Washing your Curtains and Blinds Properly – Here’s The Guide

 

Outdoor Blinds Melbourne

Do you shy away from cleaning your best curtains and blinds of Melbourne? Then at least the curtains should be in tip-top shape. Curtains and blinds not only protect against the sun or prying eyes, but they are also decorative - provided they are clean. Here you can find out how often you should wash them and what you have to consider.

Wash them properly

Fabrics trap dust, pollen and other debris from the air. Nicotine also discolours the curtains in a smoker's apartment. And kitchen vapours and soot can also cause unsightly stains. That's why you should only take the curtains down and shake them well before washing. This way, you prevent unnecessary creasing and can already remove coarse dirt or dust. Also, remove all hooks, rings, and metal or plastic parts to avoid unsightly pulls or rust spots.

Tip: If you want to be on the safe side, put the curtains in a laundry net. This protects the fabric from damage.

The right detergent for washing curtains

A conventional mild detergent is usually completely sufficient for washing your curtains. There are special curtain detergents for white curtains or light colours, which are usually more expensive than conventional detergents. They usually contain bleach, which effectively fights yellow or grey discolouration - but also harms the environment. Most commercially available universal or heavy-duty detergents also contain bleach, so you can use it if you have any doubts. In any case, observe the manufacturer's instructions for use and dosage.

White curtains and blinds: remove discolouration and stains with home remedies

Unfortunately, curtains and outdoor blinds in Melbourne never stay bright white for long. Even in non-smoking apartments, yellow discolouration or a grey haze can occur quickly.

For the sake of the environment, you don't have to fight these stains immediately with chemical cleaners. Simple home remedies usually help:

  • Baking soda: Add some baking soda to the washing powder. Alternatively, for stubborn stains, soak the curtains in a tub of water and baking soda overnight.
  • Vinegar or citric acid: Before washing, soak the curtains in a tub with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Soda: Mix water with washing soda in the bath – follow package recommendations for dosage – and soak the curtains. Rinse well and optionally machine wash.

The optimum temperature for washing curtains

A look at the label is still the safest way to find a suitable temperature for your curtain washing cycle. If this is no longer available, you are usually right with 30 degrees and a gentle cycle or the delicate wash program.

Curtains made of robust fabrics such as linen or heavy cotton can withstand temperatures of up to 60 degrees. This is an effective way to combat mites, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

Tip: Spin as short as possible and at low speeds to avoid creasing.

Dry curtains properly

The simplest trick for drying curtains without having to iron them: After washing, it is best to hang the curtains back on the rod while they are still damp and smooth them out. Never put it in the dryer, the risk of creases is high.

Avoid direct sunlight for the drying process, otherwise, the curtains can quickly discolour.

How often should you wash curtains?

If you want to enjoy the sight of your curtains for a long time and have them hanging in your home as dust-free as possible, you should wash them once or twice a year. Allergy sufferers can also clean their curtains more frequently. The same applies to anyone whose curtains are exposed to nicotine, soot or cooking fumes. However, each wash cycle can attack the fibres and colours, so you shouldn't overdo it either.

To end,

For more thorough cleaning of your affordable curtains and blinds in Melbourne, you can use some water and mild detergent to clean. However, be sure to check the care instructions beforehand or ask your specialist retailer whether your panel curtains can handle moisture or even a gentle wash. We hope next time you wash your curtains and blinds, you get good end results.