How to clean curtains. You must only dry clean curtains because the main fabric, lining, and interlining all shrink different amounts and you would ruin the curtains.
Rinse by blotting and let air-dry. If unlined curtains are stained all over, soak them for an hour in a bucket or sink in a mix of water, white vinegar, and a couple of drops of gentle liquid dish soap. Remove and hand-wash or put in the machine on the delicate cycle.
Velvet or lined curtains often require dry cleaning. If you're not sure, test the colorfastness by blotting a hidden spot with a wet white washcloth. If the color transfers to the cloth, take the curtains in for dry cleaning.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar & water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can effectively kill mould spores & eliminate odours. Next, liberally spray the vinegar solution onto the mouldy areas of the curtains.
Lined curtains should always be dry-cleaned. If your velvet curtains are not lined, check the manufacturer's laundering recommendations. Some velvet, such as polyester, can be machine-washed. If in doubt, vacuuming, steam cleaning and brushing are safe ways to clean velvet.
You can put them in the dryer. It might be a good idea to consider drying your curtains on a gentle cycle with low heat for a maximum of ten to fifteen minutes. This will help to get the wrinkles out as well as assure the longevity of your curtains.
Where possible, remove the lining and wash it separately. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Voile curtains are often made of lighter fabrics, so they are easier to take down and hand-wash in cold water.
Remove the curtain lining from the rail or hooks. Shake off any loose dust or dirt from the lining. Spot clean any visible stains using a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Gently rub the stained area with the cloth, using a circular motion.
Dip a soft-bristle scrub brush into the suds (not the soapy water) and then apply the brush to the fabric panel. Gently scrub the panel in a circular motion, working from the top to the bottom of the wall. Remove the suds with a wet, clean towel.
Soak the stained part of the item in cold water for about 30 minutes. Wash with the hottest water that is safe for the fabric and an appropriate amount of detergent. Check if the stain is gone before drying, and repeat the process as needed. Avoid using heat until the stain is fully removed.
Can you clean your shower curtain/liner in the washing machine? Yes. You should plan to machine-wash your shower curtain about once a month to keep it mildew-free. Be sure to double check the care tag on your curtain to make sure you clean it properly.
One of the best things about vinegar is its ability to remove stains on any fabric, and curtains are no exception. If a stain or spot appears, soak your curtains in undiluted white vinegar for at least two hours.
Thermal Curtains and Blockout Curtains
These curtains should be gently hand washed in cold water, taking care not to allow the coating to stick together. You should never rub or wring out the curtains as this could damage the lining. Allow them to drip dry in the shade using hooks, rather than pegs.
We recommend steam cleaning your curtains holding the iron or steamer away from the surface of the fabric, starting at the top and moving to the bottom, if you notice the fabric is getting wet hold the cleaner further away from the surface.
You can use a regular vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, as the sturdier fabric can withstand it. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the drapes thoroughly. Lint rolling. After vacuuming, use a lint roller or brush to remove any remaining tiny fibres or lint particles from the drapes.
Maintaining clean curtains
We advise you give them a deep clean about twice a year, but you may need to clean them more often if your home is prone to dust or odours. You can help keep them looking better for longer by going over them once a week with the brush attachment of your vacuum.
Professionals have equipment specifically designed to clean draperies. The process can be done in the home or office. A solvent, that is specially formulated, is injected into the drapery. The solvent is administered under pressure then extracted from the fabric, leaving the drapes in clean condition.
Steam clean curtains
A powerful, handheld steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment can often dislodge stains and dirt from curtains with the minimum of effort. Gentle, vertical strokes with the steam cleaner head should penetrate the fibres without drenching them.
Pre-treat your net curtains
Vacuum the curtains – This will get rid of dust, mould spores and spiderwebs but little else. If you're pushed for time it's better than nothing but not the best option. Use a vinegar soak – A bucket or basin of lukewarm water, with a cup of white vinegar.
Dish soap can be used to clean mildew on hard surfaces like showers and tile. However, it is not as effective as vinegar or strong household cleaners.
Numerous studies suggest that white vinegar can kill 82 per cent of household moulds, including those in your curtains. It is generally safe and can prevent future mould infestations. Aside from cleaning mould off curtains, white vinegar solution can also make the odour go away.
Featuring both fungicidal and antibacterial properties, lemon juice is another natural way to remove mould from tile grout.