How to Clean Curtains at Home Without Damaging Fabric: Step-by-Step Guide

Curtains are an integral part of any home decor. They offer privacy and light control to residents. Window drapes also enhance the beauty and aesthetics of any space. From sheer to blackout curtains, every type is made to offer distinctive benefits. Clean curtains provide a fresh-looking space and a welcoming venture to guests. In other cases, long-term dust and grime on curtains give an unwelcoming gesture.

If you want to know how to clean curtains? Here is the help for you. We have crafted this detailed curtain cleaning guide for homeowners. Follow the step-by-step instructions to wash curtains without damaging fabric. 

Why Regular Curtain Cleaning Matters

Regular curtain cleaning is essential to remove airborne particles and accumulated dust. Usually, dust on the curtains triggers asthma and allergy in patients. According to the report, 67% of people with dusty curtains require medication to control their allergies. Along with that, microscopic pests stayed on uncleaned curtain fabric, causing skin allergies. Moreover, mold spores on the fabric result in respiratory problems.

Curtains also absorb the surrounding odours from the kitchen, pets, and cigarettes, resulting in a pungent smell. That is why deep cleaning of curtains in Dubai can purify the air quality by 40%. To avoid allergy triggers, curtains should be washed after 3 to 6 months. Using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner can remove 95% of accumulated dust.

Check the Curtain Care Label First

Before moving towards curtain washing, it is important to check the fabric care label. Check for that white tag, either cloth can handle water or require gentle care.

The curtain manufacturer attached the tags according to the fabric care requirements. Here are all the tags that you need to understand before you go for a wash.

Machine Washable

It is usually represented by a tub icon. These drapes can be washed in a light machine cycle.

Hand Wash Only

This is represented by a tub icon with a hand inside it. Drapes with this sign are for handwashing only.

Dry Clean Only

When you see a circle only, that means curtains only allow dry cleaning.

No Tumble Dry

For a no-dry sign, a square with a circle and an X is used. That means, you do not need a dryer; just hang them straight.

Fabric That Usually Needs Extra Care

Not all the curtain fabrics are machine washable. Some require gentle hand washing. Once you understand everything about drapery fabric, there will be no confusion afterwards.

Velvet

Once you understand polyester velvet differently from regular velvet, things will get easier. Plush or heavy velvet is usually dry-cleaned. Polyester velvet can be machine-washed without a second thought.

Silk

This is the delicate fabric that even gets a spot of water. That is why silk requires dry cleaning to avoid any fabric damage.

Blackout

These dense fabric draperies have a strong backing that can tear during machine washing. To avoid cracking, do not tumble dry them.

Linen

They are highly likely to shrink. You need a gentle machine cycle and avoid the dryer.

Things You Need Before Cleaning Curtains

• Detergent
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Laundry Bag
• White Microfiber Cloth
• Dry Rack

Step-By-Step Curtain Cleaning Guide

To clean the curtains without damaging the fabric is a detailed process. You can follow the DIY curtain cleaning at home for quick results. Once you completely understand it, there will be no need to hire a professional cleaner.

Step-1: Remove Dust Before Washing

Before you begin, try to put off the dust from the curtains. One effective method is to take the curtains outside and shake them. You can use a strong vacuum cleaner to do this task. To avoid fabric damage, use the soft brush attachment. For sheer or any other delicate fabric, set the suction to low.

You need to start from the top and take it to the bottom. You can roll the adhesive paper over the curtain to remove surface dust. Afterwards, replace the sheet with a new one.

Step 2: Remove Hook, Ring & Hardware

Hardware and accessories can hinder the wash process. Thus, you must remove hooks and rings before washing curtains. Metal rings and hooks can tear the fabric during machine washing. Metallic accessories, when exposed to water, leave a rustic brown stain behind. That would damage the fabric and give an ugly look.

Step 3: Spot Test For Color Bleeding

When dealing with delicate curtain fabric, a colour test is mandatory. To avoid fabric damage, test the solution inside the seam. You can check the colour fastness on the inside. Take a white cloth and dampen it. You can rub the cloth lightly over the stained area for at least 30 seconds. Now, check whether the colour spreads across the cloth.

Step 4: Choose The Right Cleaning Method

Try to use a safe and low-bleach detergent that does not damage the fabric. The safest colour-bleeding test detergents are listed below.

• Use an enzyme-free detergent.
• Try an eco-friendly laundry detergent
• DIY Solution: Mix detergent in warm water.

How To Wash Curtains Safely

For the unlined or lightweight curtains, machine washing is a suitable option. Set the machine cycle on low to avoid fabric damage. You need to put up one curtain at a time to avoid curtain damage. When putting in the dryer, make sure to set the heat on low to avoid shrinking. Try to iron that damp curtain; that would be an effective go-to option. Let the drapery hang in the sunlight to avoid rust and mildew.

Best Washing Machine Settings Table

There is a major concern that everyone wants to know how to machine wash curtains without shrinkage. Here is the recommended curtain washing setting. Look at the table below to get an idea about machine settings.

How to Hand-Wash Delicate Curtains (Sheer)

You might be wondering how to wash delicate sheer curtains at home. Here is the answer.

For cleaning the lightweight sheer curtains, you will require a mild detergent. After cleaning, you need to take a towel. Lay your curtain on it, and roll it down. Rolling will remove excess moisture from the fabric.

Lace & Net

Lace and net cleaning require gentle cleaning in the machine. You can hand-wash them for more detailed cleaning.

Silk

This fabric is prone to hot water, which causes shrinking and wrinkles. For the silk drapes, you can choose the cold or warm water only.

Embroided

Embroidered curtains are a bit difficult to deal with while washing. To avoid thread and stitching tears, you must handle it carefully.

Vintage Fabric

Curtains made of luxury vintage fabrics require extra care. There are high chances that older fabric can easily be torn off and requires gentle handling.

Complete Fabric Guide Table

Wrapping Up

In Dubai’s extremely dusty, sandy weather, curtain cleaning is a necessity. Sometimes, accumulated dirt can lead to major respiratory problems in residents. Dusty curtains cause a bad odour that disturbs guests and homeowners as well. To keep your curtains looking fresh, it is vital to deep-clean them once a month. For the high-traffic areas, you can deep clean the drapes twice a month. By following the detailed instructions above, you can easily clean curtains at home without damaging the fabric. While doing the process, perform a colour test on the hidden areas of the drapes to avoid fabric damage. Send drapes for professional cleaning after every year of high use. Also, remove the accessories and read the label before you go for a curtain wash. For the more safety concern, you can consult with the draper manufacturer for the cleaning advice.