Why should you clean your curtains regularly?
An common fixture over home or office windows, curtains are constantly exposed to dust, dirt, pollutants, micro organisms like mites and fungi, and even cooking aromas and cigarette smoke. Over time, they will discolour into a slight yellow and impart a stale smell, which is more noticeable in white or light-coloured fabrics.
Much like an ageing lightbulb, yellowing and stained curtains dull the interior of a room and add to a lifeless atmosphere. Moreover, dust particles and micro-organisms can trigger allergic reactions in occupants and contribute to poor respiratory health.
Much like an ageing lightbulb, yellowing and stained curtains dull the interior of a room and add to a lifeless atmosphere. Moreover, dust particles and micro-organisms can trigger allergic reactions in occupants and contribute to poor respiratory health.
How should curtains be cleaned?
Curtains can be cleaned at home, or by a professional dry cleaner like Keep Calm And Laundry On. For home cleaning of curtains, you may consider:
Each has its advantages and disadvantages, varying between convenience, cleanliness and the type of fabric. Generally, most home cleaning techniques work best for light to medium weight curtains.
- Machine-washing
- Hand-washing
- Steam cleaning
Each has its advantages and disadvantages, varying between convenience, cleanliness and the type of fabric. Generally, most home cleaning techniques work best for light to medium weight curtains.
Cleaning curtains using a washing machine
Curtains should be machine washed only if they are clearly permitted by the manufacturer. Most often, this applies to lightweight curtains with machine-safe fabrics like cotton. Always read the label if unsure.
To machine-wash curtains, set the spin-cycle for delicate, or go with a slow spin in cold water. Most commercial laundry detergent are fine, unless specified by the label. Note that fabrics like cotton may shrink in hot water, so make sure the water temperature is set correctly. If unsure, err on the safe side and hand-wash instead.
Also, do not to overload the washing machine, and remember that curtains become much heavier when wet!
To machine-wash curtains, set the spin-cycle for delicate, or go with a slow spin in cold water. Most commercial laundry detergent are fine, unless specified by the label. Note that fabrics like cotton may shrink in hot water, so make sure the water temperature is set correctly. If unsure, err on the safe side and hand-wash instead.
Also, do not to overload the washing machine, and remember that curtains become much heavier when wet!
Cleaning curtains by hand-wash
For more delicate fabric, hand-washing is recommended to prevent damage or shrinkage to the curtains. Use laundry detergent or normal soap to work up a lather in a basin of water, and then soak and gently scrub the curtain inside. Some curtains may have specific instructions on how to hand-wash, including the ideal water temperature and any chemicals to avoid.
Heavy curtains are not recommended for hand-washing, as the material may hold water well and make drying a challenge. Even for light curtains, hand-washing is a tedious and manual chore, so this is a balance between care for fabrics and convenience.
Heavy curtains are not recommended for hand-washing, as the material may hold water well and make drying a challenge. Even for light curtains, hand-washing is a tedious and manual chore, so this is a balance between care for fabrics and convenience.
Cleaning curtains using a steam cleaner
Steam cleaning is convenient and is able to handle heavy curtains. To get started, use a proper steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment and start cleaning from the top, slowly working your way down. If the fabric starts getting wet, move the cleaner away from it to prevent water stains.
Steam cleaning uses extremely hot water vapour and is dangerous, so understand how to use the appliance properly and wear sufficient protective clothing like gloves.
Steam cleaning uses extremely hot water vapour and is dangerous, so understand how to use the appliance properly and wear sufficient protective clothing like gloves.
What kind of washing solutions are safe for curtains?
Most commercial detergent can be used for curtains, although a gentle one is advised for a start. When using a new detergent, always mix with some water and apply a bit on a small area first - if discolouration appears, look for a more delicate detergent.
If you're worried about using commercial detergents, you can also try to make some at home. Just add 1 bar of shaved bar soap (natural soap preferred) to 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir the mixture together and you get home-made detergent! To get it in a powder form, blend the mixture and store in a dry container.
Pro Tip: If you want to go even further, make your own washing soda by heating baking soda in an oven at 400 degrees Celsius.
If you're worried about using commercial detergents, you can also try to make some at home. Just add 1 bar of shaved bar soap (natural soap preferred) to 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir the mixture together and you get home-made detergent! To get it in a powder form, blend the mixture and store in a dry container.
Pro Tip: If you want to go even further, make your own washing soda by heating baking soda in an oven at 400 degrees Celsius.
Make your own washing soda
Heating baking soda in an oven at 400 degrees Celcius, mixing it occasionally to ensure a uniform texture.
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How do I dry my curtains after washing?
The best way to dry curtains after washing is to hang them outside in the shade. The creases will disappear with the fabric stretching itself out naturally. Once dry, finish up with a quick iron and the curtain will look fresh and new again.
Do avoid drying the curtains in direct sunlight, as it may bleach the fabric and stiffen it. And above all, do not put the curtains in the dryer to tumble dry. The heat and turning motion will introduce new creases that might be near impossible to remove, even with an iron.
Do avoid drying the curtains in direct sunlight, as it may bleach the fabric and stiffen it. And above all, do not put the curtains in the dryer to tumble dry. The heat and turning motion will introduce new creases that might be near impossible to remove, even with an iron.
Curtain care tips to make washing easier
To keep your curtains clean and fresh for a longer time, follow these simple steps and you won't have to wash it so frequently.
- To prevent the curtains from absorbing smells by closing the doors to the kitchen when cooking. Smokers should also light up only outside the house.
- Run through the curtains with a light vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust particles which may cause yellowing over time.
- If the curtains give off a bad smell, air them outside regularly instead of going through the hassles of a full wash.
When should I dry clean my curtains?
While the techniques explained above work for cleaning your curtains by yourself, sometimes it pays to engage a professional armed with the right equipment and expertise to do the work. Here are some instances to consider:
- When you are dealing with sheer fabrics or heavy curtains
- When you have a tough stain to remove
- When you lack the right equipment or chemicals, e.g. steam cleaner
- When you are unsure how to deal with the particular fabric