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What Are the Best Tips for Cleaning Curtains?

K. Gierok
K. Gierok

Cleaning curtains can often be a difficult process. Not only are curtains often bulky and heavy, but they are sometimes difficult to remove from their housing rods. In order to achieve the best results when cleaning curtains, they should first be examined in order to make sure that they are fit to be cleaned; if the curtains are too damaged, they should be discarded and replaced instead of cleaned. If the curtains do require cleaning, they can be often washed by hand in the bathtub and dried on a clothesline or in the dryer. When cleaning curtains, the curtain rings should also be cleaned with boiling vinegar, soap, and water.

In order to achieve the best results when it comes to cleaning curtains, they must first be examined in order to make sure that they are actually fit to be cleaned. Sometimes, curtains that are placed in windows exposed to direct sunlight are so damaged that it is better to simply replace them entirely than to try to clean them. Curtains that have been excessively bleached by the sun or are thin are brittle should be disposed of and replaced instead of cleaned.

When cleaning curtains, the curtain rings should also be cleaned with boiling vinegar, soap, and water.
When cleaning curtains, the curtain rings should also be cleaned with boiling vinegar, soap, and water.

There is not one specific process involved in cleaning curtains, and in fact a number of methods can be used with great success. One of the most effective ways to clean curtains is to simply place them in a bathtub, and wash them by hand. It is important to read any labels on the curtains before attempting this, as some curtains may require dry cleaning.

Small curtains may be dried in a dryer.
Small curtains may be dried in a dryer.

If the specific curtains being washed can withstand handwashing, they should be rinsed with warm, clean water, and rubbed with a small amount of gentle dish or laundry soap. Once the curtains have been rinsed out, they can be either hung up to dry on a clothesline or indoor drying rack. In addition, small curtains can usually be placed in a dryer, as long as the temperature is set to a low or moderate setting.

Some types of curtains -- especially those with embroidery -- should not be machine washed.
Some types of curtains -- especially those with embroidery -- should not be machine washed.

Often, it is not only the curtains that require cleaning, but also the curtain rings. One of the best ways to clean metal curtain rings involves the use of vinegar. Curtain rings should be placed in a saucepan, and enough vinegar should be poured in the pan to completely cover the rings. The saucepan should then be heated; allowing the rings to boil for a few minutes in the vinegar can remove rust and restore shine. Following this process, the rings should be rinsed with warm water and soap in order to restore their smooth surface.

Vinegar may be used to clean curtains.
Vinegar may be used to clean curtains.

After ensuring your curtains are machine-washable, selecting the best laundry detergent sheets is crucial for effective cleaning. The best laundry detergent will help in removing dirt and stains without fading the fabric's color. Moreover, a gentle, eco-friendly detergent can ensure a thorough cleaning while preserving the quality of your curtains, making them look pristine and fresh once again as they adorn your windows, enhancing the beauty and comfort of your space.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

I have some very heavy drapes, and I have learned from experience that it is not worth the hassle to try to wash them by hand. Taking them to be dry cleaned is the best way to make sure that curtains that are made of heavy or complicated materials turn out looking their best.

Raynbow

@talentryto- If your sheer curtains aren't extremely dirty, you can probably skip washing them as long as you remove any dust that has built up on them. Simply use your upholstery attachment on your vacuum hose and run it over your curtains. This should freshen them up so you can go a bit longer in between actual washings.

Spotiche5

@talentryto- When it comes to basic sheer curtains, they are actually quite easy to wash. If you use the gentle cycle, you can wash your sheer curtains in your washing machine. Just make sure that you use cold water, and remove them as soon as the wash cycle is over to prevent wrinkles.

If you prefer, you can wash your sheer curtain by hand. I recommend using a gentle liquid soap and cold water. Rinse them until the water runs clean, and gently wring out the excess water. Hanging them out to dry will also prevent the material from wrinkling.

Talentryto

I have some basic sheer curtains that need to be washed. They don't have tags on them, so I'm not sure about the original washing instructions. Does anyone have some tips for washing these curtains?

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    • When cleaning curtains, the curtain rings should also be cleaned with boiling vinegar, soap, and water.
      By: belikov
      When cleaning curtains, the curtain rings should also be cleaned with boiling vinegar, soap, and water.
    • Small curtains may be dried in a dryer.
      By: Ghost
      Small curtains may be dried in a dryer.
    • Some types of curtains -- especially those with embroidery -- should not be machine washed.
      By: Joy Fera
      Some types of curtains -- especially those with embroidery -- should not be machine washed.
    • Vinegar may be used to clean curtains.
      By: hsagencia
      Vinegar may be used to clean curtains.
    • If the specific curtains being washed can withstand handwashing, they should be rinsed with warm, clean water, and rubbed with a small amount of gentle dish or laundry soap.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      If the specific curtains being washed can withstand handwashing, they should be rinsed with warm, clean water, and rubbed with a small amount of gentle dish or laundry soap.