How to whiten yellowed curtains?

White curtains are practical and aesthetically pleasing window coverings that provide both privacy and protection from excessive sunlight. However, over time, despite being washed, they lose their snow-white shade and yellowing appears on the fabric. Can this be solved? Absolutely! There are effective ways that can easily induce stubborn stains. Find out how to bleach yellowed curtains and what is the best way to do it.

What do I bleach my curtains with to make them white?

Have yellow stains appeared on your curtains that do not disappear even after several washings? Don't worry - you don't have to throw them away! You can try to bleach them using commercially available chemicals - bleaching liquids from well-known manufacturers are great for this. But before you use them, make sure you can use them on your curtain fabric.

You can also whiten white voile curtains using products you can easily find in your kitchen - baking soda, baking powder, vinegar or lemon juice. These are eco-friendly and natural remedies that will be a great choice for those who want to avoid using ready-made bleach.

How to whiten curtains with home remedies?

Bleaching curtains with home methods is an effective way to get rid of yellowing. Although the use of baking soda, baking powder or vinegar is not complicated, it does require a moment of free time and the right proportions. Below, we explain how to whiten curtains using home methods.

How to whiten voile curtains with baking soda?

Bleaching yellowed curtains with baking soda is one of the most effective home methods. You can easily get rid of stubborn stains, restoring the fabric to its snow-white colour. How to remove stains from a curtain with baking soda? Here's what you need to do:

1. Wipe down your curtains to get rid of the dust - you can also wash them in the washing machine without detergent, which in turn will get rid of the dirt.
2. Prepare the solution - in a tub or large bowl, mix baking soda with water at a ratio of 3 tablespoons of baking soda per 1 litre of water.
3. Soak your curtains in baking soda and water - soak them for several hours, or preferably overnight. Make sure the fabric is fully submerged.
4. Rinse your curtains thoroughly - simply rinse them with clean water. You can also throw them in the washing machine, setting it to rinse mode.

How to whiten voile curtains with baking powder?

For whitening curtains, baking powder will also work perfectly. Simply dissolve one packet of powder in 5 litres of water and soak the fabric in this solution for about 15-20 minutes. After this time, wash the fabric in the washing machine and you are done.

How else can curtains be de-stained?

It is also a good idea to soak the curtains in a solution of table salt to restore their white colour. How do you whiten yellowed curtains with it? Dissolve the salt in a ratio of 4 tablespoons of salt per 3 litres of water, and soak the fabric in this solution for a few hours. Then, as with soda and powder, rinse the curtain.

Another way is to use vinegar, which you can add to a baking soda solution. This will work particularly well for bleaching fabrics made of synthetic materials. Lemon juice or citric acid is best for soaking cotton and linen curtains.

An interesting method is also to use eggshells - placing them in a linen bag and washing them along with the curtains will get rid of the yellow stains.

How to whiten voile curtains in the washing machine?

If you want to get rid of yellowing quickly, without pre-soaking your curtains, you can also bleach them in the washing machine. You can do this with ready-made bleaching agents such as liquids and capsules, using them according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if you don't want to buy them, you can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the wash. Another way is to add half a glass of vinegar during the last rinse.

However, remember to set a gentle washing programme - curtains are best bleached in water not exceeding 30 °C. And don't forget to rinse, which you can do manually or set the appropriate mode in your washing machine. Thoroughly rinsing the fabric will get rid of any residual bleaching agent. To avoid damaging delicate fabrics, also check how to wash your curtains in the washing machine.

What to keep in mind when bleaching curtains?

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You already know what to bleach your voile curtains to make them white and what methods are worth using. You can use ready-made chemicals to restore them to their original colour, as well as natural products - baking soda, citric acid and even eggshells.

You can easily bleach yellowed fabrics in the washing machine, as well as by hand, by soaking them in a properly prepared solution. But what is worth bearing in mind when developing yellow stains? First of all, it's important to make sure that the chosen chemical won't damage the curtain - before using it, read the instructions and the manufacturer's recommendations carefully.

Also bear in mind that bleaching will only work for white curtains - as coloured fabrics may discolour. It is also important not to spin your curtains at high speed, which can damage their delicate material. And don't forget to dry them thoroughly - check whether you can tumble dry your curtains.