Curtain cleaning can be a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will discuss how you can clean your curtains in 7 different ways. Whether you want to take them down and wash them at the laundromat or just vacuum them, we’ve got you covered.
The first step is always identifying how dirty they are and what type of material they’re made out of before deciding how best to tackle the job.
1. Read care instructions
When you buy new curtains, it is important to read the care instructions first. This will tell you how to best care for your curtains and whether or not they can be dry cleaned or vacuumed.
If the care instructions say that your curtains can be dry cleaned, be sure to take them to a professional dry cleaner. If they say that your curtains should be vacuumed, be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
This will help keep your curtains looking new for longer.
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2. Determine if washing machine or dryer is best
When it comes to cleaning curtains, there are a few different methods that you can use. You can either wash them in the washing machine or dry them in the dryer. Here are a few tips on how to determine if the washing machine or the dryer is best for your curtains:
- If your curtains are air-drying friendly, then the washing machine is the best option. This is because the machine will help to remove any dirt or dust from the fabric.
- If your curtains are top-heavy, then you should dry them in the dryer. This is because the dryer will help to keep them from falling off of the rod.
- If your curtains are made of delicate fabric, then you should air dry them. This is because the heat from the machine could damage your curtains over time.
- If you wash your curtains in the washing machine, then make sure that they are top to bottom so if there’s an accident it doesn’t ruin all of your other clothes inside of the washer/dryer.
3. Vacuum your curtains
The deep cleaning process for your curtains will not be complete until you vacuum them. Vacuum deep into the fabric and out again to get up all the dust and debris that is deep in the fibers. Make sure to use a hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get deep into the edges of your curtains.
For deep cleaning of your curtains that have dry clean only labels, you will need to take them to a professional. This is the safest way to get deep into the fibers and remove all dirt without damaging them.
Dry cleaners can safely use chemicals on delicate fabrics so they can deep clean even items with dry clean only tags. There may be an additional charge for this service but it’s well worth what you’ll save in damage from doing it yourself.
4. Hang them outside in the sun to dry
Hanging your curtains outside in the sun is a great way to dry them. The sun will help to evaporate any moisture and the fresh air will help to get rid of any odors. Make sure to hang them in a spot where they will not be in the way, such as on a clothesline or top of a porch railing.
If you want to try a cool and easy way to wash your curtains, then this is the perfect solution. You will need cool water, mild detergent, two medium-sized bowls (one for soapy water and one for rinsing), a measuring cup, or a pitcher.
Fill up the sink with cool water and add in about half of an ounce of mild detergent, such as dish soap. Stir until mixed well. Place your wet curtain into the sudsy water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes before removing.
Rinse off any excess soap by submerging again in cool clean water and gently squeezing out all of that suds from within each panel fold. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Now you can hang up your curtains to dry outside in the cool air without any soap residue left behind. If you do not have a clothesline, then lay them out on top of an indoor or outdoor shower curtain liner that has been thrown over a railing for support.
5. Soak stains in an enzyme-based cleaner before washing
One of the best ways to clean curtains is to soak any stains in an enzyme-based cleaner before washing them. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be lodged in the fabric. You can use cold water and a mild detergent to wash your curtains. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward.
6. Iron your curtains while they’re still damp to remove wrinkles and creases
Ironing curtains while they’re still damp can remove wrinkles and creases from washing them in the washing machine or dryer. You can either use an iron or your clothes dryer to do this.
If you choose to use an iron, hang it outside a window so the steam can dissipate. Then place your curtains on a towel and press them with medium heat until they are dry.
Another option is to put the curtain back in your washing machine or dryer for another cycle after it’s wet then let it air-dry before pressing it again. This will help avoid unnecessary wrinkles that could result from drying too quickly without allowing enough time for fabric relaxation
Do not fold them carelessly when storing them away because this may cause creases that cannot be removed by any amount of steaming or using an iron. You should always store clean clothes in drawers instead of folding them carelessly over shelves where they can wrinkle.
7. Remove any stains using vinegar and baking soda or hydrogen peroxide and salt, then wash again if necessary
When it comes to removing any stains from curtains, there are a few different methods that you can try. One is to use vinegar and baking soda.
Another is to use hydrogen peroxide and salt. Whichever method you choose, make sure to test it on a small area of the curtain first to make sure that it doesn’t cause any damage. If it does, then try a different method.
Once you’ve chosen a method, follow these steps: 1) Mix the vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and salt until they form a paste. 2) Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. 3) Rub the paste into the stain until it’s gone. 4) Rinse the area with water to remove any residue.
Then, if the curtains still aren’t clean or haven’t lost their stains completely, you can try a different method and wash them again in your washing machine with a cup of vinegar added into the cycle.
After they’ve been washed, make sure that when you hang them up they don’t touch anything else until they have dried because this could cause another stain from transferring over onto other items.
Conclusion
Cleaning curtains can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are many different ways to clean them without spending a lot of time or money on professional cleaners. In this article, we’ve detailed 7 DIY methods for cleaning your curtains from home.
Whether you want to preserve the fabric and color with vinegar water or whiten them with hydrogen peroxide, these tips will help you get rid of any stubborn stains that have been bothering you.
