How To Clean Your Curtains

Wondering how to safely and correctly clean your curtains?

The curtains are an important feature of a room. You might have spent hours choosing just the right colour, style and design that perfectly fits your home. So you really should know the best methods to maintaining clean curtains. Your curtains will start looking a bit shabby after a year or more of use. Taking good care of the curtains is essential to keeping your home beautiful and welcoming.

1.Dusting the Curtains
Prolong the life of your drapes by regularly removing dust and dirt. Once a week you should vacuum the curtains using the upholstery attachment. Some curtains are light and delicate. In these cases vacuuming could damage them, so give them a good shake instead to dislodge dust particles.

2.Delicate Fabrics
Lace or sheer curtains will get damaged if thrown directly into a washing machine. You have two good options for cleaning more delicate materials. You can simply hand wash them to avoid fraying the fabric. Alternatively, still use a washing machine but first seal the curtain in a mesh bag to protect it from damage.

3.Machine Washing Curtains
Always check the care label first before washing them. The last thing you want to do is ruin the drapes by not closely following the instructions. When you are washing curtains for the first time, be sure to check the suitability of the detergent being used. Test a small patch of the curtain with a mixture of water and the laundry detergent. The majority of washable curtains need to be cleaned with a gentle detergent and in cold water. Of course don’t forget to remove any metal fittings or hooks before you wash the drapes. You can line dry the curtains. A clothes dryer will work just as well, but make sure the settings are on low.

4.Hand Washing Curtains
Unfortunately not all curtains can be cleaned with a washing machine. If you will be washing the curtains by hand, you could use the bath to have ample space. Make use of a gentle detergent which doesn’t contain bleaching agents and mix in cool water. Be certain the detergent has fully dissolved before putting the curtains in the water. The best hand washing method is to gently squeeze the curtains, and not apply excess pressure. Consult the care label for specific instructions about cleaning your drapes. After washing, the curtains will have some creases. A bit of ironing will get rid of the unwanted wrinkles. To make ironing easier, don’t fully dry the curtains. Leave them slightly damp so the creases don’t set. Once the curtains are dried and ironed, they are ready for hanging.

5.Dry Cleaners
Some curtains can’t be machine washed or hand washed. Dry clean only instructions should be carried out exactly as stated, else you risk ruining the curtains. You should find a professional dry cleaner, where they understand the delicacy of dealing with curtains. Always talk with the manager beforehand to avoid any mistakes.