How to Clean Curtains? Guide for Homeowners

How to Clean Curtains: A Step-by-Step Guide

Curtains are the best part of your house and everyone likes to have them as they add to the home's decor. Everyone uses curtains to add style and elegance to the room while providing privacy and blocking out unwanted light. But you can not ignore the fact they are also prone to dust, dirt, and stains. This dirt and stains can make your curtains look dull and unattractive. You need to consider regular curtain cleaning to keep them clean throughout the year. You can make a schedule for curtain cleaning at home. By doing this, you will preserve the aesthetic, hygiene, and longevity of your lovely curtains.

Cleaning curtains, on the other hand, maybe a difficult process, especially if you don't know how to wash curtains properly. This blog on how to clean curtains without damaging them can help you. You can go through the process of cleaning curtains without harming them.

Science of Curtain Cleaning: Understanding the Materials and Techniques

Curtain cleaning is very necessary to maintain their appearance and prolong their lifespan. Either you can find local curtain cleaners or understand the science of curtain cleaning by knowing about the materials used in curtains and the cleaning techniques.

Suitable Cleaning Techniques for Different Curtain Materials

Curtains are made of several materials and each material has its cleaning method, specific features and requirements. Let's look at the best cleaning techniques for each material.

• Cotton Curtains: Cotton is a lightweight and delicate natural material. Cotton curtains can be machine-washed or dry-cleaned. If machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Just you need to remember that avoid bleaching or fabric softeners as they can damage the fabric. After cleaning them, you can hang the curtains to dry or tumble dry on low heat.


• Polyester Curtains: Polyester is a synthetic fibre that is durable and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. You can wash them in the machine or send them to dry cleaners. If you are doing machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water and liquid curtain cleaners. Also, make sure that you are not using bleach or fabric softeners that can be harmful to polyester curtains. Hang the curtains to dry or tumble dry in low temperatures.


• Silk Curtains: Silk is a natural fibre that is luxurious and elegant. Silk curtains should be dry-cleaned only. Do not attempt to wash them at home as the fabric is delicate and can be easily damaged. Take them to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in silk fabrics.


• Linen Curtains: Linen is a natural material that is both strong and absorbent. If you have linen curtains in your home, ensure that you are dry cleaning them. They may shrink or lose their shape if washed in water. Take them to a professional curtain cleaner who specializes in linen fabrics. Experts will give you the best curtain cleaning services.


• Velvet Curtains: Having velvet curtains can be elegant. Velvet is a plush fabric that is soft and luxurious. But also you need to dry clean them, as they may lose their texture if washed in water. Or hire expert curtain cleaners who are skilled and proficient in velvet curtain cleaning.


• Blackout Curtains: Blackout curtains are designed to block out light and are often made from heavy, tightly woven fabrics. These curtains can usually be machine-washed. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as they can damage the light-blocking properties of the fabric. Hang the curtains to dry to prevent shrinkage or damage from high heat.


• Sheer Curtains: Sheer curtains are made from lightweight, delicate fabrics like voile or chiffon. They require gentle handling. Hand washing is often recommended using cold water and a mild detergent. If machine washing is necessary, use a gentle cycle with a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric. Avoid wringing or twisting the curtains. Hang them to dry, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Step-Wise Guide To Clean Curtains

There are some steps that you can use for curtain washing. By using this step-by-step guide, you will be skilled in cleaning curtains like a pro.

Step 1: Check the Label

Before you start cleaning your curtains, you always need to consider the curtain requirement. You can check the label on the curtain tag for care instructions. Some curtains are machine washable, while others require curtain dry cleaning, steam cleaning or hand washing. The label will also tell you the type of curtain fabric and any other essential instructions to clean a curtain.

Step 2: Remove Dust and Debris

Remove any dust and debris from the surface of your curtains before washing them. To carefully remove the dust, you should use a soft-bristled brush. Or, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to do the task. To prevent pressing the dust further into the fabric, begin at the top of the curtain and work your way down.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

If your curtains have any stains, it is important to spot-clean them before washing them. To eliminate the curtain stain, you should use a mild liquid detergent or a curtain stain removal product. Then, you can apply the solution immediately to the stain. After applying, do a gentle massage by using a soft cloth for a few minutes. While removing the stains from curtains, make sure you test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the curtain. The testing will help you to understand whether the solution is safe or not. By doing this, you can avoid damaging the fabric of the curtain.

Step 4: Machine Wash or Hand Wash

If your curtains are machine washable, simply give them gentle cleaning by using cold water and curtain cleaning solutions. But be sure to remove any hooks or rings before you wash the curtains. Well, if your curtains are delicate to cleaning or contain decorative items, give them hand washing. You can use cold water with a light detergent to hand wash the curtain. This will give a better look to your curtain.

When using the washing machine to clean curtains: This method works best with lightweight curtains rather than hefty textiles that absorb water. But please keep in mind that some fabrics may require extra care when placed in a washing machine; for example, delicate cotton might shrink in hot washes.

Step 5: Hang or Dry Flat

After washing, it is important to hang or dry your curtains properly to avoid wrinkles or damage. You can hang the curtains after cleaning back on the rod to air dry. If your curtains are fragile or contain decorations, dry them flat on a clean towel. After doing this, please make sure to reshape the curtains while they are damp to maintain their shape.

Step 6: Iron or Steam

Once your curtains are dry, you can iron or steam them to remove any wrinkles. Be sure to check the label for the recommended temperature and avoid ironing any embellishments or delicate fabrics. If you don't have an iron, you can use a handheld curtain steamer to remove wrinkles.

How To A Clean Curtain With Steam Cleaner?

To steam clean the curtains, you need to check the fabric of the curtains. Some delicate fabrics may not be suitable for steam cleaning and may require dry cleaning instead. So, if you consider your curtains suitable for steam cleaning, set up the steam cleaner. Then, fill the curtain steam cleaner with water and switch it on to heat up. For basic knowledge, you follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting up and using the steam cleaner. Testing is very necessary. So, test the steam on a small, inconspicuous area of the curtains. By doing this, you ensure that it does not damage the fabric.

Once you are sure that the steam is safe for the fabric, start steam cleaning the curtains. Holding the steam cleaner approximately six inches away from the drapes, slowly and steadily move it back and forth. Start from one section of the curtain and move from top to bottom. Be careful not to saturate the fabric with too much steam.

After curtain steam cleaning, allow the curtains to dry completely before hanging them back up. You can use a fan or open windows to speed up the drying process.

Benefits You Get From Curtain Steam Cleaning

• Steam cleaning for curtains is safe for the environment and your health to use steam cleaning. It is chemical-free and environmentally friendly.


• It successfully gets rid of allergies, dust, and other contaminants from curtains, leaving them clean and fresh.


• Steam washing is the best method for curtains in humid areas or for allergy sufferers since it may remove germs and mould.


• It is a mild washing technique that won't rip or shrink delicate materials.


• With a portable steam cleaner, curtain steam cleaning is a simple and effective technique that can be done at home.


• It eliminates the need for harsh cleaning agents and chemicals, which may be harmful to the environment and your health.


• It is a flexible cleaning technique that may be applied to several curtain materials, including silk, cotton, and polyester.

How to Clean A Curtain With Dry Cleaning Technique?

Curtain dry cleaning could be a preferable choice if your curtains are made of fragile materials, & cannot be steam cleaned. To start dry cleaning, also you have to check the fabric care label on your curtains to make sure they can be dry-cleaned. Then, use a spot remover to eliminate the stains. After that, set your dry cleaner according to the curtain's requirements and use non-toxic chemicals for a better result. By doing this, you will not do any fabric damage. After dry cleaning, iron them and put them on hangers. To avoid wrinkling and damage, make sure that you are hanging them accurately.

Benefits You Get From Dry Cleaning

• Curtain dry cleaning ensures a deep and thorough clean, removing dirt, dust, and stains that may not be visible to the naked eye.


• It can help to restore the original colour and texture of curtains, making them look new again.


• It can help to extend the life of curtains by removing dirt and dust that can cause the fabric to degrade over time.


• If you don't have the time or resources to clean your curtains yourself, dry cleaning is a simple alternative.


• It can be particularly beneficial for curtains made from sensitive fabrics, such as silk or velvet, which may require special care.


• In humid areas, mould and mildew growth can be an issue and can be avoided by dry cleaning.


• It is a safe and effective way to clean curtains without exposing them to harsh chemicals or detergents.

Eco-Friendly Curtain Cleaning Ways That Are Amazing

Cleaning your curtains is an important part of home maintenance. Several standard cleaning methods often involve harsh detergents and chemicals. These can be harmful in various ways. Then how to clean curtains. Fortunately, there are several amazing eco-friendly curtain cleaning ways. These cleaning approaches are just as effective as others.

1. Use Vinegar

Vinegar is the best and it is a natural cleaning agent. By using it, you can remove the stubborn stains from the curtain. You can even use it to clean a variety of textiles. To use vinegar for cleaning the curtains, simply you have to mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. After that, spray the solution onto the stained area of the curtains. Then, leave it at least for 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe the curtains with a clean cloth or sponge. Vinegar is a great option for removing stains and odours from your curtains. This will work as the best curtain stain removal agent.

2. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean your curtains. To use baking soda, you have to sprinkle it onto your curtains. And, then let it work for 5 to 7 hours. Then, vacuum the curtains to remove the baking soda. Baking soda is great for removing odours from your curtains. Also, professionals use this ingredient in many cases.

3. Steam Cleaning

Curtain steam cleaning is an effective way to clean your curtains without using harsh chemicals. You can borrow an upholstery steam cleaner to steam clean the curtain. This equipment will be very helpful as you can work like a pro for cleaning. Steam cleaning not only cleans your curtains but also sanitizes them, killing bacteria and germs. Well, if you see this work as challenging to do, hire expert curtain cleaners.

4. Dry Cleaning

You can also use the technique of curtain dry cleaning. By using the curtain dry cleaner, use non-toxic chemicals with it. It is an eco-friendly way to clean your lovely or aesthetic curtains. Instead of perchloroethylene (PERC), look for a dry cleaner that utilizes liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). Liquid CO2 is a non-toxic, biodegradable natural solvent. Just be safe while cleaning curtains and rehang them carefully.

5. Wash by Hand

If you want to hand-wash your curtains, you can use light curtain cleaners with cold water. Simply, soak your curtains in the detergent solution for a few minutes. Then, do gently scrubbing by using a gentle brush or sponge. After that, you can rinse the curtains thoroughly with cold water and hang them to dry. You can use some essential oils like lavender oil to make your curtains smell fresh.

6. Eco-Friendly Detergents

If you choose to machine wash your curtains, use eco-friendly curtain cleaning detergents that are free of harsh chemicals. You can buy biodegradable, phosphate-free, and chlorine-free curtain cleaning agents. Eco-friendly detergents like Seventh Generation, Ecover, Mrs Meyer's Clean Day, Method, and Biokleen are common brands among Australians who are conscious of environmental sustainability.

Thus, you can keep your curtains looking new and clean while also saving the environment. You must check eco-friendly curtain cleaning solutions. The next time you need to clean your curtains, try utilising one of these eco-friendly ways.

Conclusion

Cleaning curtains can be a daunting task, but it is essential to maintain their appearance, hygiene, and longevity. By choosing cleaning ideas from above, you can maintain clean curtains throughout the year at your home. You can clean your curtains without damaging them and enjoy the cleaning procedure with lots of benefits. Just you need to remember to check the label for care instructions, remove dust and debris; spot clean stains; machine wash or hand wash; hang or dry flat, and iron or steam as needed. With a little care in cleaning and attention, you can keep them scenting fresh and beautiful.