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Curtains are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, which can be problematic since they are exposed to dust and other contaminants on a daily basis.
If you want your curtains to last as long as possible, you’ll need to know how to clean them the right way so that they don’t get damaged. In order to how to wash curtains properly, follow these steps
What Are the Requirements for Curtain Cleaning
The first step in cleaning your curtains is picking a time when you have plenty of time. If you are pressed for time, do not pick curtain cleaning as your method of choice. You also want to choose a day when it is dry outside and there is little chance of rain.
You will want to start out with warm water and an eco-friendly laundry detergent that has no dyes or scents added. Detergents with fragrances can be harmful if they are left on fabric for long periods of time, so use something plain and simple.
Add two tablespoons per gallon of warm water into a bucket, along with one tablespoon of white vinegar (which helps cut grease) per bucket full of warm water.
Which Tool is Best for Curtain Cleaning
If you have a machine that can steam clean your curtains, then you may want to consider running them through one last time with just water in your machine. You can also toss your curtains into a tub and soak them for half an hour or so.
However, if they’re heavily stained, you’ll need some elbow grease as well. Be sure to use a detergent designed for washable fabrics on your curtains, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
If nothing else seems to work, try using oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide, both of which are effective at eliminating stains and getting rid of odors without damaging fabric fibers.
Follow those up with some vinegar sprayed on and left in place for an hour or two before washing everything in warm water again.
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Information About Curtain Cleaning Machines
Every curtain needs a periodic cleaning. Curtains, just like any other fabric, will quickly gather bacteria and dust mites if not regularly washed.
Depending on your type of curtains it is possible to wash them in a washing machine, or they might be dry-cleaned only. It’s important that you know how to take care of your curtains in order for them last longer than one season.
If you’re not sure how to clean your curtains then it might be time for you to hire a professional cleaning company such as Clean Team Cleaning Services who can do all work for you professionally.
Getting Down and Dirty
If you want to clean your curtains at home, start by hanging them up on a clothesline or shower curtain rod. You’ll want to wash them in cold water and use half a cup of mild soap (dish soap is fine).
Start off with a very gentle hand washing motion, using as little pressure as possible, and then switch over to a delicate cycle in your washing machine. Hang them back up when they’re done so they can dry without wrinkles.
Remember that if you have things like special materials or trims (lace), you might want to seek out professional cleaning instead—it’s always better for their longevity.
Stain Removal 101
The first step in cleaning any type of curtain is knowing what kind of stain you’re dealing with. If it’s a food-based stain, pretreat immediately to prevent it from setting and for maximum removal.
To keep oil-based stains from setting on your curtains, sprinkle them with salt (which will absorb some of that oil) and soak up as much of it as possible before attempting a clean.
Washing at Home
When your curtains need a thorough cleaning, try washing them at home. Mix a quarter cup of mild detergent with warm water and dip in a hand-held brush. Lightly scrub each curtain with firm strokes, then rinse well in cold water.
Dry on a clothesline or indoor rack. If you have large draperies, take them outside and wash them using a hose or a power washer set on low pressure.
Drying on the Line vs. A clothesline
If you’re hanging your curtains outside, it’s best to hang them on a clothesline. If it’s raining outside, you can hang them indoors, but line drying is always better for your curtains than dry cleaning or machine washing and drying (no matter what type of fabric they’re made from).
The great thing about line drying is that there’s no electricity needed! However, if line drying isn’t an option, choose as cold a wash cycle as possible in your machine and use liquid detergent rather than powder.
Laundering Tips for Sheers
Unless your curtains are 100 percent polyester, you can wash them in a cold-water cycle with mild detergent. (They’re too delicate for hot water.) To keep your window coverings clean and free of mildew, however, you’ll want to avoid drying them.
If a dryer isn’t an option, then hang your sheers inside out on clotheslines in indirect sunlight for the best results. When ironing your curtains, always use low heat.
Different Curtain Materials
Know what material your curtains are made of and what type of fabric tends to get dirty quickly. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, have a lower cleaning cost compared with natural fibers like silk or wool.
Natural fiber curtains can be dry-cleaned, but synthetic fabrics should only be washed in cold water by hand. You should also take into account how much you paid for your curtains; it would be a shame if they didn’t last because you chose to wash them at home.
Tips to Avoid Damage
One of your primary concerns should be how clean you want them: Some curtains will require dry cleaning, and others may only need spot cleaning. How often you’ll need to wash them depends on several factors.
If your windows face a lot of sunlight, your curtains will get dirty quickly—and if they’re not white when you buy them, they may fade as well.
