softness

How it works: Specialized conditioners keep faux leather flexible.

Steps:

Choose a water-based faux leather conditioner (avoid oil-based—can clog pores).

Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth.

Gently rub in circular motions.

Buff off excess with a dry cloth.

Best Products:

Weiman Faux Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

Chemical Guys SPI_208 (for cars & furniture)

How to Prevent Faux Leather Wrinkles

Once you’ve smoothed out wrinkles, keep them from coming back:

Store Properly – Hang jackets or lay bags flat in a dust bag.

Avoid Extreme Heat – Keep away from radiators, car dashboards, and direct sunlight.

Regular Conditioning – Apply a protectant every 3–6 months.

Don’t Overfold – If storing, roll instead of folding tightly.

Final Thoughts

Removing wrinkles from faux leather doesn’t require harsh treatments—just patience and the right technique. For best results:

Start with the gentlest method (hanging or stuffing).

Use low heat if needed (hair dryer or steamer).

Always test a hidden area first to avoid damage.

Condition regularly to keep faux leather smooth.

With these tips, your faux leather will stay sleek and wrinkle-free for years!

Got a favorite method? Share your tips in the comments!