Your Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Dusty Curtains
The curtains might go unnoticed when it comes to deep cleaning your house. This is when they become a magnet, collecting everything dust, pet hair, air pollutants and quietly stockpiling allergens while you go about your life. Eventually, they start looking tired, and worse, they can affect the air you breathe.
Therefore, cleaning curtains regularly is crucial in creating a lively and healthy environment inside a home. But where do you start?
In this guide, we cover everything about how to clean dusty curtains to keep them fresh.
How to Successfully Clean Dust Off Your Curtains?
Dust can naturally accumulate on the curtains, and stains can also develop to the point of producing odors, discoloration, and even respiratory problems. Proper curtain cleaning can keep your curtains away from dust and allergens. Whether vacuuming, machine washing, or steam cleaning, following the right process can make curtains last long and keep a fresh smell in your home.
Step 1: Assess Your Curtains
Before cleaning, assess your curtains to determine the correct method of cleaning.
- Check the fabric type of your curtains. They can range from cotton, linen, and velvets to synthetic blends. Each needs a different cleaning approach which must be followed closely.
- Look for care labels and instructions on your curtains before you toss them in the washer. The manufacturers usually include special instructions for washing, drying, and ironing.
- Identify strong stains and odors, as they may need prior treatment before washing.
Step 2: Routine Maintenance – Dusting and Vacuuming
To avoid accumulating dust, get in the habit of cleaning your curtains regularly.
- Always have a handheld vacuum with you to assist in cleaning your curtains; naturally, one with a soft-bristled nozzle, just to get the job properly done.
- If you cannot suck out dust using a vacuum cleaner, just go outside in the open air and give the curtains a shake to expel most of the dust bunnies.
- A lint roller is ideal for cleaning curtains. It works wonders on those fine fabrics that happen to collect pet hair or fine dust.
Avoid dust contact by cleaning the windows and using an air purifier.
Step 3: Machine Washing Curtains
For machine-washable curtains, follow these curtain cleaning steps that may be given on the curtain:
- Before you wash your curtain, determine the fabric you’ve got and apply the cleaning advice to that type of fabric. Examples include cotton, polyester, and synthetic blends; these go along with machine wash.
- Some fabrics are delicate or sensitive to cleansing agents. Choose the proper detergent to wash clothes without damaging them by picking a mild one.
- Set the correct wash cycle while machine washing. Consider opting for a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking and fading.
- After cleaning, let the curtains cool down from the wash. In general, air drying is the best; if sensitive, then tumble dry them on low heat.
Otherwise, if you may want to use a machine to wash but are not confident when it comes to your cleaning ability, consider allowing some local professional laundry services to do it safely.
Step 4: Handwashing Delicate Curtains
- Lace, silk, and velvet textures are primarily hand-washed and should be handled carefully so as not to destroy their texture.
- Wash it with lukewarm water mixed with a mild detergent so as not to damage the texture and color. It cannot be hot or too cold, for it would certainly shrink the fabric.
- If it’s still not working out, and a spot does not give, you need to do something and rub it out with a soft sponge or piece of cloth.
- And finally, rinse well to avoid any soap residue in the curtains. Dry the curtains in a ventilated area and away from the sun. For delicate materials, you can also utilize professional services to avoid damaging your beautiful curtains.
Step 5: Dry Cleaning
- Steam cleaning is the best method for thicker curtains or curtains that are not machine or hand-washable.
- Use a cloth-safe steam cleaner, keeping it several inches from the curtain and moving it evenly back and forth over the surface.
- It’s a timesaver to use something that dissolves stains such as a solution of vinegar and baking soda or mild soap dissolved in lukewarm water; to pinpoint the stains that need cleaning.
- Air-dry the curtains after steam-drying. Make sure that the curtain is properly dried to avoid any dust and stains from settling on the fabric.
Dry cleaning is great for refreshing curtains without removing them from their rods.
Step 6: Ironing and Rehanging Curtains
- Do not simply let freshly washed curtains crumple up on your chair; give them a press. Otherwise, they may wrinkle, ruining the fabric. Iron your curtains first before rehanging to achieve an impeccable, wrinkle-free look.
- Ensure to iron on the correct temperature and steam setting. Use the lowest setting suitable for your fabric.
- You may also use a steamer as an alternative. A handheld steamer can remove wrinkles while the curtains are hanging.
- Rehang your curtains once you are done ironing them. Hang the curtains evenly on the rod to keep the appearance sleek.
Good ironing and hanging methods will help improve the overall appearance of your curtains.
Keep Your Curtains Fresh and Dust-Free
Regular curtain cleaning is one thing that cannot be skipped when doing home maintenance in order to keep everything in a clean and healthy environment. Dust and allergens build up slowly with time, and cleaning should be more of a routine habit. Whether by vacuuming, machine washing, or with the help of professional laundry services to remove any painted-on dirt, rest assured that the curtains will last longer and help promote good indoor air quality.
If you follow those cleaning-cum-curtain-maintaining practices, the curtains will remain dust-free, look good, and smell fresh. And if all of this cleaning sounds a bit much to you, consider hiring a top-tier professional laundry cleaning service like Laundry AE to keep your curtains looking as fresh as ever.
