Washing curtains from different materials: rules and useful tips


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Published: 05/28/2021

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The main condition for coziness and comfort in the house is clean, ironed curtains. As a result of use, dirt appears on the surface of the curtains, they become dusty and absorb odors, especially if they hang in the kitchen or dining room. Caring for such products requires knowledge of a number of rules, in particular how to wash curtains in a washing machine and what cleaning products to use.

  • 1 General recommendations and preparation
  • 2 Features of washing curtains made of different fabrics
  • 3 Cleaning without removing 3.1 Dry cleaning
  • 3.2 Wet cleaning and steaming
  • 4 Drying and ironing
  • 5 Conclusion
  • General recommendations and preparation

    Clean curtains at least twice a year, and preferably four times. The frequency of washing curtains depends on the location of the house: if it is a busy street with a lot of cars passing, the curtains get dirty faster than in a house located in a village or park area. I often have to wash curtains from the dining room and children's room. Washing curtains hanging in the kitchen is much more difficult if you do not remove stains in time and do not dry clean them. To ensure that the fabric retains its color, shape, and does not shrink, you should follow the recommendations for caring for these products.

    When using an automatic machine, a number of conditions are observed:

    1. The curtains are carefully removed from the hooks, being careful not to damage the fabric.
    2. The curtains are shaken out and cleaned of dust.
    3. Dirt on the canvas is removed using stain remover or dishwashing detergent.
    4. Curtains are washed separately from other items.
    5. The drum compartment is filled halfway - in this case, stains from detergent compositions will not remain on the curtains.
    6. If there are decorative decorations, the curtains are placed in a special bag and washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
    7. If you use conditioner, the fabric will wrinkle less and the curtains will remain smooth.

    Washing curtains by hand is done as follows:

    • Dissolve a detergent suitable for the fabric in warm water and soak the curtains.
    • Then pour clean water, add detergent and wash.
    • Rinse the products thoroughly, changing the water.


    Features when washing curtains with eyelets

    Eyelets are rings that frame the holes into which the cornice is threaded. The material from which the eyelets are made depends on the possibility of removing the rings. Plastic ones are often removable, as there is a risk of deformation. Metal ones are more static.

    Do not be afraid that the metal rings will corrode after washing. Modern manufacturers try to use high-quality metal that is not capable of harming the material. A big danger is the grommet separating from the curtain fabric - use laundry bags to prevent this problem.

    The correct way to wash curtains with eyelets in a machine wash is to use a delicate program with the spin mode turned off. Strong friction, and even more so twisting, are contraindicated. The permitted temperature usually does not reach 40 degrees. The detergent is selected based on the type of fabric, with preference given to liquid detergents. They are easier to rinse out than powder.

    Upon completion, the curtain should be straightened immediately and the rings should be wiped dry with a soft, dry cloth. Neglect can lead to loss of presentable appearance.

    Features of washing curtains made of different fabrics

    Processing conditions and the choice of cleaning products depend on the type of material, as well as on the design of the product, which may consist of several layers of fabric, have embroidery, folds, muslin, glass bead trim and other decorations. Below are ways to clean different types of curtains:

    Type of curtainsWater temperatureRules of careNotes
    Organza, veil30ºCUse the “Hand Wash” mode, without spinning.Excessive temperatures may cause the fabric to turn yellow.
    Capron45-60ºCProcessed using a washing machine.
    Taffeta50ºCGentle wash without spinning.Do not dry it, just hang it on the ledge.
    Chintz30ºCWash by handTo preserve the color, rinse the canvas in water at room temperature, adding vinegar.
    Cotton40ºCMachine washableIt is better to wash by hand to prevent the fabric from shrinking.
    Linen40-60ºCProcessing in an automatic machine.Iron damp curtains - there will be no creases or folds.
    Polyester, viscose, acrylicNot higher than 40º CManual as well as machine processing using a delicate mode is recommended.Do not iron.
    Silk, satinUp to 30ºCIt is advisable to process by hand, gentle washing in an automatic machine is allowed.Place the curtains in a protective bag.
    Matting (Oxford fabric)Depending on the compositionIf the matting is made of cotton, the product is machine washable; If there are synthetics in the fabric, processing is carried out at low temperatures. PVC matting curtains are washed with a damp cloth.
    Velvet30ºCDry cleaning is recommended. You can wash it by hand from the inside out so as not to damage the pile.When using a washing machine, velvet curtains shrink.
    Blackout40ºCA single-layer product is machine washed, a multi-layer product is washed by hand or dry cleaned.Hang on a ledge while damp.
    Tapestry50-60ºCDry cleaning recommended.Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or brush.
    Roller blindsDry clean only allowedIron through gauze.
    With eyelets30ºCMachine washable curtains with eyelets are only allowed when using a special bag.The use of detergents that oxidize metal is prohibited.
    Roman30-40ºCAfter removing it from the rail, it is treated manually with detergents on a horizontal surface.Do not wring out after rinsing.
    Thread curtains30ºCNylon curtains are washed by hand, and with glass beads - in the machine, after tying them in knots and placing them in a protective bag.If you have beads made of wood or metal, the product should not be wet.
    Japanese curtainsNot higher than 30º CWithout removing it from the window, fold the product, then remove it from the fasteners, put it in the bathtub and wash each plastic part with your hands.

    How often should you wash curtains?

    There is no need to wash curtains every month. If dust settles, you can simply shake it off. This will also help prevent dust mites. If you have allergies, you can refresh your curtains once every two months. But at the same time, try to keep your house or apartment clean: do wet cleaning more often, ventilate the room and wash the floors.

    Frequently washing curtains and tulle is not recommended because they are usually made from delicate fabrics. With regular washing, the material becomes deformed, loses its original appearance, stretches, and puffs appear.

    Depending on the operating conditions, you can determine how often you need to wash the curtains. If they hang in the kitchen, where they cook regularly, then they need to be washed at least once every four months, that is, 3 times a year. In the bedroom or living room, you need to wash the curtains at home a couple of times a year: in winter and spring. And here we’ll give you advice on how to remove brilliant green from a carpet.

    Cleaning without removing

    If the curtains are not very dirty, washing is not necessary. Such curtains can be cleaned by leaving them on the curtain rod. There are different ways to process curtains this way.

    Dry cleaning

    Curtains made of tapestry, flock, velvet and other dense materials are cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment. The main thing is not to damage the structure of the fabric with the brush.

    A vacuum cleaner is usually used for the top part of curtains, where there is a lot of dust, and it is difficult to remove it with a rag.

    Wet cleaning and steaming

    This cleaning method is suitable for roller blinds, which are cleaned with a sponge soaked in soapy water.

    Steaming, which is done using a steam generator or an iron with a vertical steam supply, will also help refresh and disinfect products. This cleaning method cannot be used if the material shrinks when the temperature increases.

    How to wash linen items

    When washed correctly, a linen shirt or other item will become even softer and more comfortable.

    The easiest option is to wash the fabric yourself without using stain removers.

    It is highly undesirable to use bleaches containing chlorine or other aggressive components. Bleach creates friction, which negatively affects the material. Regular laundry soap is ideal; you need to apply it in the required amount and soak the items in the soapy solution for half an hour.

    To prevent things from becoming wrinkled, add fabric softener, however, natural linen will still not look perfect.

    You can wash linen correctly in a washing machine, if you observe the temperature conditions and other add-ons.

    How to wash linen in a washing machine

    The rules for machine washing linen clothes are based on a delicate attitude towards the fabric:

    • Regular washing powder is not recommended. It is better to give preference to powder for delicate washing or children's washing.
    • Don’t forget at what temperature you can wash things in an automatic machine, and see if there is an authorization icon on the label. The temperature regime for colored clothes should not exceed 40 degrees, and undyed 60 degrees.
    • We turn on the machine for “hand wash” or select the delicate mode. This will be the washing mode for linen.
    • Spinning should not be done at high speeds. Set the value to 400-500 rpm.

    Drying and ironing

    The following rules for drying and ironing products will help extend the life of curtains:

    1. curtains are dried flat, avoiding exposure to sunlight;
    2. It is prohibited to dry curtains on heaters, radiators and other heating devices;
    3. iron the curtains from the wrong side, while the fabric should be damp;
    4. It is much faster and easier to iron semi-dry fabric than overdried fabric;
    5. The seams are straightened with the tip of the iron, otherwise they will be printed on the front side of the curtains.

    It is important to know! To ensure that no iron marks remain on the material, you need to iron it at the temperature indicated on the product label.

    Here are some more useful tips to help you properly care for your curtains:

    Author:

    Zakharova Nina Afanasyevna

    I hope you like my article! If you find any shortcomings, just write to me about it! I am always ready for a conversation and will answer any questions you have, ask them!

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