What are you looking for?
Every fabric in the home is exposed to dust, dirt, and stains. This is why you need to remember to clean it regularly. How do you wash your curtains so that the fabric does not deteriorate or shrink? Here are some tips.
The first step to finding out how to wash your curtains is to read the manufacturer's information. Of course, this applies not only to decorative fabrics but also to clothing, bedding, or decorative cushion covers. No one knows their fabric as well as the manufacturer.
So read the label and read the most important information. Curtains will not always be machine or dry-cleanable, so it's better to know this beforehand. However, most fabrics will cope with higher temperatures in the drum, so you will get rid of dirt and possible stains.
Then get rid of all the extras, such as metal rings or clips. On a day-to-day basis, they hold the fabric in place, but they can do a lot of damage to your washing machine.
If you don't know how to wash heavily dusty curtains, first soak them in warm water. This will allow you to remove the biggest dirt. You can also get rid of larger stains this way. A second method is also to vacuum the curtains, using a fine hoover nozzle. However, make sure it is clean and has no hair, dust, or pet hair on it. Velvet curtains on tape, for example, lend themselves to vacuuming with a soft bristle hoover tip. In this way, you will refresh their appearance.
At the very beginning, fold the curtains into cubes and then put them in the drum. Ideally, you should wash the fabric yourself, but if you're adding it to another wash make sure the washing machine is half empty. This will make cleaning much easier.
How to wash curtains effectively is determined primarily by the right detergent, program, and temperature. Choose a detergent designed for sensitive fabrics. If you're worried that washing powder won't rinse thoroughly out of the fabric, it's definitely better to opt for a liquid designed for delicate fabrics. A lot also depends on what exactly the curtains are made of. If it's silk or linen, choose a detergent designed specifically for that fabric.
Curtains do not need a high temperature to be refreshed and cleaned. No higher than 40 degrees Celsius is definitely enough, but it's safer if you set it to 30 degrees Celsius. If your washing machine has a program for delicate fabrics or a hand wash mode, choose this for your curtains. Also adjust the spin speed to match, with a maximum of 800. Too much spin can tear the fabric and it will also be too creased.
You already know how to wash your curtains, but there is still the question of drying. Hang the washed fabric on the curtain rod as you always do. It should dry in the hanging position so that it is not creased or deformed. However, do not expose the curtains to full sun, e.g. on the terrace or in the garden when the weather is nice. The delicate fibers can get damaged and there is also a good chance that the color will fade.
How do you wash curtains that were previously snow-white but have now turned a little yellow or grey? You can use baking soda, or home bleach, for this. It will work great if the fabric has changed its shade due to smog, cigarette smoke, or other external influences.
All you need to do is add baking soda directly to the drum or add it to the washing powder. All it takes is 1-2 tablespoons for them to regain their former color. If you will be soaking your curtains beforehand, add baking soda to warm water and then wash as per our guide.
Often there are difficult stains to remove on curtains, e.g. from a pen or tea. In most cases, washing up liquid or a slurry of baking soda and water works well. However, it is best to get rid of greasy or challenging stains straight away, then there is a better chance of getting rid of them.
Check also: