9 Easy Curtain Cleaning and Care Tips – Revive Your Old Curtains

June 12, 2022 - , ,

Carpet cleaning - white and grey curtain

Curtain cleaning is an important step for a beautiful space but also for a healthy environment.

As your curtains gather dust, not only will they look unattractive, but they can also pose several health dangers.

If you’re looking to revive your curtains and make them look new again, there are a few things you can do.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean and restore old curtains, so they look new again.

We’ll go over the different methods you can use, tips on keeping them looking new for longer, and the supplies you’ll need.

Let’s get started!

7 Tips to Make Your Curtains Look Brand New

There are a few different methods you can use when it comes to curtain cleaning. Here are some steps to follow:

1) Give Your Curtains a Wash

When curtains gather dust, it can be tempting to vacuum them off. However, this can damage the fabric over time.

If your curtains are very dirty, you may need to soak them overnight before washing them.

Washing them by hand in a tub or sink is also a great idea. You can use a mild detergent and warm water for this.

You can wash your curtains in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.

Be sure to use a laundry bag or pillowcase if your curtain is delicate, and rinse them thoroughly afterwards, so they don’t end up with any soap residue.

If your curtains are particularly dirty or stained, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.

There are many commercial curtain cleaners on the market, or you can make your own by mixing one part vinegar with four parts water.

Just be sure to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

2) Spot Clean Your Curtains

If your curtains only have a few stains, you can spot-clean them with a damp cloth and some mild detergent.

Just be sure to blot the stain rather than scrubbing it, as this can damage the fabric.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try using a stronger cleaning solution like vinegar or oxygen bleach.

Again, test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Spot-cleaning is also a great way to clean curtains made of delicate fabrics like silk.

3) Use a Lint Roller

If your curtains are made of a fabric that attracts lint, you can use a lint roller to remove them.

Just be sure to roll in one direction, not back and forth, as this can damage the fabric.

Lint rollers are also great for removing pet hair from curtains.

4) Remove Dust with a Vacuum

If your curtains are dustier than they are dirty, you can use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove the dust.

Start at the top of the curtain and work your way down, careful not to damage the fabric.

You can also vacuum your curtains with the upholstery attachment to remove any dust that has gathered in the folds.

Just be sure to vacuum in one direction and not back and forth, as this can damage the fabric.

If you have curtains made of delicate fabrics, you may want to skip this step and dust them with a soft cloth instead.

5) Dye Them

If your curtains have started to fade, you can dye them to restore their colour.

This is a great way to refresh an old pair of curtains or change the colour altogether.

You can buy curtain dye at most fabric stores, or you can dye them yourself using a fabric dye kit – be sure to follow the instructions carefully, so you don’t damage the fabric.

Dyeing your curtains is also a great way to add pattern or colour to plain curtains.

You can use stencils to create a design or tie-dye them for a unique look.

Just be sure to wash them separately from your other laundry for the first few washes, as the dye can bleed.

6) Bleach White Curtains

If your white curtains have started to yellow, you can use bleach to restore their colour.

Using a non-chlorine bleach is the best bet and be sure to test it on a small area first to ensure that you don’t damage the curtain fabric.

Bleaching your curtains is also a great way to remove any mildew or stains that may have developed over time.

Remember to hang your curtains in a well-ventilated area to dry, as the fumes from the bleach can be harmful.

Depending on the thickness of your curtains, you can also use a dryer on low heat.

7) Hang Them Up to Dry

Although you can machine dry your curtains, hanging them up to dry is the best way to prevent them from shrinking or developing wrinkles.

If you don’t have a clothesline, you can hang them over a shower curtain rod or any other rod that will fit.

Just hang them up as soon as they’re done washing, as letting them sit in a wet pile can also damage the fabric.

Hanging your curtains up to dry will also prevent them from developing mildew or musty smells.

8) Iron Them

If your curtains are made of a fabric that wrinkles easily, you may want to iron them after washing.

Just be sure to use the lowest heat setting on your iron, and don’t iron over any stains or decorations as this can damage the fabric.

Ironing your curtains is also a great way to remove any creases or wrinkles that may have developed over time.

9) Store Them Properly

When it comes to storing your curtains, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you want to make sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place.

Second, you want to make sure they’re stored in a way that won’t damage the fabric – so avoid folding them or hanging them up for long periods of time.

The best way to store curtains is to roll them up and place them in a storage bag or box.

This will help protect the fabric from dust, moisture, and damage.

5 Simple Curtain Cleaning Supplies

folded curtain

When cleaning your curtains, you’ll need a few simple supplies.

1) Mild Detergent

You’ll need a mild detergent for most curtain fabrics.

If you’re unsure, test the detergent on a small area of the curtain first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Mild detergent is essential because you don’t want to damage the curtain fabric or strip away any of the colours.

You can find mild detergents at most supermarkets or online.

2) Non-chlorine Bleach

If your curtains are white or light-coloured, you may need to use non-chlorine bleach to remove any stains.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the bleach carefully and test it on a small area of the curtain first.

Non-chlorine bleach is available at most supermarkets or online.

3) Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural fabric softener, so it’s excellent for curtain fabrics that are starting to look stiff.

Add half a cup of vinegar to your washing machine when you wash your curtains.

You can also add vinegar to a spray bottle and mist your curtains with it before hanging them up to dry.

This will help to soften them and make them smell fresher.

Vinegar is available at most supermarkets or online.

4) Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent way to deep clean and freshen your curtains. It is a powerful cleaning agent that removes dirt or grime from your curtain.

Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine when you wash your curtains.

You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and use it to scrub away any stubborn stains.

Another great way to use baking soda is by adding it to a spray bottle and misting your curtains with it before hanging them up to dry.

This will help to remove any musty smells from the fabric.

5) Fabric Dye

If your curtains are starting to fade, you can use fabric dye to give them a new lease on life.

You can find fabric dye at most craft stores or online.

You can use fabric dye to change the colour of your curtains completely, or you can use it to touch up faded areas.

Once you’ve dyed your curtains, hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Conclusion

Cleaning your curtains can seem like an unimportant task, but it’s essential to do it regularly to avoid health hazards and keep them looking their best.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your curtains looking new for years to come.

At Get Clean, we offer specialized cleaning services, including upholstery and curtain cleaning.

Give us a call at +61412615211 to find out the best options for you.

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