Tips on Cleaning Curtains

When it comes to cleaning the home, often times the curtains get overlooked. It is not until the curtains have collected visible dust or people are expecting company that most home owners realize that curtains need cleaning too. Here are some tips on how to keep curtains looking and smelling fresh.

Keeping curtains fresh

You can avoid having to wash your curtains often or at all by including light curtain cleaning duties in your regular chores. Chances are your vacuum has a brush attachment that is suitable for removing dust and debris from your curtains. Likewise, simply removing your curtains and airing them out every once in a while helps them to look and smell much cleaner. Finally, a quick spritz with a deodorizer like Febreeze can keep your curtains from absorbing and perpetuating myriad of household smells.

Spot cleaning

If something gets spilled on a small area of your curtains or you notice discoloration near the bottom hem where they are gathering dust, spot cleaning is a quick and easy alternative to washing all of your draperies. Many laundry detergent brands offer cleaners designed for various material types. To ensure that the cleaner is safe for your curtains, spot test on a small, non-visible area first then proceed to your target area.

Washing curtains

If you have gone a long time without cleaning your curtains, then they are probably due for a wash. To determine the best way to wash your curtains, check their care label. If your curtains are machine washable, make sure you remove all hardware before placing them in your machine. Even if your curtains are machine washable, it is best to test the detergent for color safeness first on a small, non-visible portion of the fabric. You can also preserve the color and condition of your curtains by washing them gently in cold water and allowing them to air dry.