Keeping your curtains and drapes clean is one of the things you must do as a homeowner to keep your home fresh and clean. Apart from making your home look stylish and personalized, these window coverings also pick up dust and dirt with time and even other pollutants. Doing the cleaning properly will not only improve the indoor air quality but also prolong the life of the drapes or curtains.
Even if cleaning your curtains and drapes may seem like a laborious activity, it is actually an easy task if done using the right techniques and tools. Here, we are going to focus on various types of curtains and drapes, and the most common cleaning ideas for each kind, besides a few additional smart cleaning hacks. By using these tips, you will never have any difficulties in leading a healthy life, at the same time your home will be clean and comfortable.
Types of Curtains and Drapes
There are many different types of curtains and drapes which one can choose from, as they have their individual characteristics, the materials that are used in making them and the way they can be cleaned. Here are a few of the most standard models.
- Cotton or Linen Curtains: These curtains made of natural fabric can be machine washed at a gentle cycle with some cold water. It is suggested to give them a cool dry in the shade to avoid shrinkage.
- Silk Curtains: These fragile silk curtains are good for the eye, but they are also prone to breakages if not cleaned properly. First method-meddle with them in lukewarm water before adding a little soap and rinse them with clean water afterward.
- Velvet Curtains: Velvet fabric is a marvelous cloth whose clothes should not be washed in the machine. To clean, you might use some cleaning accessories: for instance, a dust brush and a vacuum tool, whilst a soft piece of cloth may assist in removing dirt and spot-cleaning.
- Sheer Curtains: Offerings that are seen through, such as the sheer curtains, should be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent to keep them clean. Or for that purpose, they may be put in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Once you take them down, put them back up, and allow them to air dry a bit before they get too dry to avoid wrinkling.
- Blackout Curtains: These blackout curtains are thick and can block out light very-well to keep your room dark and private. Slinging the curtains over a coat hanger and hanging them outside to air does not ruin their workability and only the need for dry cleaning occasionally does that.
General Cleaning Tips for All Types
Irrespective of the the type of curtain or drape you have, there are common cleaning practices that are relevant to all. Below are several methods that shall help you to keep your shutters in the best shape as well:
Vacuum Regularly
Mainly the problem of possible curtains’ pile dwelling is going to be largely solved when regular vacuuming is adopted as a well-observed habit. A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is a tool to rely on to softly wipe off dust, pet hair, and other pieces of clutter which have been agitating the fabric for a while.
Vacuuming will help to remove the accumulated dust and extend the life of the material. Start working from the top of the curtain down to the bottom so that you miss no area. To make life easier also try to vacuum both parts of the curtain for thorough cleaning purposes of the heavier curtains.
The practice of vacuuming of the curtains on a regular basis will definitely play a part in prolonging the life span of window covers and anatrope-like phenomena will come to client’s eyes as the color and appearance of curtains will not be greatly affected.
Spot Clean Stains
Speed up the solving of it by spot cleaning and act immediately for quick response to stains. Warm water into a piece of white cloth and a mild detergent are the only two things that are needed to wipe off the stain being as gentle as possible. Otherwise, it can cause damage in trying to make the cloth clean by the vigorous scrubbing technique.
In order to test the reaction of a small, unnoticed part to the solvent, first treat the solution on a small, discreet area. Let this be a long process and allow the stain to be removed without any force.
Once the cleaning is done, mop up the excess humidity with a dry cloth, and hang the curtain till it gets completely dry. An early-assisted clean-up of stains not only saves the appearance of your curtains but also averts lasting discoloration.
Remove Odors
Curtains may sometimes hold on to the smell of cooking, pets, or other activities around the house as curtains can trap them.
To offer them extra freshness use a fine layer of baking soda sprinkled on the fabric, leave on for at least 30 minutes, and then vacuum it off. Alternatively, one can also lightly spray the curtain with fabric-compatible odor neutralizer which will also help you do the trick.
In case, they become very stinky, you can dry them in a slightly breezy and shadowed place to let them air out. It’s best to refresh your curtains regularly in this manner as it not only creates an impression that your house is clean but also gives your home a nice scent, making it a wonderful place for you and your family to live.
Rotate or Reverse Panels
In order to protect your curtains from uneven wear as well as to keep their good looks, always remember to turn the curtain panels the other way round or to slide them so that they are in turn on top or on bottom.
The direct impact of the sunlight, human traffic, and inspired natural setting may be the reasons curtains in some places turn out to be rather worn than those in the others. By rotating or flipping the panels, the wear of the curtains is distributed more equally which prolongs the fabric’s life due to its rotation alone.
Breaking sun exposure to a certain area and daily usual abuse it undergoes are those practices with room windows facing the sun which makes the law of curtain rotation a very good one and the times of doing so it should be few. Preventing maintenances like this can save you from having the curtains falling out of course and keep them in their workable tip-top condition.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or strong cleaners, will destroy the soft fibers of your curtains and cause color fade or breakage of the material. For this reason, favor mild detergents or liquid solutions specially made for fabric care.
Always make sure to comply with the care instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to prevent permanent damage. If professional cleaners are needed, make sure they are acquainted with your curtain’s material.
Preserving the delicate materials of the curtains, it is necessary to apply the gentle methods instead of using harsh chemicals. This way we can be sure that they will maintain their luster and texture and by doing this will give your interiors and attractive look for many years.
When to Seek Professional Help
Moreover, the heavy soiling of your curtains that home remedies can hardly help with suggests that the services of a professional might be essential. Curtains that do not react to basic solutions show how stubborn the stains have become, which is a clear sign that one should consult professionals in the field.
The presence of expert cleaners in this context is essential, especially when dealing with the fabrics of pure silk, velvet, embroidered or beaded materials. A professional dry cleaner or curtain technician can do this correctly as this is an activity service they are used to.
Moreover, these services come with a different level of quality that they charge customers for. For instance, if you have drapes that were exposed to the smell of burning tobacco, your regular cleaning might not be enough; therefore, you should hire a professional cleaning service. Letting the chosen cleaners work on it makes it a quicker and more efficient process whereas if you tried yourself, it would be a long-time job.
FAQs
Are there any home remedies for cleaning curtains without professional products?
Yeah, you may also try the following version: Mix some mild silicone cloth and a little warm water, then use an old t-shirt to rub the stain in a soft, clockwise direction or you can also gently hand wash your curtains. In addition to this, the use of alternative natural methods such as baking soda or vinegar is also very good to get rid of the smell.
How often should I clean my curtains?
It is wise to clean your curtains regularly and even deep clean them every six months to keep your home safe and sound. However, the frequency of it may change due to the material, location, and the way you use it.
Can I machine wash my curtains?
Most curtains can be safe for a machine wash on gentle cycle with mild detergent first. Make sure to check the care instructions carefully and do not use hot water or strong detergents. Light fabrics and those that are very intricate may need you to hand wash or to take them to a professional cleaner.
How do I prevent my curtains from fading in the sun?
To avoid sun damage, use curtains with UV protection or lining and keep out of the sun to the best extent that you can. Also, do not place the delicate or light-colored curtains in a room that is constantly directly exposed to the sun. Furthermore, rotating panels and keeping them away from direct sunlight can help you keep the curtain’s color long.
Can I iron my curtains?
Avoid ironing curtains unless it is the ones made of strong and natural cloth fabrics as it is not recommended for the rest. For the soft materials, use handheld steamers instead of the irons because the steamers work best and they keep the original condition of the clothes.
Conclusion
While curtains give us privacy when needed, and make a room appear better they do more; they also add style, warmth, and personality to a room.
Establishing a regular cleaning and maintenance routine for your curtains is the way to go if you want them to appear well-groomed for a long time. By applying these professional advice strategies to the materials in your windows at home, not only will you be able to ignite your creative mind if it’s for colors and unique patterns but you will also automatically achieve the look you were aiming for.
Don’t forget, in case of any doubt, rely on a professional or consult the manufacturer’s clean
g instructions so that you wouldn’t damage your curtains unintentionally. Alright, now is the time for you to show the curtain some love – it needs after all! Have fun while doing the cleaning!
