The Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Your Curtains

Your curtains add the finishing touch to any room in your home. That's why keeping them clean is important to maintain the aesthetics of your home. They play a significant role in privacy and controlling light as well. But some people neglect them when it comes to regular cleaning.
In this blog, we have brought an ultimate curtain cleaning guide for you. We will help you out by explaining different curtain types and cleaning methods. By using this, you keep your curtains in pristine condition.

What are Some Different Types of Curtain Fabric

First of all, you have to understand the different fabric types:

• Coated fabrics
• Polyester
• Velvet
• Cotton
• Linen
• Lace
• Silk
• Voile
• Rayon
• Brocade

Understanding the Importance of Regular Curtain Cleaning

You must clean curtains regularly. What are the reasons? Let's explore them:

• It enhances the appearance of your home.
• Extends the life of your curtains.
• Improves indoor air quality.
• They can accumulate dust, allergens, and odors over time. Leading to health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

Things to Consider Before Washing

Whether you do a thorough cleaning of your home or you’ve got something on your window coverings, check these things. These are some factors you can consider before giving a wash to your curtains

• Colour: You don't need to wash dark-coloured curtains as often as you do for white curtains.
• Material: A set of heavy curtains soaks up more airborne particles than others - catching a lot more dirt in them
• Location: How dirty your curtains are depends on where you hang them. Kitchen and living room curtains get dirtier than the spare room.
• Lifestyle: Some families create dirt naturally. Other factors are: children, smoking, and pets.

How to Clean Curtains

When have you cleaned your curtains last time? If it's been a while, you might tick it off today. Have a look at some useful cleaning methods:

Clean With a Vacuum

The easiest method is to vacuum your drapery. Using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner (designed for furniture and upholstery), you can do it. If you do it regularly, it will help you keep them free from dust or pet hair that accumulates over time.

• Firstly close your curtains fully and then brush the attachment over the front of them gently.
• By moving from the top to the bottom, and paying special attention to the edges, you can get the best results. Reverse the sides of the curtains or repeat on the linings.
• Must not forget the bottom edges because it's the place where they meet the windowsill or floor, which collects dust.

Steam Clean Your Curtains

The second technique is steam. If you find wrinkles and creases, the best way to neaten curtains up is to lightly steam them. Use a hand-held steam cleaner.

• Let your steamer reach the correct heat and move it over your curtains.
• Now start at the top and work to the bottom of the curtains in large sweeping movements. If you clean velvet curtains only steam from the lining side.
• Do not let water or stream access the surface of the fabric as this may cause permanent damage.
• While your drape is still slightly damp, you can finish off the look. Just smooth out any creases and create neat folds in line with how the curtain hangs.

Keep Mould at Bay

A person living in a room that suffers from condensation on the windows might get a build-up of mould on the curtain lining. Without discolouring fabric, it's very difficult to remove them effectively. However, you can follow some preventative measures to keep mould at bay.

• Make sure to keep your room warm and well-ventilated every time.
• Open a window as it will help reduce the spread of mould.
• Another option is to invest in a dehumidifier for rooms particularly prone to dampness.
• To reduce draughts and retain heat, replace single-glazed windows with double-glazing.

Washing Machine

Sometimes people ask ‘Do I machine wash my curtains’ so the answer is yes. But it's only suitable in specific cases. Because most curtains have their specific washing recommendations on their label.

We advise you to choose the ‘delicates’ or ‘cool wash’ setting. It would work well for you and prevent them from getting too hot and damaging the material. Exercising caution is always advisable.

Dry Cleaning

The other cleaning option is to go for professional dry cleaners in the UK. If you think that your curtains require a deeper clean then outsource this service to experts. Usually, a type of curtain fabric requires only dry cleaning, not even the cool wash or delicate cycle of the washing machine. We wouldn't recommend you to get warm water and mild laundry detergent to hand wash them. What do you have to do? Check: P sensitive symbol sewn into the care label. Also, research a local dry cleaning company before taking your curtains down. Keep in mind that there may be up to 3% shrinkage of the fabric during the first dry clean. The dry cleaning process decreases the allergen level.

Addressing Water Stains

Coverings near bathrooms or in the kitchen often develop water stains due to splashes and condensation. For stubborn hard water marks, you can pre-treat. How? Soak the affected curtains in full-strength white vinegar before washing. Remember: you need to wash these curtains separately. Why is it so? To prevent the transfer of vinegar odors to other fabrics. Use a commercial hard water stain remover designed for delicate fabrics and stubborn mineral deposits.

Maintenance Tips for All Curtains

Follow some maintenance tips recommended by Gold Dry Cleaners:

• Vacuum curtains and blinds weekly by using appropriate attachments
• Spot clean stains instantly to prevent the setting
• Consider weather-proofing treatments for curtains in high-humidity areas
• Keep detailed care instructions when buying new curtains
• Test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first
• Schedule seasonal deep cleaning for all curtains

Conclusion

Do you want effective curtain cleaning? Then understand that it's a blend of regular maintenance and professional care. After comprehending the type and specific needs following the above-mentioned guidelines. It will help you ensure that your curtains remain an elegant and functional part of your home. For expert curtain cleaning services, visit Gold Dry Cleaners.