Cleaning draperies and curtains at home may be difficult, and part of the reason so many people struggle is that there is so much contradicting advice on how to do it correctly. Is it necessary to dry clean drapes? Is it possible to wash the draperies in the washing machine? Is it possible to wash by hand? What if you don’t wash at all? Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to clean curtains and drapes properly and effectively.
Take time to investigate the type of material your curtains are made of to determine the best approach to clean them. Begin with seasonal cleaning and then follow the cleaning procedures below for upkeep.
Tips to Clean Curtains and Drapes
- Inspect the Label
Check the care label on your window coverings before you do anything to determine whether the manufacturer suggests hand washing, steaming, vacuuming, or dry cleaning and if it’s okay to put your curtains in the washing machine. For the best way to clean your curtains, follow the care directions to the letter. You can end up shopping for window coverings rather than washing them if you don’t clean them as per the instructions.
- Run a spot check
Conduct a spot test on an inconspicuous area before cleaning your curtains with a steamer, a washing machine, or by hand. If you’re using a steamer, steam cleans a tiny section of your curtain and let it dry completely to avoid discolouration. Do you prefer to wash your clothes in the machine or by hand? To determine if your cloth is suitable with your detergent, try it on an out-of-sight section of the fabric. Allow the place to dry completely so you can observe the final results before cleaning the entire panel.
- Velvet drapes
Some velvet curtains may be washed in the machine, while others must be dry cleaned. To figure out which ones are yours, look at the manufacturer’s label.
- Dry clean only should be used on lined velvet curtains.
- Test the colour fastness of unlined velvet curtains by rubbing a concealed spot with a moist white towel. Treat the material as if it were dry-cleaning curtains if the dye has spread to it. If the fabric is colourfast, wash one panel at a time in cold water with half the usual quantity of detergent.
- If you’re working with damp velvet curtains, be gentle so the fabric doesn’t get crushed. They should never be thrown in the dryer or hung out to dry. Rather, put them flat to dry on a cotton sheet.
- Sheer Fabric or Lace Curtains
To avoid snagging, it’s preferable to wash these delicate fabrics by hand or in a mesh bag. Use cold water and a light detergent, whichever technique you select.
- Submerge one panel at a time in a sink or basin and soak in soapy water for 10 minutes if washing by hand. Swirl it around, then drain and refill the bowl, rinsing until there is no more soap residue.
- Submerge the freshly cleaned panel in a sink of cold water with one cup of dissolved Epsom salt to restore a crisp feel to sheer or lace curtains.
- Drain the sink and carefully push the water out of the curtain after 10 minutes of soaking, but do not rinse.
- Before rehanging the curtain, let it dry on a shower rod or a laundry line.
- Synthetic drapes
Synthetic drapes and curtains should be hand- or machine-washed or cleaned by a professional service since dry-cleaning agents can harm synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.
- Light and dark-coloured drapes should be washed separately
- Coldwater, a delicate cycle, and a moderate washing detergent are recommended. On synthetic drapes and curtains, do not use chlorine bleach.
- Dry drapes and curtains on low to medium heat in the dryer. To avoid creases, hang them as soon as they are dry.
? Garment Fabric Curtains
Eliminate the hardware and shake the curtains outdoors as much as possible to remove any dust.
- Wash two panels at a time on the delicate cycle in cold water.
- Use the lowest heat setting to dry.
- To avoid creases, remove the garment from the dryer and hang it right away.
- Silk Drapes
Many silk drapes and curtains may be hand washed. Use light dishwashing soap and wash your hands gently. The same method may be used on other fragile materials.
- Fill a big sink or basin halfway with cool to lukewarm water. To make suds, add a light detergent and swish it around. Place the silk in the water and submerge it. Squeeze the suds gently through the silk.
- Rinse silk in a lukewarm to cool water bath, swishing the garment to remove soap. Place the fabric on a thick bath towel as flat as possible.
- Hang silk indoors to dry, but don’t put it near a heat source while it’s drying.
- If necessary, silk drapes or curtains can be ironed very gently. While ironing silk, it’s preferable to do it when the fabric is evenly moist.
You don?t always have to undergo all of this hassle to keep your curtains in mint condition. You can always seek the help of professional cleaning services to clean your curtains. There are thousands of cleaning companies in London that will undertake these tiresome tasks and leave you with more time to do the things you love!
Use these tips to keep your curtains looking brand new all day, every day!
