How To Wash Curtains In A Washing Machine, Manually Or Clean Them Without Removing Them From The Eaves, Cleaning Features For Various Types Of Products

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

We wash curtains at home

Washing curtains at home is always a large-scale event. Not every housewife loves and knows how to wash them correctly. Let's learn how to take care of such products correctly, because it helps to transform our cozy home and create an atmosphere of freshness and cleanliness in it.

Content

• 1 Is it necessary to clean the curtains
• 2 Wash at home or dry clean

• 3 We erase the curtains at home

  • 3.1 Hand wash curtains

  • 3.2 Machine washable curtains

    3.2.1 Video: we wash the curtains in an automatic machine

  • 3.3 We clean the curtains without removing from the eaves
• 4 Dry cleaning

• 5 Features of washing curtains, depending on their type

  • 5.1 We clean and erase curtains and curtains at home

    • 5.1.1 Velvet curtains
    • 5.1.2 Tapestry
    • 5.1.3 Flock
  • 5.2 Tulle, silk, organza
  • 5.3 Fabric kitchen curtains
  • 5.4 Acrylic, viscose, taffeta
  • 5.5 Nylon curtains
  • 5.6 Satin curtains
  • 5.7 Curtains with eyelets
  • 5.8 Curtains with lambrequins
  • 5.9 Filament curtains

  • 5.10 Thread with bugles

    5.10.1 Video: we erase curtains from threads with bugles

  • 5.11 Roller blinds

    5.11.1 Video: removing dirt from a roller blind

  • 5.12 Roman shades

    5.12.1 Video: Roman blind care

  • 5.13 Japanese curtains
  • 5.14 Pleated blinds

  • 5.15 Bleaching yellowed curtains

    • 5.15.1 Oxygen bleach or color-restoring agent
    • 5.15.2 Ammonia, hydroperite or hydrogen peroxide
    • 5.15.3 Zelenka
    • 5.15.4 Salt
    • 5.15.5 Video: bleach curtains

• 6 Remove stains of various origins

  • 6.1 Removing greasy stains from curtains

  • 6.2 Removing soot stains from curtains

    • 6.2.1 Turpentine
    • 6.2.2 Turpentine and egg yolk
    • 6.2.3 Soda
  • 6.3 Removing coffee, tea and wine stains
  • 6.4 Video: we wash the tulle curtain from yellowness and grayness
  • 6.5 Protecting the curtain from dirt
  • 6.6 What should I do if the curtain shrinks after washing?

Do I have to clean the curtains

Curtains need to be cleaned at least twice a year!

As sad as the answer to this question sounds, the curtains need to be cleaned, just like any other thing in your home. This is a large textile fabric on which a huge amount of house dust and dirt particles settle. The curtains also do not become cleaner from touching the hands, but they get more and more dirty day by day. Therefore, the curtains must be cleaned at least once every six months. The rest of the time they are refreshed during the daily airing, when the air blowing over the fabric, cleans it of excess dust.

Wash at home or dry clean

When it comes to cleaning curtains, you are faced with a choice: trust the professionals or wash at home yourself. Most often, curtains made of expensive natural fabrics, such as:

• velvet;
• damask;
• batiste;
• calico;
• moire;
• muslin;
• brocade.

Many of these fabrics do not tolerate washing in water: they shrink and lose their shape. Therefore, professionals subject to "dry cleaning" velvet, damask, cambric, calico and moire.

Washing at home must be approved by the manufacturer, which will be indicated on the label. You can also navigate by the composition of the fabric: the curtains can be washed if they are made of mixed or artificial materials. Blended fabrics must contain at least 10% synthetics.

Washing feedback:

We wash the curtains at home

At home, curtains can be washed in two traditional ways:

• handwash;
• machine wash.

Regardless of the washing method you choose, always follow these guidelines:

• Remove dust from curtains. Shake them outside or from a balcony to remove as much dirt as possible.
• Soak the garments in cold water or with the addition of detergent. This activity also aims to rid them of surface dust and dirt that has accumulated on them. Soaking can be repeated, it all depends on the degree of contamination.
• After the washing process (hand or machine), a very thorough rinse is required. If the detergent remains in the fibers of the fabric, then in the future it will contribute to faster material fading.
• Do not squeeze the material, let the water drain freely.

Hand wash curtains

At home, hand washing curtains should be prioritized over machine washing.

Washing by hand is a rather laborious process. However, it should be given priority over machine wash as it is more gentle. There are also curtains that cannot be washed in an automatic machine, for example, chintz and woolen.

Fundamental rules:

• when washing by hand, there should be a lot of water, a bathtub is perfect for this.
• Do not pour the powder directly onto the fabric, but dilute it in water in advance, only then immerse the curtains in the solution.
• Do not rub or wring out delicate materials.
• If they have a metal eyelet, it is undesirable to lower the rings into water. This will prevent future rust stains.
• Test the fabric with bleach beforehand if you intend to use it.
• Do not wring out the fabric, let the water drain freely from the fabric.

When washing by hand, housewives usually use proven folk remedies:

• so that the wash is of better quality, the curtains are soaked and washed in salt water;
• salt or soda diluted in water helps to preserve the color of the fabric;
• rinsing with vinegar will refresh and add shine, smooth them out and help dry without wrinkles;
• you can whiten the fabric with a few drops of greenery diluted in cold water.

Feedback on hand wash curtains:

Machine washable curtains

If the curtains can be machine washed, this should be indicated on the manufacturer's label.

Although hand washing is always a priority, there are fabrics that can be washed well in the machine. It is advisable to resort to this method only if the manufacturer has information about it. Then the label should have a sign that machine wash is allowed. Another very important point: the automatic machine must have a delicate mode and the ability to turn off the spin.

Observe the following rules:

• wash curtains separately from other things;
• try to put the fabric in the drum neatly, so you will prevent the appearance of numerous folds on it after washing;
• if there are non-removable decorative elements, wash in a special bag;
• use liquid detergents, they rinse better from the fabric than powders;
• choose a delicate mode and the water temperature recommended by the curtain manufacturer;
• for the products to rinse well, the drum of the machine must be half empty;
• wash without spinning;
• if you do not know what fabric the product is sewn from, it is better to refuse machine wash.

Machine wash feedback:

Video: we wash curtains in an automatic machine

We clean the curtains without removing from the eaves

If there is no visible contamination, then in some cases it is possible to clean them without soaking. The methods listed below cannot be attributed to washing, but this way you will refresh a curtain that has not been washed for a long time.

• Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment.

  

  Dry cleaning of curtains with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment

  If this is a tapestry curtain, then this option suits you best. Vacuum it with a delicate nozzle to get rid of any dust accumulated on it. You can clean any product in this way, the main thing is not to damage the fabric with a brush. It is especially recommended to vacuum the curtains at the top (under the ceiling), where most of the dust accumulates.

• Damp cleaning with a sponge and soapy water. This option is possible when cleaning some types of roller blinds.

• Steaming.

  

  Steaming curtains with a steam generator

  Steaming is carried out with a special steam generator or iron with vertical steaming function. In the process, the curtain is refreshed, disinfected and smoothed under the influence of steam. This method is used on products made from fabrics that do not shrink at high temperatures, and are also not afraid of moisture. If your curtain is heavily soiled, then steaming is not for you.

Dry cleaning

If you are afraid of ruining your curtain with your home wash, trust the professionals

Dry cleaning is often chosen by owners of luxurious and expensive curtains made from natural materials. If you live in your own home, where every window is decorated with expensive curtains, then dry cleaning is your option. Specialists from the cleaning service currently provide not only cleaning services, but also help to remove and hang them back. There is also a dry cleaning option at home. In this case, the professionals will clean them without removing them from the eaves.

Always contact a trusted cleaning service only. Examine the manufacturer's labels on your curtains yourself to find out if dry cleaning is allowed for this type of fabric, if it can be cleaned using aqueous solvents. Discuss the cleaning methods in advance so that the entire procedure is as successful as possible.

Features of washing curtains, depending on their type

Whatever the products, the way they are washed is primarily determined by the type of material from which they are sewn. Curtains differ not only in the type of material, but also in the presence of decorative elements and in design.

We clean and wash curtains and drapes at home

Washing curtains at home is a difficult task.

Curtains and drapes have a very presentable look, create an atmosphere of luxury and well-being. If the material of the curtains allows them to be washed without the use of dry cleaning, then washing should be hand-washed. Carefully study the manufacturer's information on the tag and strictly follow the recommendations.

The following steps are required:

• Multiple soaks in cold water with the addition of soda or salt;
• Several soaks in warm soapy water;
• Hand wash with mild detergent;
• Repeated rinses in warm and cold water;
• The washing process takes place without friction and boiling of the fabric.

Velvet curtains

Velvet does not like moisture, at home the curtains are cleaned without removing

If your window is decorated with velvet, then washing in water is contraindicated for them. To prevent the material from shrinking, clean the velvet curtains as follows:

• Carefully remove dust with a brush from the entire surface;
• Wipe the fabric with a woolen cloth and gasoline;
• Let dry;
• Finally, wipe the velvet with a woolen cloth and wine alcohol.

Tapestry

At home, tapestry can only be vacuumed.

At home, tapestry curtains are only dry cleaned:

• Vacuum the tapestry with a special nozzle;
• Use a damp sponge or cloth to clean the canvas.

Flock

At home, flock curtains prefer dry cleaning

Flock curtains like regular maintenance:

• Remove accumulated dust with a vacuum cleaner;
• Clean the fabric with a soft cloth brush or household sponge.

Tulle, silk, organza

Light curtains are washed with hand soak or on a delicate cycle

Light air curtains are washed mainly in this way:

1. Repeat soaking in cold water several times. Try not to delay the process, as this contributes to the formation of numerous folds;
2. Fold the fabric carefully into a laundry bag or pillowcase, do not add other items;
3. Hand wash in warm water or use a delicate no spin machine.

Washing feedback:

Fabric kitchen curtains

Kitchen curtains made of mixed fabrics are washed in salt water

Kitchen curtains with an admixture of synthetics are washed, following these recommendations:

1. leave them for the whole night in cold salt water;
2. wash in cold water with salt;
3. rinse well, at the end dilute vinegar in water and dip the product there.

Acrylic, viscose, taffeta

When washing curtains from these fabrics, you can use an automatic machine:

1. We use a delicate machine wash;
2. We set the recommended temperature: 30-40 degrees (acrylic and viscose), 50 degrees (taffeta);
3. We select the option of additional rinsing or rinsing repeatedly;
4. Disable the spin function.

Nylon curtains

Nylon curtains are washed with a salt water soak

Nylon curtains are hand washed. You need to act in the following order:

1. rinse before main wash in cold water;
2. dilute hot water with a handful of soda;
3. soak in the resulting solution for an hour and a half;
4. we wash with powder;
5. after washing, leave for an hour in salt water;
6. we finally rinse the product.

Satin curtains

Atlas can be hand washed in warm water, but it is better to dry clean

It is advisable to entrust the atlas products to professionals. However, if you decide to wash them at home, then choose the manual method.

1. wash by hand in warm water (no more than 30 degrees);
2. use mild detergents for washing;
3. do not use bleach;
4. rinse in a mild vinegar solution;
5. let the water drain off the fabric without spinning.

If your satin curtain has a dirty stain, try removing it without washing:

1. Apply corn or wheat flour to the stain for one hour;
2. remove the remaining dirt with flour with a soft brush.

Flour perfectly absorbs various kinds of dirt and, perhaps, in an hour there will be no trace of the stain.

Curtains on eyelets

Eyelet curtains are washed together with rings if it is not possible to remove them

Eyelet curtains are very comfortable to use. There are curtains with removable rings, then it is advisable to remove them during washing. If the eyelets are not removed, then the washing is carried out with them. It is allowed to be washed in an automatic machine, if the quality of the fabric allows. In this case, follow the instructions below:

1. place in a laundry bag;
2. set a delicate wash mode and a water temperature of 30 degrees;
3. wash with liquid detergent;
4. do not wring out;
5. after the end of the cycle, immediately remove from the drum so that the metal eyelets do not tarnish.

Curtains with lambrequins

Lambrequins are removed and washed along with the curtain or steamed

With lambrequins, the product looks luxurious, however, the washing process becomes a little more complicated. There are two types of lambrequins:

• Soft. They are made of the same material as the curtain. Are erased with her.
• Hard. For this type of lambrequins, steam cleaning is used.

Filament curtains

Filament curtains are washed by tying them in a knot or in a pigtail

Thread curtains are very original, but after washing it becomes difficult to untangle the threads. In order to avoid such a problem, tie the threads in a knot or several knots. You can choose to machine wash for these curtains:

1. Tie in knots or braid from threads;
2. In this form, carefully fold into a laundry bag;
3. Set the delicate spin mode;
4. Get out of the car;
5. Untie and hang on the cornice, where they dry to the end.

Thread with bugles

Thread curtains with bugles are tied with ribbons before washing so that they do not get tangled

These products give the room a fabulous atmosphere. You need to wash it by hand and very carefully, taking care beforehand that the threads do not get tangled with each other. Procedure:

1. Tie the threads with the bugle with a ribbon along the entire length;
2. Dip in this form in warm soapy water;
3. Wait 30 minutes;
4. Add hot water and gently mash with your hands;
5. Rinse;
6. Hang to dry on the cornice.

Another washing option:

Video: we erase curtains from threads with bugles

Roller blinds

How to clean roller blinds depends on the material of construction

Cleaning methods depend on the material from which they are made. When thinking about how to clean them, always refer to the manufacturer's information. There are four different cleaning methods in total.

• Dry cleaning. The fact that the curtain can be dry-cleaned should be the appropriate information on the label.
• Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a delicate attachment. This cleaning can be done as soon as it gets dirty, not just twice a year.
• Local cleaning of stains. A simple stain of dirt can be rubbed off with an eraser. A greasy stain is removed with a natural stain remover without solvents. In the process, do not get carried away: do not rub too much, so that later the color does not change in the place of pollution.
• Wet cleaning with a sponge and soap.

If you are going to carry out wet cleaning, follow these instructions:

1. add a neutral detergent without fragrances or additives to cold water;
2. rub gently with a sponge in a circular motion;
3. remove soap residue with water or rinse it off with a shower;
4. straighten and leave to dry;
5. Iron out the folds and iron the seams, referring to the information on the composition of the fabric.

Washing feedback:

Video: removing dirt from a roller blind

Roman curtains

Roman shades are cleaned in different ways: it all depends on the material

Just like rolled, Roman ones are cleaned depending on the material from which they are made. There are four main ways.

• Dry cleaning.
• Dry cleaning with a brush or vacuum cleaner with a special attachment. If they are made of bamboo or harness, this is the only way to clean them. However, you do not need to remove them.
• Steaming. A great option for Roman blinds. If you have a steam generator or a vertical steaming iron, use it more often than twice a year if possible. Then they won't have to be washed for a long time.
• Hand or machine wash.

If you are going to wash fabrics at home, then read the following recommendations:

1. hand wash is always a priority;
2. soak for an hour in soapy warm water;
3. whitening is prohibited;
4. you cannot rub the fabric;
5. wash gently;
6. rinse well;
7. let the water drain.

If the products are allowed to be washed in an automatic machine, then proceed as follows:

• put in a special bag for washing;
• select a delicate mode at a temperature of 30-40 degrees without spinning;
• rinse several times;
• remove from the drum;
• dry flat.

Washing feedback:

Video: caring for a Roman blind

Japanese curtains

Japanese curtains are cleaned without removing with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth

Such curtains create a wonderful ethnic atmosphere of the East at home. Washing is contraindicated for them. There are two ways of leaving:

• Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner on both sides;
• Wet cleaning. If the products are not impregnated, then they can be wiped with a special sponge or soft cloth. However, do not use harsh and acidic detergents.

Pleated curtains

The pleated blind can be washed in water

Pleated blinds can be washed and wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust. If you are going to wash your pleated pleats, follow these instructions:

1. At the window, fold the curtain completely;
2. Remove from fasteners;
3. Choose a washing container that will fit completely;
4. Hand wash at 30 degrees;
5. Use a neutral detergent;
6. Soak the slightly open curtain in soapy water for 15 minutes;
7. Open it completely and wash the material in a circular motion with your hands.
8. Fold in water and when folded take it out of a container of soapy water.
9. Expand holding the top;
10. Rinse with cold water (shower or watering can);
11. Fold completely;
12. Attach all fasteners;
13. Attach the structure to the window;
14. Do not unfold for 12 hours, leave it to dry in this state.
15. It is not recommended to unfold earlier than 12 hours later, as the fabric may deform.

Whitening yellowed curtains

Over time, the curtains, especially the white ones, turn yellow. But there are several ways to return the curtains to their former cleanliness and freshness.

Oxygen bleach or color restoration

You can use bleach when washing nylon curtains. Add the detergent of your choice to the automatic machine during washing or soak it in cold water with bleach after washing.

Ammonia, hydroperite or hydrogen peroxide

In this way, you can whiten synthetic curtains:

1. Add 1 tablespoon of ammonia, 5 tablets of hydroperite or 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to 10 liters of water.
2. Soak for 30 minutes in the solution, stirring occasionally.
3. rinse thoroughly and let the water drain.

Zelenka

Zelenka is used to bleach synthetic curtains, including tulle:

1. Dissolve salt and 2-3 drops of greenery in cold water;
2. Dip the already washed one into the prepared solution;
3. After a while, remove without squeezing.

Salt

Sometimes ordinary salt helps to restore the curtain to its former whiteness:

1. Add 4 tablespoons of salt to 5 liters of warm water;
2. Soak the curtain in the solution for 20 minutes before the main wash;
3. Wash without spinning and rinse.

Feedback on washing tulle curtains using salt:

Video: bleach curtains

We remove stains of various origins

Spots on the curtains spoil the appearance of the whole room and the good mood of the hostess. There are many different ways to get rid of stains of different origins, but the following general rules apply to all:

• remove dust from the stain before cleaning;
• if the curtain has a lining, then it must be ripped off;
• remove the stain with a cotton swab, sprinkling the edges with starch;
• clean the fabric from the edges to the center of the stain;
• pour warm water over the cleaned area.

Remove greasy stains from curtains

When removing fat from curtains, you must not hesitate. A fresh stain is easier to clean than an old one. Basic ways:

• Try sprinkling talcum powder or potato starch on a fresh grease stain. Place paper under the fabric, sprinkle talcum powder on the greasy spot and leave for a day.
• The pulp of brown bread effectively removes fresh fat on the curtains.
• The stain will help remove chalk or tooth powder.
• A solution of ammonia and glycerin can cope with an old stain.

Removing soot stains from curtains

Turpentine and soda are successfully used to remove soot stains. The stain is first acted on locally, and then completely erased.

Turpentine

1. Moisten a stain of soot with turpentine;
2. Wipe with a clean cloth;
3. Wash with soap and a brush;
4. Wash whole.

Turpentine and egg yolk

If the soot stain is heavily embedded in the fabric, then treat it like this:

1. Prepare a mixture: equal parts turpentine and egg yolk;
2. Heat the mixture;
3. Wipe the stain with the mixture before washing;
4. Stretch completely.

Soda

Baking soda can also help get rid of soot stains:

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of soda in warm water;
2. Treat the stain with dishwashing liquid;
3. Soak the curtain in the prepared solution for 8 hours;
4. Rinse and dry.

Remove coffee, tea and wine stains

Very often, through carelessness, you can stain the curtain with various drinks. These stains are best removed fresh. Therefore, you will have to act quickly.

1. Remove the curtain from the eaves;
2. Blot the stain with a paper towel;
3. Treat contamination with cotton wool and alcohol;
4. Prepare a solution: in 1 liter of water, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid;
5. Soak the curtain in the prepared solution for 30 minutes before the main wash;
6. Wash completely.

Video: we wash the tulle curtain from yellowness and grayness

Protecting the curtain from dirt

To date, special hydrophobic coatings have been developed that are applied to matter. This will protect the fabric from dust and dirt, bacteria and insects. The main advantages of a hydrophobic coating:

• Fabric with such a coating is less prone to abrasion, retains its color longer;
• Any liquid falling on the treated fabric collects in drops and flows down without penetrating into the matter;
• The hydrophobic coating is bactericidal, so it protects your curtains from bacteria and insects.

What to do if the curtain has sat down after washing?

If, after washing, the fabric shrinks in length, then do not despair. There are many different ways to lengthen your curtain, both physically and visually. To do this, use one of the following tips:

• Open the bottom hem of the curtain and iron the fabric, in this way you can add 10-15 cm to the length;

  

  Open the hem from the bottom and iron the fold - your curtain is 10-15 cm longer

• Sew to the curtain with fabric loops of the same material, heavy tape or decorative cord. Loops can be made in the form of bows, ties, shoulder straps, one-piece or buttoned. It all depends on your interior, desire and imagination.

  

  Sewn-on loops will lengthen your curtain by 10-15 cm

• The curtains can be lengthened by a couple of millimeters, creating a lambrequin with your own hands;

  

  Sewing on the lambrequin, you lengthen the curtain by a couple of millimeters

• Sew to the bottom of the frills;

  

  You can lengthen the curtain by sewing ruffles along the bottom

• If you sew well, you can make a transverse insert in the curtain from a different material;

  

  Transverse inserts can lengthen the curtain to the desired length

• Extend visually by sewing on pendants made of beads, pearls, crystals at the bottom.

  

  Visually, you can lengthen the curtain using hangers from below

Washing curtains is not an easy test for the hostess. Try to choose the most gentle option for your curtains. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions. Reflect on these items often during your weekly cleaning. Then the washing process will be successful. We wish your home cleanliness and comfort!