Easy Tips For Washing Your Curtains At Home

Figuring out how to clean curtains can be tricky, especially if they are made from delicate fabrics. Fortunately, you can generally clean your drapes and curtains by machine, hand, or steam two to four times a year to manage dust, dander, and stains. The method you choose often depends on the material and design of your window treatments.

For instance, silk curtains should be washed by hand, sheers can be cleaned either by machine or by hand, and speciality fabrics like velvet or lined drapes may require spot-cleaning or professional dry cleaning. Below is a comprehensive guide with easy steps to help you wash your curtains effectively.

How To Wash Curtains At Home

Tips To Clean Curtains In Machine

You can machine-wash unlined curtains and sheers made from cotton, nylon, and polyester. Lace curtains can also be machine-washed if placed in a mesh bag for protection. Here are some steps for washing curtains in the machine:

• Begin by checking the care label on your curtains to see if they are machine washable and to follow any specific washing instructions.
• For any visible stains, apply a stain remover or a mild detergent solution. Gently rub this into the stained areas before washing.
• Take off any hooks, rings, or other accessories from the curtains before washing.
• To protect delicate fabrics such as lace, place them in a mesh laundry bag.
• Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water to prevent damage and colour loss.
• Use a mild detergent appropriate for the fabric, avoiding bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Ensure not to overload the washing machine to give the curtains enough space to move around and get clean.
• Make sure the curtains are rinsed thoroughly to remove all detergent, and consider running a second rinse cycle if needed.
• Follow the drying instructions on the care label. If machine drying is recommended, use a low heat setting; otherwise, air-dry by hanging or laying flat to avoid wrinkles and stretching.

Tips To Clean Curtains By Hands

Hand-wash unlined sheers and curtains made from cotton, nylon, polyester, lace, and silk (avoid machine-washing silk).

• Review the care label on your curtains to confirm that they are suitable for hand washing and to follow any specific instructions.
• Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for the fabric. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach.
• If there are any stains, gently apply a stain remover or a bit of the detergent solution to the affected areas. Lightly rub the solution in with your fingers.
• Place the curtains in the water and gently agitate the solution to ensure the fabric is thoroughly soaked. Allow them to soak for about 15-30 minutes, depending on how soiled they are.
• After soaking, gently agitate the curtains in the water with your hands. Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric, as this can damage it.
• Drain the soapy water and refill the tub or basin with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the curtains thoroughly to remove all detergent. You may need to change the water a few times to ensure all soap is removed.
• Carefully lift the curtains out of the water and gently press them against the side of the tub or basin to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
• Hang the curtains to air-dry, ideally by placing them on a clean, flat surface or by hanging them up. Ensure they are evenly spaced to avoid creases and stretching.

Certain curtains may come with a ‘dry clean only’ label. Attempting to clean them by any other method could result in damage, so it's best to follow the label's instructions to avoid any risks.