Your Expertise Tips How to Clean Curtains

Curtains play a pivotal role in enhancing the aesthetics of any room while also serving as a functional element to control light and privacy. Over time, however, they accumulate dust, allergens, and stains that can diminish their allure.

That's why we've curated a step-by-step walkthrough with expert tips and simple techniques on how to clean curtains. This way, you can ensure your curtains regain their glory without hassle.

Whether you're dealing with delicate sheers, elegant drapes, or practical blinds, our easy-to-follow methods will leave your curtains looking as good as new.

When Should I Clean My Curtain / Drape?

Curtains and drapes ideally benefit from a deep clean every 3-6 months, particularly for intricate or heavier styles. For simpler maintenance, a yearly refresh suffices. Routine care involves weekly vacuuming using an upholstery attachment, minimizing allergens.

To combat pet hair, utilize a lint brush or duct tape while vacuuming. Employ gentle vacuum settings, and consider a soft brush or nylon stocking to prevent fabric mishaps during cleaning.

What Are Curtain Cleaning Do's & Don't?

When learning how to clean curtains, there are some things to keep in mind:

DO consider to dry clean drapes: When unsure of how to wash curtains, choose dry cleaning to prevent potential shrinking. For intricate designs or pleated curtains, opt for dry cleaning to ensure their longevity.

DO protect against sun damage: Opt for a gentle machine wash with mild detergent to shield fabrics from sunlight wear. Use air-drying or a no-heat dryer setting.

DON'T overlook special fabrics: Velvet draperies can be revived by gently brushing them with a chamois cloth soaked in hot water; however, avoid excessive twisting. Silk curtains require hand-washing in lukewarm water and mild detergent – refrain from wringing.

DON'T neglect sheer curtains: Maintain sheers' brightness by washing them regularly in cold water with mild detergent, even if they appear clean. Avoid letting dirt settle to prevent permanent discoloration.

How to Clean Cotton Curtains

Here are some simple steps to follow as properly cleaning your cotton curtains and drapes is very essential.

How to clean curtains and drapes made of cotton?

Pre-treat stains: Gently dab stains on cotton drapes with a mixture of cold water and mild detergent. Avoid vigorous rubbing to prevent setting the stain further into the fabric.

Wash on gentle cycle only: Place the curtains in the washing machine, selecting the gentle cycle and using cold water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent to preserve the fabric's integrity.

Dry on low heat: After washing, tumble dry the curtains on a low heat setting to prevent excessive shrinkage. Remove them from the dryer while slightly damp.

Iron when damp: To eliminate wrinkles, iron the damp curtains in a low to medium heat setting. 

Cleaning Synthetic Drapes or Curtains

For synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, you can go for professional cleaning or hand and machine-washed options. But avoid dry cleaning as it makes the fabric deteriorate faster.

How to wash curtains in washing machine? Follow these steps for the synthetic drapes:

Separate colors: Can you wash curtains of different colors together? No. Wash lighter and darker shades separately to maintain their vibrancy.

Wash in cold water: Opt for a gentle machine wash using cold water and mild detergent. This preserves the fabric's color and also prevents potential damage.

Tumble dry on low heat: After washing, tumble dry the synthetic curtains on a low heat setting. This aids in maintaining their shape while preventing excessive shrinkage.

How to Clean Silk Drapes or Curtains

Gentle silk cleaning: Hand-wash silk drapes using mild dishwashing soap and delicate hand movements. This method applies to other delicate fabrics as well, ensuring their preservation.

Rinse and remove water: After washing, gently rinse the curtains several times to remove soap and squeeze to remove excess water.

Air-drying: Hang the silk drapes to air-dry naturally. This process maintains their lustrous texture without risking shrinkage or distortion.

Damp ironing: For a polished finish, iron the drapes while slightly damp. Use a low heat setting to iron the fabric on the wrong side, and use a pressing cloth to protect it from scorching.

As you can see, learning how to clean curtains and drapes made of silk is simple; just avoid the washing machine.

How to Clean Sheer Curtains

Gentle sheer curtain care: Regular cleaning is vital for sheers, including delicate laces, to avert discoloration and dullness from prolonged use.

Cold water soak and wash: Immerse these delicate fabrics in cold water with a mild detergent in your washing machine for around five minutes, ensuring a thorough soak before draining.

Delicate machine wash: Select the mildest cycle suitable for the fabric, adding a small amount of mild detergent for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

No-heat drying with towels: In the dryer, opt for a no-heat, air-only setting, accompanied by soft, dry terry cloth towels to prevent fabric bunching during tumbling.

Reshaping after drying: Retrieve the curtains slightly damp from the dryer to prevent wrinkles. As you rehang them, gently tug to release wrinkles and restore their proper shape without puckering.

Cleaning Methods

Let's recap the most important cleaning methods and tips on how to clean curtains and drapes.

Vacuum and Dust Drapes 

How to dust curtains?

• Utilize short strokes and an upholstery brush for effective vacuuming and dusting of drapes.
• Begin at the top and work downwards,
• Regular vacuuming prevents pet hair and dust buildup, 
• For delicate or decorative drapes, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust swiftly and safely.

Launder Drapes/Curtain Properly

How to clean curtains in the washing machine? 

• Identify drapery material and check care labels for laundering guidance.
• Delicate cycle with cool water for machine washing.
• Consider professional cleaning for stains.
• Protect fabrics by line-drying to prevent shrinking but avoid strong winds. 
• Iron or steam for wrinkles.
• Caution with dryer use; confirm care instructions to prevent heat damage.

Steam Cleaning Method

• Adhere to the manufacturer's guidance for steaming drapes.
• Attach a suitable fabric tool; begin cleaning from the top down.
• Test steamer on hidden area to avoid fabric discoloration.
• Use caution with sensitive drapery materials that may not tolerate high heat.
• Confirm steamer compatibility; not all models are suitable for upholstery or curtains.

Dry Cleaned Method

• For larger, heavier curtains, consider professional dry cleaning.
• Dry-clean curtains made of delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, or wool.
• This method also applies to interlined curtains and materials.

Order Custom-Made Curtains from Twopages

At Twopages Curtains, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized elegance to your living spaces. With meticulous craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, we specialize in creating custom-made curtains that harmonize seamlessly with your unique preferences. Our commitment to quality materials, precise measurements, and a wide array of design options ensures that each curtain reflects your distinct style while enhancing the ambiance of your home. Experience the art of bespoke curtain design with Two Pages, where your vision becomes a captivating reality. If you're not convinced, check out what our customers say.