Here are Some Tips for Cleaning Your Curtains

Like all parts of your home, curtains and drapes require regular cleaning to maintain their looks. Additionally, cleaning can remove allergens like dust and pet dander, thus making your dwelling a healthier place. This article goes over what you should know when the time comes to refresh your window treatments, from drapes for the living room to bedroom curtains.

Check if Dry Cleaning Is Needed

Some curtains and drapes need to be dry cleaned, as pointed out by Sarah Aguirre on The Spruce. Attempting to clean such window treatments in another manner may leave them vulnerable to damage. According to Aguirre, curtains and drapes that have “stitched-in pleats or swags” should always be dry cleaned. (Washing these by hand or with a machine may cause shrinkage or disintegration.) Additionally, Aguirre recommends dry cleaning wool and cashmere.

But which types of curtains are not automatic candidates for dry cleaning? Aguirre lists these:

• Silk, which requires delicate hand washing, using “mild dishwashing soap.”
• Synthetic fabrics. Hand wash or machine wash these, or hire professional cleaners.
• Unlined cotton. This material can be washed by hand or in a machine, as long as it is unlined.
• Sheer curtains. In a machine, they should be washed on the machine’s “gentlest cycle possible.” 

On top of those guidelines, it’s always a good idea to consult any care instructions that accompany your window treatments.

Testing for Colorfastness

Before trying to wash your curtains and drapes at home, test them for colorfastness. Put detergent in a bowl with water, then see if putting the fabric in that mixture alters the color or causes bleeding. (Use a small, hidden part of the curtain or drape for this test.) Dry cleaning will be necessary if bleeding or other adverse effects result.

Vacuuming

Not all cleaning involves a trip to the dry cleaner’s or full-on hand or machine washing. Weekly vacuuming should be part of your cleaning routine, too. Make sure you’re thorough; for instance, living room curtains may accumulate hard-to-see dust on the top that should be vacuumed up nonetheless. Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Closing Tips for Cleaning Your Blackout Curtains

Before you wash a window treatment, remove items such as hangers and pins. And if your curtains require dry cleaning, make sure the business has experience with curtains. To be extra safe, Aguirre suggests hiring a specialized company that focuses on cleaning curtains and drapes.

Just as some companies specialized in cleaning window treatments, others specialize in providing them. That’s the case with Drapes Place, where we can meet your needs for blackout curtains, custom drapes, and much more. Contact us or visit our store to learn about what we have to offer!