Frequent traveler Liz Picone of Austin relies on the shower to smooth out her clothing. I used to use the hotel irons but they are frequently dirty and leave marks on the clothes, Picone says. Now I put everything in the bathroom and turn on the hot water and the shower for a few minutes and steam everything.

If your hotel room doesn't have an iron, the most effective "peer-to-peer" strategy is the "Shower Steam" method. Hang your shirt on a high-quality hanger (preferably wooden or plastic, not wire) and place it on the back of the bathroom door or the shower curtain rod. Turn the shower to the hottest setting and let the room fill with steam for about 15 minutes, ensuring the shirt doesn't get wet. The moisture relaxes the fibers, and the weight of the garment pulls out the wrinkles. For stubborn creases, you can use a damp washcloth to gently "dab" the wrinkle and then use the hotel's hair dryer on a medium setting to blow-dry it smooth while pulling the fabric taut. Another high-value tip is to "hang it immediately" upon arrival; the longer a shirt stays in a suitcase, the more "set" the wrinkles become. If you're in a pinch, many modern 2026 hotels now offer "wrinkle-release spray" in their mini-bars or at the front desk, which can work wonders on light cotton or linen blends.