Curtains are a lovely addition to any home, but they require proper care and maintenance to ensure they stay looking great. While one might think window curtains only require a quick wipe down whenever they start looking dirty, there are steps one can take to give their curtains the best possible clean while keeping them safe from tearing and fading. This blog will cover essential curtain cleaning tips including the best way to clean curtains that you can easily do at home.
Best Curtain Cleaning Tips
Put Them in the Washing Machine
Cleaning your curtains can be as simple as taking them down and putting them in the washing machine. Just make sure you put them on a gentle cycle with cold water. If your curtains are delicate, you can place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect them.
Hand Wash
If you don’t trust the washing machine, you can also wash your curtains by hand. Place them in a sink or a tub and scrub with detergent and warm water. Make sure you hang them up to dry afterwards, as using a dryer may damage or shrink them. Pop them up on the clothesline or anywhere where they can hang around the house, such as on a shower rod.
Bleach White Curtains to Regain Their Colour
If you have noticed that your white curtains have started to turn yellow, cleaning them with bleach can help to retain their original colour. This can also help to remove any stains that may have appeared on the curtains. Test it on a small part of the curtains first to make sure the bleach doesn’t cause damage and use a non-chlorine bleach for the best result.
Clean With a Cloth
Sometimes the best way to clean curtains is the simplest. If you have noticed a couple of stains on your curtains, you should be able to remove them with a damp cloth and some detergent. This is also an effective way to clean silk curtains. Avoid scrubbing the stains as this can lead to damaging the fabric. Instead, gently blot the area until the stain has been removed.
Use a Vacuum
If you are vacuuming the house and notice your curtains have gotten a bit dirty, you can give them a light vacuuming to keep them clean. While this is the best way to clean curtains that are dusty, just make sure you use a soft brush attachment to clean the curtains without causing damage. Start at the top of curtain and only vacuum in one direction, as moving back and forth can also cause damage.
Steam Clean
If your curtains are too bulky to fit into your washing machine, they can be steam cleaned instead. Before starting, make sure your curtains are machine washable or suitable for steaming by checking their label. Prepare your steamer and test it on a small part of the curtains to make sure they do not cause any discolouration. Once you’ve determined that it is suitable for steaming, slowly use your steamer to clean the curtains bit by bit, then flip the curtains and repeat the process. Once you have finished, leave the curtains to air dry.
Use a Lint Roller
The best way to clean curtains that are covered in pet hair is to use a lint roller. If your curtains also attract a lot of lint, rollers are perfect to get rid of the mess. Rolling the lint roller back and forth over the curtains can cause damage, however, so make sure you only roll in one direction.
Contact U Blinds Australia for All Your Curtain Needs
U Blinds Australia are the premier suppliers of blinds shutters awnings, and security doors. If you would rather buy new curtains than clean them, pay us a visit at your local showroom, where you can browse our extensive range while our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. If you live in a remote area or are unable to come in-store, give us a call on 1300 303 391 and we can arrange a mobile showroom to come to you. You can also reach out to us for a free measure and quote.