Washing curtains for the holidays - how to wash curtains?
Pre-Christmas cleaning is the perfect time to take care of the appearance of our home. Curtains play an important role in interior decoration, but in order to maintain their luster, they require regular care. Washing them may seem complicated, especially with delicate fabrics, but by following a few rules, you can effectively refresh them and give them a new look.
Why you should wash your curtains?
Curtains are one of those interior design elements that can give a room a cozy and elegant character. However, over time they become a habitat for dust, grease and even cigarette smoke if someone smokes in the house. There is no denying it - these pollutants not only affect the appearance of the curtains, but can also deteriorate the air quality in our home. Particularly vulnerable are white curtains, which easily gray and lose their fresh, aesthetic appearance.
Regular washing of curtains is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of health. With each wash, we get rid not only of visible dirt, but also of allergens, such as dust mites, which can effectively make life miserable for allergy sufferers. And what's more, the refreshed curtains let more light into the rooms, making the interior look brighter and more spacious. Clean curtains really do make a difference - just take them out for washing to see how much dirt they have collected.
And yet, nothing completes the festive atmosphere like clean, beautifully displayed windows. So if your curtains in the living room began to resemble "gray curtains" more than an elegant decoration, it's a sign that it's time for a little refreshing metamorphosis. Even the simplest home remedies, such as soaking in water with baking soda or table salt, can work wonders. With just a little effort, you can restore the curtains to their former shine, and at the same time take care of the health and comfort of the household members.
How to prepare curtains for washing?
Before you start washing curtains, it's a good idea to prepare them properly to get the best results and avoid damaging the fabric. To begin with, gently shake the dust off the curtains even before they are removed from the curtain rod - this will remove superficial dirt and make further washing easier. Then soak the curtains in lukewarm water with a tablespoon of baking soda, which effectively dissolves greasy stains and other stubborn dirt. Finally, remember to sort your curtains by material - delicate fabrics such as tulle or polyester require special treatment and careful washing to preserve their structure and appearance.
In how many degrees to wash curtains?
Wondering, at what temperature to wash curtains, so as not to damage them? Here are the ground rules:
White curtains - best washed at low temperature, approximately 30-40°C.
Colorful fabrics - require cool water, so as not to lose color intensity.
Delicate fabrics - use gentle washing program and avoid high speeds when spinning.
Hand washing - how to take care of delicate fabrics?
Handwashing is the safest solution, especially when washing curtains made of delicate fabrics. How to do it?
Fill a large bowl or a bathtub with lukewarm water.
Add a mild detergent, preferably with addition of liquid for washing white fabrics.
Dip the curtains and knead gently, avoiding rubbing, which could damage the fabric.
Rinse several times in clean water - perform the last rinse with with the addition of table salt, which prevents electrification of curtains.
Washing curtains in the washing machine - what rules apply?
Curtains made made of durable materials can be washed safely in a washing machine. Here are the most important tips:
What program to wash curtains? - Select special program for curtains or gentle washing program.
In how many degrees to wash curtains? - Always set the water temperature at 30-40°C.
What to wash curtains with? - Use a mild detergent, avoiding ordinary powder, which can leave white streaks. You can use fabric softener to prevent electrification of the fabric.
The drum of the washing machine do not overfill - curtains should move freely.
Use protective bag, to avoid damage.
Curtain color - how to wash colored curtains?
White curtains over time, they may turn gray or yellow, which takes away their characteristic luster. To restore their pristine whiteness, it is advisable to wash them in lukewarm water at 30-40°C, using a mild detergent designed for white fabrics. If the curtains are heavily soiled, baking soda or table salt added to water will work perfectly - these are simple home remedies that act as natural bleaches.
In turn cream curtains, although less susceptible to graying, require just as much care to keep them from losing their soft, warm hue. When washing, avoid bleach, which can cause discoloration. To take care of them, it is best to use gentle liquids for washing colored fabrics, which protect their shade and structure. If you notice greasy stains on them, it's a good idea to soak the curtains in water with a little dishwashing liquid before washing - this simple trick effectively removes dirt without damaging the fabric, and your cream curtains will look like new again.
Curtains made of dark materials, such as navy blue, graphite or black, are an elegant and modern choice, but their care requires even more care. Dark colors are more susceptible to fading, so they should be washed in cold or lukewarm water, preferably at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Detergents for dark fabrics are a must-have - protect colors and prevent streaks. As with colored curtains, avoid spinning at high speed, as this can lead to creases and weaken the fibers. Curtains made of dark materials are best dried in the shade, away from direct sunlight, which could accelerate fading.
Home ways to refresh curtains
If your curtains have lost their luster and are starting to look gray or tired, you don't have to look for new ones right away. It is worth trying some proven home remedies to restore their freshness. One foolproof trick is to add two tablespoons of baking soda to the water when washing or soaking - baking soda effectively removes dirt and restores lightness to fabrics.
Another secret is potato flour, which you can use during the last rinse - it acts as a natural softener, giving the curtains a soft texture. If, on the other hand, you want to whiten white curtains, add a little table salt to the water.
What about difficult greasy stains? This is where dishwashing liquid comes to the rescue! Just add a few drops to the water during the initial soaking - its degreasing properties will perfectly cope with the dirt that may have formed in the kitchen. With these simple tricks, your curtains will look like new again, and your interior will gain brightness and elegance.
Drying and ironing curtains
Drying and ironing curtains are key steps to enjoy the perfect result after washing. It is best to hang the curtains while they are still damp - this way you will avoid unsightly creases, and the fabric itself will beautifully straighten under its own weight. It's a really easy way to save yourself ironing! However, remember to avoid the tumble dryer - although it may be tempting for convenience, unfortunately, delicate curtain materials can easily be damaged or lose their original form.
If the curtains nevertheless need ironing, approach it gently. Set the iron to a low temperature and use the steam function - this clever trick will make the fabric smooth in a few moments, and you will avoid the risk of burning or damaging the fabric. Remember that well-pressed and freshly hung curtains are a detail that really makes a difference in the appearance of the entire interior!
The most common mistakes when washing curtains
Here's what to avoid:
Washing in normal powder - may damage delicate fibers.
High turnover - deform the material.
Setting the temperature too high - remember that water temperature should be low, especially for delicate materials.
Caring for curtains is a great way to emphasize the character of the interior and bring harmony and freshness to it, and proper care will make them pleasing to the eyes for a long time. At lodgers.en you will find beautiful curtains in a variety of colors that will be perfect for any room - from an elegant living room, to a cozy bedroom, to a practical kitchen. With a wide selection, you can easily match them to your style and needs!
