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You may not think about it often, but your curtains are a breeding ground for dust and bacteria. They do a great job keeping the heat in your house and the light out, but that means they’re also collecting all the dirt from the air—and if you have pets, their dander and hair can also gather on your window coverings.
And that’s without talking about how cooking and cleaning can lead to grease and smoke in the air, which will settle onto your curtains and make them look—and smell—dirty.
But there’s no need to despair! Curtain cleaning is easy, and doesn’t require a lot of time or money. Here’s how to get them looking good as new:
Curtain Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
The construction of the curtain will determine what kinds of cleaning solutions and methods will work best. If your curtains are lined, for example, it’s important to know what kind of lining is used and what materials it’s made from—otherwise, you could end up harming your curtains with chemical cleaners that are too harsh for the lining or fade the colors or cause shrinkage. Knowing whether your curtains are dry-clean only is also important; if they’re not dry-clean only, but still need to be dry-cleaned, washing them at home may damage them beyond repair.
Dry Cleaning VS. Washing Machine
When it comes to cleaning your curtains, there are two main method options: dry cleaning or a washing machine. And here’s the thing—neither one is necessarily better than the other. It all depends on the type of curtain you have and the severity of the stain. If you’ve got a big ol’ coffee stain, for example, you might want to take it to a dry cleaner. But if your curtains are mostly just dusty and need a simple cleanse, you can probably throw them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle with some laundry detergent and be good to go!
Can you wash curtains?
Sure you can! In fact, washing your curtains on a regular basis is the best way to keep them looking fresh, smelling clean, and operating as intended. But can you just toss them in the washing machine? Maybe. It depends on what they’re made of and what they’ve been treated with. Here’s how to decide whether your curtains are machine-washable or whether they need to be taken to the dry cleaner.
First of all, what kind of material are your curtains made from? If they’re made from polyester or cotton, you can almost always wash them at home—but that doesn’t mean you should wash every curtain the same way. If your curtains are sheer, read on for more information about how to treat them.
If your curtains are made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, you can also get away with washing them at home—but don’t put them in a hot dryer. Hang them up outside to let the sun bleach away any stains and then hang again until they’re completely dry.
Are Curtains Machine-washable?
Are you wondering whether or not your curtains are machine-washable? There are a few things that need to be checked before deciding if they are machine-washable.
First of all, look at the care instructions on your specific set of curtains. While most are machine-washable, some fabrics (like silk) will require hand washing instead. If you’re not sure about the fabric of your curtains, or if there aren’t any care instructions listed, test a small hidden part of the curtain by washing it in cold water on a delicate cycle. If it turns out fine after drying, then you’re good to go!
If your curtains can be washed in a machine, chances are they’ll have to be washed on a gentle cycle. You’ll also have to separate them into smaller loads so that they don’t get too crowded and wrinkled or torn up during the wash cycle. Plus, a smaller load means that your washing machine doesn’t have to work as hard—which is always better for the life of your machine!
Can You Put Curtains In The Dryer?
The short answer is: yes, you can put your curtains in the dryer—but only if they’re made from certain materials. You should not put your curtains in the dryer if they’re made from silk or velvet.
If your curtains are made from a safe material to use in the dryer, just make sure you check the temperature setting before putting them in. If it’s too high, it could ruin your curtains or damage your washing machine. Dryers also tend to heat up quickly, so try to keep a close eye on your curtains and take them out when they’re almost completely dry.
Special Fabrics (Velvet & Silk)
Cleaning Special Fabrics Curtains:
Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains require delicate care. They are not meant to be machine washed or tumble-dried. Spot clean with a damp cloth and some mild detergent when necessary.
Silk Curtains
Silk curtains should be dry cleaned, but you can spot clean them between dry cleaning appointments if they are very expensive and need to be kept at the highest quality possible. To spot clean silk curtains, use a damp cloth and some mild detergent and wipe away the stain until it has disappeared or is no longer visible.
Sheer Curtains
Thinking about washing your sheer curtains? You can do it either in the washing machine or by dry cleaning. It’s entirely up to you, but we have some recommendations.
Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you and your schedule. But if we had to choose, we’d go with dry cleaning. For one thing, machine washable sheer curtains are just not as common as dry clean only ones. Dry cleaning is also great because it allows you to get a deeper clean than you might be able to achieve at home, and it eliminates the need for any extra steps on your part—just drop them off and pick them up!
That being said, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to wash them yourself in a machine. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to pay for dry cleaning, machine washing is a good way to save money (and still get your curtains clean).
Sun Damage
The sun has a way of making your home feel warmer and more welcoming, but curtains are often the first thing to show the effects of too much sun. And while new curtains can leave a big hole in your wallet, there’s no need to go through all that hassle when you can simply clean and treat your sun-damaged curtains.
Here are a few tips for making sure your curtains look their best:
1. Avoid washing curtains with detergent that can cause severe sun damage. Use only soap, water, and vinegar as needed.
2. Dry with a towel or cloth to prevent further damage from the elements; this will also help prevent mildew from forming on the fabric.
3. Make sure you keep your curtains away from direct sunlight during cleaning time—you don’t want them getting any more sun-damaged than they already are!
4. If there’s any mold or mildew on the curtains, use bleach diluted with water to remove it before drying them out completely with towels or cloths (make sure there’s no direct sunlight involved here either).
How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains
The general rule for cleaning most types of curtains is about once every two months. But that can change based on how much dust your home accumulates, how many pets you have (and whether they shed), and whether there are smokers in the house. If any of these factors apply to your situation, then you may need to clean your curtains more frequently.
Routine Curtain Cleaning
Routine maintenance on your house and yard is a lot more fun than cleaning the drapes, but it’s an important part of keeping your home in tip-top shape. Sure, you can call in a professional, but it’s not hard to clean the curtains yourself, even if you have heavy or floor-length drapes. Follow this easy guide to learn how to wash heavy curtains like a pro!
1) Prep your curtains by removing any pins or hooks that may damage your machine during washing.
2) For dry cleaning only drapes, head to the dry cleaners! If you’re washing curtains yourself at home:
3) Set your washing machine to gentle cycle (or hand wash).
4) Add a small amount of detergent, such as Woolite.
5) Add 2-3 clean tennis balls (these keep the drapes from bunching up into a ball in the washer).
6) Wash for about 10 minutes.
7) Remove from washer and hang to dry immediately, or use no-heat setting on the tumble dryer for about 10 minutes.
Here’s how to clean drapes without taking them down:
1. Mix warm water with mild liquid detergent or dish soap.
2. Dip a clean rag in the solution, then wring it out so it’s not too wet. You want the rag to be damp but not soaking—this will help avoid splashes and drips.
3. Start at the top of each panel and work your way down, wiping gently with the rag until the surface of the curtain is clean. If you notice any stubborn stains, lift the curtain as gently as possible and apply a spot treatment before rinsing with a damp cloth.
Clean Curtains in Five Easy Steps
Are your curtains limp and lifeless?
Here are 5 easy steps you can take to clean your curtains and get them looking fresh as new.
First, check the fabric labels. Most fabric labels have a cleaning symbol, which will tell you what sort of detergent to use when washing curtains.
Next, prepare your curtains for the washer. Make sure that the hems at the bottom of your curtains are secure so that they don’t unravel in the wash.
Third, wash your curtains. Be sure to follow the cleaning instructions on their labels carefully.
Fourth, dry your curtains. If they can be machine-dried, put them in the dryer with a towel or two until they are completely dry; if not, hang them up in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few hours.
Finally, iron your curtains according to the fabric’s label instruction.
Having clean curtains that match your home’s style will immensely boost your curb appeal. At TheHues curtains, we specialize in window replacements for residential homes, helping homeowners find the perfect panes to match their property’s aesthetic. With years of experience in window installation, TheHues has an array of services and can meet your needs for a window upgrade.
Schedule your free consultation to see how TheHues curtains customer service can elevate your TheHues home’s style.
