Curtains are not just a window covering; they are an essential part of any home decor. Whether it’s a formal or traditional interior, curtains are an integral part of the room. Regular curtain cleaning is essential to keep the room looking fresh. Curtains are exposed to dust particles and allergens, which stick to their surfaces. Dusty curtains that harm homeowners’ health.
Therefore, curtain cleaning is necessary once a month for cleanliness indoors and aesthetic appeal. If you are worried about how to clean curtains at home, here is a quick DIY guide. By understanding its tips and tricks, you can easily clean curtains without damaging the fabric.
Different Curtain Fabric Types
Generally, window curtains fabrics range from lightweight to heavier drapery fabrics. It’s up to you which fabric type you would opt for. We have shortlisted the most common fabric materials for your ease.
Cotton curtains
Cotton Curtains are lightweight and breathable fabrics for curtains. They are designed to accommodate the living room and open areas of the home. Installing them would give a 100% airier, brighter space.
Linen curtains
It is a medium-to-low-sheen fabric, creating an airy, breathable space. Linen curtains are prone to wrinkles and are difficult to get rid of. They are an ideal option for balcony windows.
Silk Curtains
For luxury spaces and rooms, silk curtains are used. They offer a premium look to windows and give elegance without costing much. You can use them in the formal drawing room and the guest room as well.
Velvet Curtains
Heavy-duty and light-blocking velvet curtains can be used in any window. Whether it’s your office or home window, they are the right fit for all. Along with complete privacy, they offer ultimate insulation in your room.
Blackout Curtains
The most demanding window curtain provides 100% darkness and privacy. From the bedroom to the office conference room, blackout window curtains fit perfectly in all places. From noise cancellation to light blocking, you can get all the perks with them.
Check the Care Label First
Care labels include symbols that define the cleaning method for curtains. Before you begin cleaning, you must be aware of care symbols.
W & WS
You can clean these curtains with water-based cleaners and water-based solvent cleaners.
S & X
When you see these signs, that means the fabric requires delicate care and requires dry cleaning only.
Washtub
It indicates washing the curtain in the machine on very gentle cycles.
How to Prepare Curtains for Cleaning
Curtain cleaning requires dust removal and inspection of the fabric. Further, it requires hardware removal before moving toward machine or hand washing. In case you don’t know how to do it properly, we have crafted this instructional guide for you.
Remove Dust
Take a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristle brush attachment. After removing the surface dust with a vacuum cleaner, take them outside to shake them. That process quickly eliminates accumulated and stubborn dirt.
Test For Color Fading
To be sure your curtains won’t bleed during the washing process, test them before cleaning. Select a small area or curtains and apply the selected detergent. When you see color transfer, blot the area with a cloth. Take it to a professional cleaner if the color has changed after the test.
Remove Hooks And Accessories
Right before putting the curtain fabric into the washing machine, remove accessories. It is important to remove all the hooks and hardware before washing, to avoid fabric damage.
Best Ways to Clean Curtains at Home
Cleaning window curtains at home is not difficult. You just need to know the right tricks to do it properly. Different cleaning methods are required for diverse kinds of curtain fabric. That’s somehow different in washing pattern or drying technique. By learning how to wash curtains at home without damaging the fabric, you can save money on professional cleaning. Here is a step-by-step process for safely cleaning curtains.
Machine-Washing Curtains
Highly durable and stained fabric drapes require machine washing. It is better to set the water temperature to 30°C (86°F) to avoid fabric shrinkage. Further, a pH-neutral fabric detergent can prevent fabric from fading. You need to avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that cause color fading. Make sure to rinse off any residue to prevent mold growth and bad odor.
Gentle Wash Cycle Tips
- It’s better to use a gentle cycle to avoid any damage.
- Set the machine on low–spin settings to reduce the chances of damage.
- To prevent snagging, place the curtains inside a mesh laundry bag.
- Put one curtain at a time to avoid machine overload.
Hand Washing Delicate Curtains
This is one of the safest options for cleaning delicate fabric curtains. Whether it’s silk, voile, or lace, it needs a gentle hand wash. First, remove all the accessories and clean off the dirt. Now, fill a bathtub with cold water and detergent. Afterward, submerge one curtain into the solution and wait for at least 30 minutes. Lightly scrub the fabric with your hands to remove embedded dirt.
Afterward, rinse off the soap solution from the curtain. Wash them with fresh water to remove any residue. Squeeze the fabric to remove the remaining solution. After washing, immediately hang the curtain in the ventilated area. It is advised not to put the curtains in direct sunlight, as that would damage them.
Steam Cleaning Curtains
One of the best and chemical-free methods is steam cleaning. With this method, 99% of curtain germs and bacteria are naturally killed. You can do it without putting the curtains down. Steam cleaning also neutralized the cooking odor by putting toxic solutions.
How To Do It
Take a steamer and add distilled water to it. Slowly move the streamer up and down to remove stubborn creases. Put the steamer nozzle 5 to 10 cm away from the fabric to avoid any damage. For heavy fabrics, steam them from both sides. For tough creases, gently touch the fabric with a steamer. To dry the fabric naturally, open the windows for 2 to 4 hours.
Conclusion
Curtain cleaning is necessary, but doing it without damaging the fabric is a pro-level thing. By following the instructions above, you will understand how to do it effectively. From delicate curtains to heavy drapery, you can clean every type. Make sure to hand-wash the silk or lace fabric curtains. You can clean the polyester and linen curtains in the washing machine. Further, test color fastness on a small area to avoid testing the whole curtain. A clean and stain-free curtain gives homeowners a positive vibe.
