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How to Remove Creases From Important Documents

Important documents are often rediscovered after years of being crumpled up in an old desk or squirreled away in some other, unlikely place for safekeeping. If yours is an irreplaceable family document, such as a family tree, or a document with historical significance, restoration is often best left to the professionals. However, you can remove uncomplicated creases and wrinkles relatively safely, if you're careful and conservative.

Instructions

Weighting
- 1
  Assess the document to determine if it can be safely unfolded. If it seems brittle, or if the edges are crumbling, the answer is probably no and it should be taken to a professional. However, if it seems strong enough, carefully unfold the document a tiny bit at a time until it's completely flat.
- 2
  Smooth the document out gently. Place it between two layers of glass and weight the top with a large, heavy book.
- 3
  Keep it there until the creases are pressed out. Be mindful that this may take a long time. Museum curators sometimes use this conservative method, when appropriate, since it is relatively safe.
Ironing
- 4
  Carefully unfold the paper according to Step 1 in the "Weighting" section. In fact, if the document is very creased, you might want to try weighting it first before you attempt to iron it. Ironing paper requires a very light touch, and the fewer wrinkles you have to deal with, the better.
- 5
  Place the document between two pieces of linen, two tea towels, or two pieces of white acid-free paper.
- 6
  Iron the document gently on very low heat ̵2; no steam ̵2; until the creases are ironed out.

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