Curtain cleaning is something that many homeowners ignore, whether it’s for a spring clean or as part of a larger renovation job. Our curtains or draperies may not appear to be a hotbed for dirt and disease, but they collect dust, pet hair, children’s dirty hands, and more. If you smoke in your home, you may see staining after a while.
Refreshing your curtains will help them regain their original colour, saving you money on new goods while also brightening your home. Curtains can be cleaned in a variety of ways; the ideal approach depends on the type of curtains you have and the textiles they are made from.
Try our advice to cleaning drapes and blinds for a budget-friendly spring clean.
When to Clean Curtains
Clean your curtains once every six months for maximum cleaning — or more frequently if you smoke. (If you have any ‘creative’ children in the family, you may need to increase this to four times a year!)
You’ll need a vacuum cleaner with smaller attachments and, ideally, access to a dry cleaner to get the most out of your curtain cleaning regimen. If cleaning a professional cleaner is out of the question, don’t worry; there are ways to clean net curtains and heavier materials in your own home.
Curtains Must be Vacuumed
Use your vacuum cleaner more frequently as part of your curtain cleaning regimen, aside from your spring clean or seasonal freshen-up. (Curtain cleaning will become as routine as a fast vacuuming around the house!)
Attach a little brush attachment to your vacuum and set it to the lowest suction level. This will aid in the removal of dust from your curtains and the prevention of damage.
Using a vacuum cleaner on net curtains will certainly cause damage due to their fragility. Instead, use a soft brush to remove any dust.
Weight-Based Curtain Cleaning
The best curtain cleaning method is determined by the drapes’ weight. Obviously, net curtains aren’t suitable for harsher cleaning methods, but if you’re starting with larger curtains, you can utilise a machine to assist you.
Note: Always check the curtain label for cleaning recommendations.
Lightweight fabrics or textiles, in general, can be washed in a milder setting, but check with the manufacturer first. It’s important to note that “lightweight” does not imply “delicate.”
If your curtains are made of silk, cotton, or another delicate fabric, you should curtain dry clean them instead of washing them by hand. Avoid rubbing the fabric vigorously as this may cause colour fading or even shrinkage.
How to Clean Heavier Curtains?
It’s occasionally better to avoid using the washing machine if you have a very hefty set of curtains. This has less to do with curtain or drapes cleaning and more to do with drying. These are likely to take hours to dry, putting your drapes in danger of developing a musty odour.
Drying Drapes and Curtains
Allow curtains or drapes to dry naturally on a line outside if possible. To avoid hitting the floor and collecting dirt, hang them in their natural orientation with support. Never put curtains in the dryer since they may shrink or possibly damage the fabric.
If you’re drying organically outside, keep in mind the possibility of sun damage. You should aim for a blustery day with little direct sunlight. Hang your drapes or roman blinds to dry outside of the hottest hours of the day (between 11 and 3 p.m.), and try to keep your line out of direct sunlight. This will assist to keep the curtain cloth from fading in the long run.
How to Clean Blinds?
Blinds follow the same cleaning methods. Soak them in warm water with regular soap for a few minutes. Because they are prone to accumulating excess dirt and dust, you may need to soak them for a bit longer.
After your blinds are dried, carefully slide them back into place with a standard household duster.
In the end, the real problem is not the cleaning tips or methods but the practical steps that you are going to take. Here, if you are confident then go on! Otherwise, you should look out in the local market. And you will find curtain cleaning companies.