Curtains are not an obvious part of your home that needs regular cleaning. You might give them a hoover every now and then but let’s face it, they just hang there. So how dirty could they really get?
Well, your curtains, because they are made from a fabric material, attract dust and absorb odours that naturally occur in your home. Here're a few reasons why they should be regularly cleaned:
• If you are a smoker, you will notice that your curtains become stained over time and will retain the scent of stale smoke. The same can be said of other household odours. Animals and cooking smells can all take their toll, and depending on your curtain colour, stains can be very noticeable indeed.
• Many people, particularly if they live in older properties will experience problems with condensation and damp around windows. This can leave your curtains stained and cause a lingering musty smell.
• If you suffer from allergies, then regularly cleaning your curtains could really help. Curtains trap allergens such as dust, pollen, mould spores and pet dander so keeping them clean is incredibly important.
You should clean your curtains every three months to keep them looking and smelling at their best. Follow our steps below to get your curtains looking ship shape and smelling fresh again in no time.
1. If your curtains are made of linen, silk or other sensitive fabrics, then they will need to be dry cleaned. The sensitivity of the fabric makes them unsuitable for conventional washing and they may shrink or be damaged by detergents. Also, if your curtains have beading, embroidery or other areas of detail it may be safer to send them to a professional dry cleaner. Curtains are expensive, it is better to get them cleaned professionally than risk damaging them. If your curtains are suitable, however, you can clean them yourself.
2. Some lightweight curtains can be washed in the washing machine. It’s very important to check the label first to ensure your curtains are washing machine safe or to see if there are any special instructions. The last thing you want to do is shrink or damage them. Heavy curtains will retain too much water so are unsuitable for the washing machine.
3. You may prefer to hand wash your curtains and if so you should use a detergent that is designed for delicates to avoid any damage to the material. Handwashing is best for curtains that are 100% cotton to avoid any shrinkage. Be careful when squeezing out water not to twist the curtains too tight as you may inadvertently stretch the material and in doing so damage their appearance.
4. Steam cleaning is easy and convenient. Use an upholstery attachment and steam your curtains from the top down. Before using a steam cleaner make sure your curtains are suitable for this method of cleaning and remember steam burns, so always wear protective equipment. Steam cleaning is ideal for very heavy curtains that you can’t wash. This method avoids the absorption of too much water and allows them to dry quickly.
5. Whether you choose to hand wash, or machine wash your curtains there are specialist curtain detergents available both online and in your local supermarket that are perfect for the job.
6. Avoid using the tumble dryer. The heat may cause your curtains to shrink and the dryer will cause creases that are a real pain to remove. Instead, wait until a dry and warm day and hang them outside. This will also leave them smelling clean and fresh and avoid any damp musty smells.
7. Once they are dry, iron them using a gentle setting but be careful on any areas of detail. They should now be looking as good as they did when you first bought them and are ready to be hung back up.
8. Vacuum your curtains with the soft brush attachment every week as part of your regular house cleaning regime. This will help you keep on top of the problem of dust and smells and keep them looking their best for longer.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to keep your curtains in tip top condition and leave them looking beautiful from both inside and out.
Written by Mike Pye
