Curtain Care and Cleaning

Dirty curtains can make all your hard work at housekeeping look tacky. If your curtains are dirty you will find it difficult to keep the room properly aired. With children and pets around your window covering can get dirty easily. Curtain cleaning is easy if you know what products to use and how to clean them.

Knowing when to Clean Your Curtains.

Cleaning need not be done with great frequency. If you live in a place where windows are exposed to outside pollutants like dust, pollen, bird droppings, etc. Clean your curtains once every three months. But if you live near the sea or a big city there is more dust entering your home through windows, clean them at least twice a year. Generally, you should clean your curtain at least once in 3-6 months or twice a year. However, there should be regular dusting and vacuuming every other week.

How to Clean Curtains & Drapes.

You should understand that the way you clean your curtain will depend on the fabric your curtain is made of. Before going down the path of cleaning your curtain, take a moment to find out what type of material your curtain is made of, or check the label for cleaning codes and follow the instructions.

Equipment and Material Needed for Cleaning.

• Washing machine
• Large basin/sink
• Mild laundry detergent
• Mild dish detergent
• Pressing iron
• Pressing cloth

Before You Start Cleaning your Curtains

You should always check/test for colorfastness before taking your curtain done for washing. To test the fabric of your curtain if it is colorfast you should take a hidden part of the curtain and put a little water on it. If the color run and dye can be seen in the water then you will need to dry clean your curtain or take it to the cleaners. However, if your curtain is colorfast safe you can proceed to wash it yourself.

How to Clean Cotton Drapes/Curtains.

Cotton drapes should be washed in lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is helpful because detergents work more efficiently at this temperature. First, take out all the curtain rods and ties from the curtain. Do not use fabric softener when you wash cotton curtains. Wash on the delicate setting on the machine. After washing your curtain put it in a medium heat dryer and tumble dry it until the dampness is gone. It will be helpful if you iron your curtains while they are still a little wet because the steam from the fabric will help to get rid of wrinkles easier.

How to Clean Garment Fabric Curtains.

Curtains that are made of garments can be washed in the washer. However, you need to know how to wash them at home by yourself. First, make sure all your curtains are tied up properly and securely. You should not overload the machine with too many curtain panels. Set the machine to the delicate cycle and cold settings.

Ensure that when you use detergent in your machine, you pour it into the washbasin and not directly onto your curtain panels. Also, make sure to remove all your curtains from the scrunching water as soon as they are done. Hang them out on a scrunch line or shower rod until they are dry. If you do not have a line you can spread them out on the bed and let them dry. You can also use a dryer but on the low setting. Rehang immediately to avoid wrinkles.

How to Clean Sheer Fabric/Lace Curtains.

This type of curtain is best cleaned by hand to avoid too much wrinkling and snagging. Wash with cold water in a basin. Put one panel at a time in the basin with mild detergent. Soak for a couple of minutes to release dirty from the fabric. Swirl the fabric around soapy water a couple of times. After this washing is done. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean water to rinse. Swirl panel around again to release all the soap. Hang the curtain on the line or from your shower rod.

If you really want to clean them in the washer make sure to put them on a delicate cycle and do not add any other clothes.

How to Clean Silk Drapes and Curtain.

To wash silk drapes by hand, fill the sink halfway with lukewarm water. Place one panel at a time in the basin of water. gently agitate the material to release dirt and grime from the fabric… Rinse thoroughly until all soap has been removed. You can finish by spinning at a medium speed in a washing machine or air dry by hanging on the line. iron while slightly damp.

To wash silk curtains by machine, fill the washing machine halfway with warm water. add a mild detergent and add the panel(s) in question. Set on a delicate cycle and spin or tumble dry on low heat. You can iron while slightly damp because of the natural softness of silk fabrics.

How to Clean Velvet/Velour Curtains.

Velvet and velour curtains can be cleaned by hand or in the washing machine. Washing by hand is easier, but it may take longer than the machine does. To wash velvet/velour by hand, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild soap to the water. Put your curtain panels into soapy water. Let the fabric soak while you gently swish it around in the water. As soon as the soap is released, rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed from the cloth.

Use your hands to squeeze water out of the curtains after this step. You can use a towel or press with an iron until dry. Iron on low setting and steam is preferable.

To wash velvet/velour in the washing machine, fill your washer with cool water and mild detergent. Wash on delicate cycle with knitwear setting. Rinse thoroughly until all soap has been removed. You can spin or tumble dry on low heat. Iron while slightly damp using steam function for best results.

How to Clean Dry Clean Only or Polyester Curtain.

These types of fabric curtains can only be cleaned by a dry cleaning service. You cannot wash this material in a washing machine or hand wash them. So take them to the dry cleaning service a couple of times a year and let them worry about getting it cleaned.

How to Clean Acrylic Bead/Shell Curtains.

Since this type of curtain cant be was be washed in a washer or taken down to wash by hand you can just take a damp cloth and wipe it down. If you notice dust build-up, sprinkle with baking soda and wipe down until clean.

How to Clean Drapes & Curtains with Mildew or Mold.

Mix 2 cups of vinegar with 6 cups of warm water in a bucket. Place the panel(s) in question in this solution for 20 minutes to release dirt and grime. Wash and rinse thoroughly until all soap has been removed. You can spin or tumble dry on low heat. Iron while slightly damp using steam function for best results.

How to keep Curtain and Drapes Clean for Longer.

There are many tips and tricks you can use to help your drapes and curtains stay cleaner for longer. One of the best is to make sure you dust them once a week, or after every cleaning service has been performed. You should wash all drapes and curtains at least twice a year using mild detergent. You can also use the brush setting on your vacuum to remove dust and dirt from your drapes.

No matter how well you take care of them, eventually, they will need to be washed or dry-cleaned. It is important that you wash them as soon as possible if they become stained. If you cannot get to it right away make sure to spot treat the stain immediately.