Curtains

Curtains are one of the central elements in the design of every room.

They are the ones people pay attention to when entering a room. That's why it's so important to keep them clean.

In order not to spoil the curtains and make your own work easier, you need to know some features of caring for them.

Read on to learn how to wash curtains.

Is it washable?

Washing curtains by hand is difficult, so housewives have a very reasonable desire to delegate this task to a washing machine. However, not all curtains can be processed automatically.

Such exceptions include:

1. Wool curtains. They are washed by hand using shampoo.
2. Velvet products. They will not survive automatic washing. If possible, it is better to dry clean them.
3. Curtains with a large number of permanent decorative elements. Small parts can deteriorate themselves and also cause the washing machine to break down.
4. Curtains with acrylic layer.
5. Products with decorative metallic coating. If there is active friction against the drum, it can deteriorate.

Some housewives prefer to hand wash natural cotton curtains, as they believe that machine processing spoils the delicate material.To understand whether curtains can be washed automatically, you need to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Factory products always have a label indicating the rules for caring for them.. The crossed out image of a washing machine indicates that the fabric requires careful hand washing.

In an automatic washing machine: in what mode (program), at what temperature?

Before you start machine washing, the curtains need to be properly prepared. This stage includes the following activities:

1. Clean the product from dust. You can shake it out on the street or on the balcony, or vacuum the canvas.
2. All protruding threads are cut off. If there are loose seams on the curtains, they are sewn up.
3. Remove hooks and other fittings from curtains that may become detached during the washing process.
4. If there is severe contamination, for example, grease stains, they are cleaned. The desired area is moistened with water, a detergent composition is applied (liquid soap, powder diluted in water, gel for washing clothes) and left for 30-60 minutes.
5. If the stain does not disappear under the influence of the stain remover, it must be cleaned with a brush or rubbed by hand.
6. When the contamination has been removed, the area is rinsed in clean water and proceed to the main treatment.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

• place the prepared product in the drum of the washing machine;
• turn on a suitable program - the choice of mode will differ depending on the type of fabric;
• Most often, curtains are washed using the “delicate” or “gentle” wash program;
• spin speed should not exceed 500 rpm;
• The water temperature is set manually - for products made from delicate fabrics it is 30-40 degrees, for durable fabrics it can be increased to 60 degrees;
• After washing is completed, the curtains are removed from the machine and dried.

If you use a powder detergent to wash curtains, you can set the additional rinse mode to better rinse it out of the fabric.

Preference should be given to liquid detergents. They are activated even in cool water, penetrate fabric fibers better and cope with dirt more effectively.

How to use your hands correctly?

Hand washing is a gentle processing method. It is suitable for any type of fabric. During such washing, it is possible to work on the most contaminated areas, as well as control the friction force.

However, despite all the advantages of the method, it is the most labor-intensive. Massive, heavy curtains are especially difficult to hand wash.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

• shake off dust from the fabric;
• soak the curtains in the cleaning solution;
• remove existing stains;
• rinse the curtains;
• hang them up to dry.

The washing temperature depends on the type of fabric. Most often, water is used no higher than 40 degrees. Washing powder or gel is used as a detergent.

It is not recommended to wring out curtains. Twisting can lead to creases and deformation of the curtains. You must wait until the water drains on its own.

If hand washing is intended, then the hooks from the curtains do not need to be removed. This will make it easier to return them to their usual place.

How to clean without removing from the curtain rod?

You can wash curtains without removing them from the curtain rod using a steam generator.

Instructions for use:

1. Vacuum the curtains on both sides.
2. Lather the sponge and rub the areas where there is dirt.
3. Remove foam using a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
4. Treat the curtains with a steam generator, moving it from top to bottom.
5. Allow the fabric to dry on its own.

How to wash without ironing?

Ironing curtains is a labor-intensive process. Therefore, every housewife should know how to wash them so that they do not wrinkle.

Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

1. Wash the curtains in a washing machine without spinning or by hand without twisting the fabric.
2. Allow the water to drain completely. When it stops dripping, shake the curtains thoroughly.
3. Hang the curtains on the cornice while damp. Under their own weight, they will fully expand and take the desired shape.

If possible, immediately after washing the fabric is laid out on the floor, on a sheet or bedspread.

Washing frequency

Curtains should be washed as they become dirty. It all depends on the room in which they hang.. If we are talking about kitchen curtains, then they require frequent washing, as they turn yellow faster, and food stains often appear on them.

There are no specific recommendations in this regard. Housewives decide for themselves how often they will wash the curtains.

Read more about how often you need to wash curtains Here.

Features for different types of curtains

Depending on the type of curtains, the methods for washing them will differ. One matter requires careful treatment. Other fabrics can withstand high temperatures.

For example, velvet curtains cannot be washed in a machine, but cotton curtains can easily tolerate such treatment.

With hooks

Curtains with hooks should not be washed in a washing machine - Before processing you need to remove the hooks.

If this is not possible, for example, if there are eyelets, then the curtains are placed in a special bag. Even if the hooks come off during processing, they will remain inside and will not damage the drum.

Metal hooks may rust if exposed to water.. This will lead to stains that will be difficult to get rid of. When washing curtains with hooks, the spin mode is always turned off.

Velvet

Velvet curtains are considered the most capricious. Their improper washing leads to deformation of the product and loss of attractive texture. Therefore, their owners should not spare money on dry cleaning.

If you decide to wash a velvet item by hand, you must follow the following recommendations:

• fill the bath with water; its temperature should not exceed 30 degrees;
• turn the curtains with the nap inside and soak them;
• Gently rinse the fabric without wrinkling it;
• rinse the product;
• the fabric is not wrung out or rolled into a rope.

Linen

Many housewives make mistakes when washing linen curtains, handling them insufficiently carefully.Despite the fact that the structure of the fabric is rough, it requires a delicate attitude.

Features of washing linen products:

1. Shake off the dust from the material and load it into the drum of the washing machine.
2. Set the “delicate wash” or “cotton - gentle wash” mode. The water temperature should be no higher than 40 degrees, and the rpm speed should not be more than 400.
3. Lay the curtains out to dry on a flat surface.

Linen requires ironing. Even if you hang wet material, it will not straighten on its own.

Made from polyester

Polyester is sufficiently durable, so these curtains can be safely loaded into the washing machine.

Basic recommendations:

• place the product in the drum;
• set the “delicate wash” mode;
• the water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees;
• spin is turned off;
• After the cycle is completed, the water is allowed to drain.

Synthetic

Synthetic curtains are thin, they wash well and are easy to iron. Taking care of them is not difficult.

Basic recommendations:

1. Place the curtains in the washing machine.
2. Set the “synthetics - gentle wash” program. The water temperature should be 40 degrees, and the spin speed should be from 400 to 500 revolutions.
3. After completing the cycle, the curtains are slightly dried, ironed and hung on the curtain rod.

Iron synthetic curtains through gauze or other suitable fabric.

Viscose

Viscose is a synthetic material. Curtains made from it are soft and tender. They have to be washed often.

Important Recommendations:

• place the product in a washing bag;
• set the “silk” or “delicate wash” mode;
• the water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees;
• It is recommended to turn off the spin;
• pour liquid detergent into the washing machine compartment;
• wait for the loop to complete;
• Lay the curtains on a flat surface to dry completely.

Viscose curtains can be ironed at a temperature not exceeding 150 degrees.

Nylon

Nylon curtains are thin, so they should not be washed regularly. To get rid of dust, just walk over their surface with a vacuum cleaner. When the curtains become very dirty, they are processed manually.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution. The water temperature should be no more than 30 degrees.
2. Soak the fabric for 15 minutes.
3. Gently knead the wet fabric with your hands.
4. Rinse the product, let the water drain and hang it on the ledge.

Cotton

Cotton is a durable fabric that is machine washable. Basic recommendations for product processing:

• clean the curtains from dust;
• place them in the drum of the washing machine;
• set the program “cotton - gentle wash” or “delicate” mode;
• the rpm speed should not exceed 500, and the water temperature should not exceed 60 degrees;
• wait for the loop to complete;
• dry and iron the curtains, hang them on the ledge.

To get rid of creases and folds, iron the cotton fabric slightly damp or using steam.

Japanese

Japanese curtains can be made from various fabrics. The rules for caring for them will depend on this.

Important Recommendations:

1. Japanese curtains are very thin, so you need to wash them as little as possible.
2. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
3. For washing in an automatic machine, be sure to use a bag.

Ironing Japanese curtains is not recommended. They are hung on the cornice wet. They dry quickly.

For Bath

Bath curtains require regular cleaning. It is recommended to give preference to hand washing. Use both washing powders and soap solution.

To get rid of dirt, which most often accumulates at the bottom of the product, use a brush. Use it to gently but intensively rub the curtain, then rinse with clean water.

There is no need to dry bath curtains. They are hung on hooks wet. The water will flow into the bath and the product will straighten out.

Rolled

Rolled sheets Can be cleaned without removing. The following devices are used for their processing:

1. Vacuum cleaner. They are passed over the entire surface of the curtains.
2. Wet matter. It can be used to remove stains and dust.
3. A sponge soaked in soapy water. It is used in the presence of greasy stains.
4. Eraser. They remove dark stripes.

Roller blinds are the easiest to care for.

Tulle

Tulle requires gentle handling. However, its undoubted advantage is that it is easy to wash.

To prevent matter from deforming, you must use the following recommendations:

• shake off dust from the fabric;
• place it in a washing bag;
• load into the machine, setting the “delicate wash” or “silk” mode;
• the water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, and the spin cycle should be turned off completely;
• Wash the product and leave it to dry flat.

Tulle should be washed using liquid detergents. Hang the tulle slightly damp.This will eliminate the need for ironing.

Blackout

Blackout are thick curtains that block out sunlight. It is recommended to clean them manually without removing them from the curtain rod. For this purpose, use a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth.

If there is a need to wash the curtains, then preference is given to manual processing.. However, it will be difficult to cope with the task alone, since they are very heavy when wet. Hang them slightly damp. The canvas will fully expand under its own weight.

Blackout will tell you about washing curtains this article.

With eyelets

During processing curtains with eyelets It is recommended not to machine wash. When this is not possible, they must be placed in a mesh bag. If the iron ring comes off, it will remain inside it and will not damage the drum.

The water temperature and washing mode depend on what fabric the curtains are made of.. Spin is not recommended. To prevent iron rings from tarnishing and rusting, wipe them with a soft cloth immediately after washing.

Thread

At washing thread curtains the most important thing is to prepare them correctly.

Guide to action:

1. Weave curtains into braids.
2. Place them in a laundry bag.
3. Set the mode to “gentle” with a water temperature of no more than 40 degrees.
4. Thread curtains can be spun at a speed of 400-500 rpm.
5. Remove the product from the bag and immediately hang it on the ledge. Once they are in place, they are unraveled and allowed to dry completely.

If you don't braid the curtains first, they will get very tangled. It will be difficult to straighten them out.

What to do if you sit down?

If the curtains shrink after washing, you can take the following actions:

1. Open the bottom hem. On many products it is wide enough, so it allows you to hide shrinkage of 2 cm.
2. Increase the length of the curtains with fringe, which is sewn at the bottom.
3. Buy hooks that will be longer.
4. Move the ceiling cornice.

All these methods are irrational, since it will not be possible to achieve uniform tension, but it is quite possible to spoil the product in this way. Therefore, it is easier to prevent a problem than to spend energy and money on eliminating it later.

To prevent the curtains from shrinking, you need to follow the washing temperature, do not wring them out and dry them flat.

How to dry?

To properly dry the curtains and not damage the product, The following rules must be observed:

1. Allow the water to drain completely into the bath if the fabric is thin. After this, the product can be hung immediately.
2. Lay the curtains on a flat surface, placing fabric under them. This method is suitable for heavy, durable products.
3. Do not try to dry curtains while folded. There will be creases on them, which will be difficult to get rid of.

It is recommended to iron fabrics while damp. If time has been lost, use the steam function. It is prohibited to dry curtains on heating radiators or near fire sources.

Dry cleaning services

Dry cleaning includes curtains that are difficult to wash on your own.

These can be products from:

• natural silk;
• wool;
• blackout curtains;
• velvet curtains.

All of them are expensive, so their care should be left to professionals.

You can deliver the curtains to the company yourself, or call a courier to your home. In this case, you will need to pay additional delivery fees. Specialists will not only rid the curtains of dirt and dust, but also iron them. Some organizations offer their clients to hang them on a curtain rod.

The cost of work depends on the level of complexity. You can wash one medium-weight item in a washing machine for 300 rubles. The price of professional manual cleaning starts from 520 rubles.

Important Tips

To prevent washing curtains from damaging them, The following recommendations must be followed:

1. Do not place items of different color or material in the washing machine. They require separate processing.
2. When using stain removers for the first time, you should first test them on an inconspicuous area of ​​the fabric.
3. In order for the curtains to be rinsed well, the drum must be half full. Therefore, massive fabrics need to be washed one at a time.
4. If you have a laundry bag of a suitable size in your home, then you shouldn’t refuse to use it.

The less frequently the fabric is machine washed, the longer it will retain its attractive appearance.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.

Conclusion

Maintaining curtains in perfect condition is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The most important thing is to decide on the type of material and choose the right program on the washing machine.. Knowing little secrets will significantly save time on processing curtains.