Curtains enhance the appearance and functionality of any room, but they gather dust, stains, and odours over time. Proper upkeep is required to keep them appearing fresh and lively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at a variety of curtain cleaning procedures, including professional dry cleaning, DIY solutions, and alternatives to dry cleaning only curtains.
Although curtain cleaning may appear to be a daunting task, but it is critical to keep them clean if you want them to look their best. You won’t find a single room without curtains since they not only provide privacy for the residents of the room, but they also protect them from direct sunlight during the day and keep heat out of the space.
And, even if you have high-quality curtains, they will still require regular cleaning to appear good. You don’t want to release a cloud of dust every time you pull the curtains.
But keeping your curtains doesn’t have to be difficult! This article might help you keep your curtains looking their best.
How To Do Pre-Cleaning Preparation?
Gathering of Material:
• Vacuum cleaner with appropriate attachments (brush and upholstery nozzle)
Mild detergent or a curtain-specific cleaning solution.
• For spot cleaning, use clean towels or sponges.
• For hand washing, use a bucket or basin.
• Stain remover (optional, depending on the cloth and stains).
• Iron and ironing board (if needed).
Checking of Label of the Fabric of Curtain:
• Check the care label on the curtains for precise cleaning recommendations.
• Take note of any recommendations for washing, temperature, and detergent use.
• Different textiles may require different cleaning procedures; thus, it is critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Removal of Hardware:
• Take the curtains off their rods.
• Remove any hooks, rings, or weights that are attached to the curtains.
• This allows for a thorough washing of the curtains while also preventing hardware damage during the cleaning process.
Preparation of Cleaning Area:
• Choose an appropriate spot for cleaning the curtains, especially one that is well-ventilated.
• Put down a clean sheet or towels to protect the floor and any nearby furniture from water or cleaning solution accidents.
• If you’re washing clothes by machine, make sure the machine is clean and clear of residue from prior loads.
Removal of Dust from Curtains:
• Before starting with thorough cleaning, use a hoover with a brush attachment to remove any loose dust, dirt or debris from the curtains’ surface.
• Vacuum all sides of the drapes, giving special attention to pleats, folds and edges where dust can settle.
• This first vacuuming helps to reduce the quantity of dirt that must be removed during the cleaning process and keeps it from being lodged in the fabric.
Different Methods of Curtain Cleaning:
How to Clean Curtains while hanging or taking them down and without Washing?
The simplest approach to clean your curtains without taking them down is to vacuum them as regularly as possible.
Usage of Vacuum and Dry Cleaner:
Usage of vacuum and dry cleaner to get rid of loose dirt, dust and even pet hair. The gentle brush attachment is ideal for gently vacuuming hanging drapes from the top to bottom. You can do this as often as you want, and it’s ideal for a fast clean-up before any expected guests come.
Shaking of Curtains
Another way to give your curtains a quick clean without having to take them down is to shake them. This will help to eliminate dust and debris.
Usage of Steam Cleaner:
Steam Cleaner can also be used get rid of dust even without taking them down. Better to use handheld steam cleaner as they are easy to handle and do not cause damage to fabric of curtain and also kill bacteria.
Spot Cleaning:
Then comes spot cleaning, gently spot clean spots with a moderate detergent and water solution. Test the solution on a tiny, inconspicuous area first.
Odour Removal:
To remove odours, sprinkle baking soda on drapes and let it sit for several hours before cleaning.
Fabric Refreshers:
Use commercial fabric refreshers to remove odours and freshen curtains in between washes.
Exposure to Sunlight
Hang curtain in sunlight which is a resource of disinfectant and keep the curtains fresh.
How to Wash Curtains or Drapes?
Equipment Needed:
• Washing machine
• Large Basin or Sink
• Mild detergent
• Iron
How to Clean Cotton Fabric Curtains?
• Cotton draperies and curtains are more likely to reveal stains and spots than other textiles. Fingerprints on curtains often leave stains. Before washing the window treatments, check for any stains. Before cleaning your drapes or curtains, address any stains and spot-clean them.
• Select cold water and the delicate cycle. Use a moderate laundry detergent in the washer. Give the drapes or curtains lots of area in the washing machine so they don’t get crushed, especially if they tumble or shake. To avoid wrinkles in these natural textiles, iron them when they are still slightly damp.
• Place the curtains in a dryer on low heat. When the drapes or curtains are approximately 95% dry, remove them from the dryer. Removing them before they are totally dry will prevent wrinkles from forming.
• Iron the slightly damp cotton window treatments as needed. Always iron cotton fabrics on the cotton setting. Iron on the wrong side of the fabric, using a pressing cloth to avoid burning. Rehang the curtains to ensure they are completely dry and free of creases.
How to Clean Synthetic Curtains?
• Separate Light and Dark Coloured Curtains
Separate light and dark-coloured drapes and wash them separately.
• Usage of Cold Water
Select cold water, a delicate cycle, and mild laundry detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach on synthetic drapes or curtains.
• Keep Dryer low to Medium Heat
Dry drapes and curtains in the dryer on low to medium heat. Hang them as soon as they dryto avoid creases.
How to Clean Silk Curtains?
• Usage of Luke Warm Water
Fill a big washbasin or basin with lukewarm or cool water. Swish a mild detergent around to generate suds. Immerse the fabric in the water. Gently squeeze the suds through the silk.
• Rinsing in Cool water
Rinse silk in lukewarm to cool water, swishing it around to remove soap. Continue to rinse in bathtubs until the water is no longer sudsy. Spread the fabric as flat as possible on a thick bath towel. To squeeze off extra water, gently roll the towel.
• Indoor Silk Dry
Hang silk to dry indoors, but keep it away from sources of heat.
• When to Iron?
Silk drapes or curtains can be delicately ironed if necessary. Silk is best ironed when it is consistently moist. Ironing dry silk may cause water stains. Set the iron to a low or silk setting. Iron the silk on the wrong side and cover the fabric with a pressing cloth to prevent burning.
How to Clean Sheer Curtains?
• These delicate materials should be soaked in clean, cold water in the washing machine with a light laundry detergent for around five minutes. Drain the water.
• If using a machine, select the gentlest cycle available, and only if the fabric is appropriate. Add a tiny amount of mild laundry detergent and wash.
• Place the sheer curtains in a dryer set to no heat and air only. Place one or two soft, dry terrycloth towels in the dryer. The towels will gently keep the sheer fabric from balling up during tumbling.
• To avoid wrinkles, take out the curtains when they are still slightly damp. Hang them back on your window, and as you do so, gently tug the curtains to remove any creases and restore them to their original shape without puckering.
Can Dry Clean Curtains or Drapes be Washed?
Washing curtains labelled “dry clean only” is problematic because it may cause shrinkage or fabric damage. However, some curtains can be gently hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle. Always read the care label and test a tiny area before starting.
However, some fabrics are made to tolerate mild detergent, however following precautions to be taken into account to intact the colours of draperies and curtains.
• Wash in cold water with mild detergent
• Don’t wring them
• Let them air dry as it will avoid the shrinkage of curtains.
How Much It Cost to Dry Clean the Curtains?
The cost of dry-cleaning curtains in the UK varies based on the size of the curtains, the fabric, and the dry cleaner’s fees. On average, you could expect to pay between £20 and £50 per pair of curtains. Prices may vary depending on location and additional services like stain removal or other treatments.
Finally, cleaning your curtains does not have to be expensive. With the proper techniques and safeguards, you can keep your curtains fresh and attractive without relying entirely on professional dry-cleaning services.
Whether you dry clean your curtains at home or use other cleaning methods, regular maintenance will ensure that they continue to enrich your living space for years to come. In short regular cleaning and washing of curtains or drapers need to be done once a year to save you from big expenditure.