Curtains are an essential part of interior design. They can significantly change the look of a room and influence the atmosphere. However, curtains can also attract dust and dirt and therefore need to be cleaned and maintained regularly.
1. Why to wash curtains
Since the Curtains have a decisive influence on the interior design, it is important to wash and maintain them regularly. Curtain rods and chains often use metal, which over time oxidizes and tarnishes. The curtains themselves can also yellow over time. Therefore, wash your curtains regularly in a washing machine on the gentle cycle with mild detergent at 30°C maximum to remove bacteria and odors. Bleach light colored curtains by hand or in the washing machine to remove stains. Hair and dust will also otherwise accumulate on curtains over time, making cleaning inevitable from time to time.
While in some cases it is advisable or even necessary to wash your curtains & drapes - for example, if they are heavily soiled or smell unpleasant - there are also situations in which it is better to leave it alone. For example, delicate curtain fabrics can lose their color or fade due to frequent washing. In such cases, it is often better to have the curtains professionally cleaned.
While in some cases it is advisable or even necessary to wash your curtains & drapes - for example, if they are very dirty or have an unpleasant smell - there are also situations in which it is better to leave it alone. For example, delicate Curtain fabricsfabrics can lose their color or fade as a result of frequent washing. In such cases, it is often better to have the curtains professionally cleaned.
2. When and how often should you wash the curtains & drapes?
Changing bedding at least every 2 weeks is recommended, and for towels it is also legitimate to put them in the wash after each use. However, with curtains, it is often the case that they last much longer. Most people don't wash their curtains at all, or only when they are already stained and dusty. But that doesn't have to be the case! You can - and should - wash your curtains regularly, too.
Washing your curtains & drapes more often will help wash away the dust and dirt, but it can also cause the colors to fade. Depending on the material of your curtain, you should wash it different number of times. Linen curtains or linen drapes can be washed just as often as curtains made of velvet, polyester or silk. The location of the room also plays a role: in a room with a lot of sunlight, the curtains should be washed more often, otherwise stains may form.
3. What is the best way to wash curtains?
Washing curtains is not as easy as it may seem. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the curtains are cleaned properly and do not get damaged. First, you need to decide whether you want to wash the curtains yourself or have them cleaned. If you wash the curtains yourself, you should first familiarize yourself with the care instructions to make sure you treat them properly and use the right detergent. Sensitive fabrics in particular are very delicate.
Most curtains can be washed in a washing machine, but it's important to use the right settings. Most curtain fabrics should be washed on the delicate cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius with a mild detergent. To wash the curtains gently we recommend, Day curtains put them in a large pillowcase and fill the washing drum only halfway. This way the sewn-on gliders will not damage the fabric. Take the curtains out of the machine immediately after spinning and hang them damp. This will save you the trouble of ironing. However, if small wrinkles bother you, we recommend ironing the curtains damp with low heat, 1 point on the iron, and then hang them.
It is equally important that you take down your curtains just before washing them, this way you will avoid creases. To avoid holes or other damage to the curtain during the washing process, remove all hanging mechanisms and any metal.
4. Which washing method is suitable for which curtain fabric?
There are several ways to wash curtains. Which method you choose depends primarily on the fabric. If you want to machine wash your curtains, please follow the instructions on the care label. Hand washing is the best method for delicate fabrics or fabrics that are color fast. Opt for dry cleaning if the care instructions call for it or if the fabric is particularly delicate.
Generally speaking:
You can easily wash pure cotton curtains, linen curtains or curtains linen and synthetic in the washing machine at 30 degrees. However, make sure that you do not wash the curtains too often, otherwise they can quickly fade.
- Curtains made of velvet or silk, for example, your day curtains or Blackout curtains, on the other hand, should better be cleaned by a professional cleaning company.
- Silk is a very sensitive fabric and should only be washed at 30 degrees Celsius. Velvet is also sensitive and should not be ironed too hot, otherwise it can easily wear out.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should use a cleaning service for curtains made of silk, velvet and other sensitive fabrics. They can expertly clean and maintain the curtains. You need to be very careful with delicate fabrics in particular, otherwise they can be damaged.
5. Home remedies for stains on curtains.
Curtains are a great addition to any room, but they can also look unsightly quickly if stained. Stained curtains are nothing to worry about as long as you use the right remedies and techniques. With a little time and patience, you can clean your curtains yourself and restore them to their former glory. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that can help you get rid of these stains.
- Lemon juice: lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and is great for removing stains from your curtain or drapes. Apply the juice directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is another effective remedy for stains on curtains. Simply mix some baking soda with water to make a paste, then apply the paste to the affected area. Leave the paste on for half an hour and then wash it off with clean water.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is another excellent home remedy for stains on curtains & drapes. Soak a cloth in vinegar and rub it over the affected area. Let the vinegar sit for half an hour and then wash the curtain off with plain water.
- Curd soap: Curd soap is ideal for removing stubborn stains on curtains. Rub curd soap directly into the affected area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight) before rinsing.
Drying and ironing tips
Most curtains are made of polyester, cotton, or a blend of the two. For all types of curtains, follow the manufacturer's instructions - this will help prevent damage.
For drying, we recommend hanging the curtains in a well-ventilated place. This will prevent mold growth and unpleasant odors. It is best to let them air dry. If you need to dry them more quickly, set the dryer to the gentle program and lower temperatures (maximum 60 degrees). It is essential to hang the curtains smoothly - otherwise wrinkles will form! You can also click the damp curtains directly into the rail and let them dry there.
Iron your curtains only if it is really necessary. If you do want to iron, be careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. A steam iron on the lowest setting is best for this task. For fine fabric, it is often enough to just hang them up so that the wrinkles become smooth again. Ideally, you should divide the ironing process into two phases: First, iron the back of the curtain and then lay it upside down on the ironing board base. This will avoid wrinkles in more exposed places
