Effectively washing curtains in a washing machine: how and on what mode to wash. How to wash curtains in a washing machine Is it possible to wash curtains in a washing machine

For every housewife, the question of how to wash curtains without ironing is very relevant, and this is quite understandable.

After all, it is quite difficult to smooth out fabric, especially large sizes, and not a single housewife can afford to hang wrinkled curtains.

Nowadays there are various models on the market that differ in texture, style, material used, and they all require special care.

Since some fabrics cannot withstand high temperatures when washed, spinning is prohibited. All this is ultimately reflected in the appearance.

Important care points

So, let's start in order, consider how and what materials to wash, because it is this procedure that directly affects their condition and ironing.

Linen

This structure, although rough, is quite finicky. If the model is made of pure linen, then the hostess will immediately note that a touch is enough for wrinkled places to remain on the surface.

They cannot be avoided when washing, so it is important not to cause more harm.

• Many people use the normal mode in the machine, but it is better to use the delicate mode;
• Set the temperature to no more than 40;
• Set the minimum spin.

Of course, it will take longer to dry, but this will save you from unnecessary smoothing processes. Before hanging, shake well and iron on the dryer.

But you shouldn’t dry it completely. It should be hung slightly damp; under its weight it will take the required shape and the surface will be smooth.

Silk, organza

These materials are very thin and delicate, and they require the same treatment.

The advantage of such things is that very thin fabric is easy to wash; if there are no visible stains or other contaminants, you don’t even need to use powder, all the dust will go away just like that.

But the disadvantages include deformation, which can occur as a result of high water temperature, spinning, or from contact with other things. The washing rules are as follows:

• There should be no other things in the machine;
• Temperature up to 30;
• “Delicate” mode;
• It is better to pack the curtains in a bag, of course, which is not painted, then the risk of damage to the drum is eliminated;
• The procedure is carried out without spinning.

These items dry fairly quickly, but they will need enough space to dry unrolled and flattened.

Should be hung slightly damp, do not wait for complete drying.

Tulle

If tulle is used, then care should be applied as in the previous version. The only difference is that the temperature can be set to 40.

If the tulle dries flat, it does not require ironing. Since the wet structure is quite heavy and smoothes out on its own under its own weight.

Velvet

A very capricious fabric, which, if not properly cared for, immediately loses its texture and becomes deformed. If the curtains are like this, the best thing to do is to have them dry cleaned.

This may not save money on maintenance, but at least you won’t have to buy a new product.

The thing is that the delicate pile does not tolerate long contact with water, it immediately deforms, the structure itself is also capable of stretching, so spinning is out of the question.

If you still have to wash it yourself, it is better to refuse the machine. At least some housewives still practice this method.

• It should be placed in a bath, water no more than 30, turn the fabric out so that the pile is in the middle.
• When washing, you should not wrinkle or rinse vigorously; everything should be gentle and careful. Also, when squeezing, there are no tourniquets as with ordinary things.
• Next, another point is drying. Here you will need a large vertical surface so that you can spread them out. There should be no folds, as they will leave bald spots.
• Place a blanket or sheet under so that it can absorb water; it must be changed periodically. Hang slightly damp.

Polyester

Quite practical and durable material. It can be safely machine washed, but it is still better to follow some rules.

The thing is that, despite the strength, large loads on the surface can cause harm.

But the harm is that with strong impact, the material will wrinkle, and since it is light in weight, drying will not help smooth it out. You'll have to use an iron and waste time.

• It's better to use a bag;
• Wash separately from any other items;
• Use no more than 40;
• “Delicate” mode;
• No spin.

It is necessary to choose a place where the water can drain into the container, then hang it and smooth it out.

If you follow these points, the surface will be perfectly smooth and you won’t need to remember about the iron.

Crinkled fabric

Quite durable fabric that is not afraid of manipulation in the machine and can withstand spinning. But there is still a drawback and it lies in the structure.

The surface has many folds, from which dust is quite difficult to remove.

Of course, technology can cope with many problematic situations, but in this case it is not very effective.

Therefore, you should resort to hand washing, which will be much healthier.

Do not use too hot water or soak the material for a long time. You can safely push it, but within reason.

It is better to hang it completely if space allows. Although the structure is wrinkled, when it dries, wrinkles from the ropes may remain. Therefore, we do not expect a completely dry state.

Thread curtains

The question here is not how not to iron, but how to prevent knots and tangling. Well, first of all, it’s worth saying that with their delicate appearance and delicate structure, they tolerate water treatments in a machine very well, they just require a little preparation:

• Along the entire length, it is necessary to tie with ropes;
• Next place in a bag;
• Temperature up to 40;
• Gentle mode;
• And medium spin.

But they need to be dried immediately on the ledge; due to their lightness, they will not take long to dry, but they will quickly return to their original appearance.

Summing up, we can say with confidence that ironing is directly related to the material and washing, without making mistakes, unnecessary manipulations with the iron will not be required.

• When the product is removed from the ledge, if possible, it is necessary to shake it out. This will allow you to get rid of most of the dust, and the dust that has clogged up in the structure will come to the surface, which will contribute to better cleaning;
• To remove dust, it is not necessary to use powder. As a rule, this is an aggressive environment that does not have a very favorable effect on the structure. You can use shampoo, it has a mild effect, but is no less effective.
• Often models have decor, embroidery, beads, and others. They can easily get damaged in the drum, so be sure to use a bag. If it is a very delicate decor, it is better to use hand washing.
• There should be no other things in the drum. In addition, it should not be overloaded, as this will significantly reduce the quality of the wash. If the models are large, wash in separate parts if possible.
• If you have doubts about the material, it is better not to take risks with the method. Perhaps, for the first time, just go to a dry cleaner, where they will tell you how to care for them.
• There is no need to create a specific schedule for water procedures. These products must be washed when dirty. If we consider that the most important factor that affects cleanliness is dust, then a lot depends on wet cleaning in the apartment. The time of year also matters. If it is summer, windows and balconies are constantly open, which accordingly increases the possibility of pollution.

In the kitchen, curtains and drapes require more frequent maintenance.

Summarize

The main thing is to understand the material and apply the correct machine modes.

In addition, it is always worth remembering that you should not overdry the fabric, but hang slightly damp items on the curtain rod.

In the room, a beautifully decorated window is the central composition. Tastefully selected curtains not only harmoniously complement the design of the room, but also protect from street light and noise. Like any textile, over time the curtains get dirty, dust and soot settle on them, and the material becomes saturated with foreign odors.

Many models can be washed in a machine, which greatly facilitates the housewife’s work, because thick curtains have a lot of weight and volume. Before starting washing, it is very important to correctly determine the type of material from which the curtains are made, since they are heavy or require a different approach.

For those who have decided to wash their curtains themselves for the first time, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with some recommendations on this matter. Typically, heavy curtains are washed twice a year, and in between washes, dust accumulated on the surface of the material is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Thin curtains require more frequent maintenance, especially if they are used where they absorb unpleasant odors and fatty substances formed during cooking. Curtains made of tulle, voila, are recommended to be washed at least once every 2-3 months, and the following rules should be followed:

• curtains are washed separately from other dirty items, and are pre-sorted by type of material, that is, natural fabrics cannot be combined with synthetic ones and vice versa;
• the drum of the machine should be filled no more than half, otherwise the product will not be able to be washed and rinsed properly;
• to clean curtains in a washing machine, it is better to use liquid detergents, since they are washed out of the fabric fibers faster than powders and do not leave streaks;
• heavily soiled curtains must first be soaked in warm soapy water and only then put into the machine drum;
• curtains decorated with decorative elements or equipped with eyelets should be washed in a special bag;
• If the type of fabric from which the curtains are made is unknown, it is better to play it safe and choose a delicate washing cycle.

Manufacturers of curtains always include a instruction manual for the buyer with their product, which describes the rules for caring for the product. Before throwing curtains into the washing machine, you need to study the label and be sure to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations when processing.

Washing standard straight curtains

When choosing a washing mode suitable for cleaning ordinary straight curtains without decorative inserts and decorations, they are guided by the type of material from which the product is made.

Thin tulle

The finest curtains made of tulle, silk, organza or voile require especially careful care. Such items can only be washed in a machine that has a delicate cycle and a spin switch. Washing is carried out as follows:

• The tulle is soaked for half an hour in warm water with a small amount of washing powder or gel.
• The machine is set to delicate mode (the water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C), the automatic spin is turned off and tulle is added.
• After the cycle is completed, the curtain is removed from the machine drum, shaken without squeezing, and laid out on a wire rack, allowing excess water to drain.
• Thinner curtains made of organza and voile can be immediately hung on the cornice, where they will smooth out perfectly without any ironing. Silk and semi-organza can be lightly ironed with a not too hot iron.
• To make tulle wrinkle less when washing, you can put it in a pillowcase or a special bag.

Important! After washing, tulle curtains must be rinsed thoroughly, for which use the additional rinse function. Washing powder trapped between fabric fibers can form yellow streaks when exposed to sunlight.

Viscose, acrylic

Recently, curtains made of or acrylic have become very popular. This is explained by the practicality of products made from these materials, a wide range of colors and low cost. Perhaps acrylic curtains have only one drawback - the fabric quickly accumulates static electricity, so an antistatic agent is added to the water when rinsing.

Curtains made of viscose or acrylic are machine washed on a delicate cycle. The fabrics can withstand water temperatures up to 40 °C. Before starting processing, you must turn off the spin and automatic drying mode.

Important! Textiles made from acrylic or viscose should not be twisted. This action can destroy the structure of the fibers, and the item will be irrevocably damaged.

Cotton, linen

Lovers of natural materials prefer to decorate their home with curtains made of or linen. These materials are durable and can withstand high temperatures when washed. Thus, white cotton or linen curtains can be washed even at a maximum temperature of 95 ° C with pre-soaking.

It is better to wash colored cotton on the “cotton” cycle, which provides a water temperature of no more than 60 °C, and for processing items with a bright printed pattern, it is better to reduce the temperature to 40 °C. Spin and rinse as usual.

Taffeta

Modern material is often used to make home textiles, including curtains. This fabric requires the following washing rules:

• Machine washable in delicate cycle at water temperature no more than 30 °C;
• It is recommended to use only liquid detergents;
• Do not use bleaches or other aggressive agents;
• automatic mode is disabled;
• the fabric must not be twisted.

After the excess water drains spontaneously, the taffeta curtain is laid out to dry.

Velvet, velor

Velvet or velor curtains are very difficult to care for; it is better to dry clean such textiles. If you still decide to do laundry at home, then you need to remember a few rules:

• It is better to fold the curtains with the wrong side up and fix them in such a position that the fabric cannot unfold when washed;
• cleaning is carried out in a delicate mode at a water temperature of no more than 30 ° C;
• The washing time is set to a minimum, since velvet shrinks greatly when soaked for a long time.

Velvet and velor curtains are dried in a horizontal position so that they do not pull back and change their shape.

Curtains with eyelets

Recently, in many apartments you can find curtains with eyelets. Eyelets are metal, plastic or wooden rings inserted into the fabric and serve to secure the curtain to the cornice. Conscientious manufacturers try to make eyelets from high-quality material that is machine washable.

The rules for caring for such products are as follows:

• curtains with eyelets are washed in a special bag;
• if the eyelets are made of cheap plastic, it is better to disassemble them and put them back in place after washing;
• washing mode - delicate, water temperature no more than 30 °C;
• It is better to replace washing powder with shampoo or gel.

After washing, curtains with eyelets should be immediately removed from the machine and dried by laying them out on a horizontal plane.

How to wash thread curtains

To properly wash what is fashionable today, before washing, you need to weave several loose braids out of threads or tie the curtain in some places with twine, otherwise the fibers will get tangled. This work can be done even before removing the curtain from the cornice.

Then the thread curtain is placed in a special bag and washed in the machine, setting the “delicate” mode. Curtains made of muslin do not require special drying or ironing; they dry directly on the curtain rod and straighten out under their own weight.

Blackout fabric

Black out textiles lead the market for materials used for sewing curtains. This is explained by the optimal combination of quality and price, practicality in use and ease of care, and the aesthetic properties of the material. Black out curtains do not allow street light to pass through at all, so it is advisable to use them in a bedroom or children's room. In addition, at the production stage, the fabric is impregnated with special substances that repel dust and dirt.

These curtains are washed at a water temperature of 40 °C, and you can use automatic spinning. If you hang the damp fabric on a curtain rod, you won't need to iron it.

If you follow the washing rules, home textiles will last for many years and will always have an attractive appearance.

How to wash curtains at home, especially if we are talking about luxurious curtains made of noble velvet, or draped curtains with eyelets? Interior textiles today are so rich and varied that for many housewives it becomes a real problem to find the right answer to this question.

In addition, it is important not only to wash the curtains, but also to dry them properly and then iron them so that they look as beautiful and presentable as before washing. How to remove various stains on fabric, for example, from splashes of wine, coffee, or traces of greasy fingers?

To ensure that your curtain in the living room, bedroom or kitchen is always pleasing to the eye and maintains its impeccable appearance and functionality for many years, take advantage of useful recommendations from experts in this matter.

Before deciding how to wash the curtains, you need to find out whether they can be washed at all, or whether only dry cleaning is acceptable. If machine or hand washing is allowed, the following basic rules should be followed:

1. Do not load the washing machine drum very tightly - the fabric simply will not wash, even if it is thin or light organza.
2. Be sure to sort your curtains by fabric type and color. You cannot wash colorful chintz curtains from the kitchen together with light chiffon curtains from the living room.
3. It is preferable to use liquid laundry concentrates. Loose powder can be difficult to rinse out of textile fibers and leave noticeable streaks. If there is no liquid detergent, you should turn on the additional rinse mode after finishing the main wash.
4. Regardless of the type of fabric in an automatic machine, curtains can only be washed in the “hand wash” or “delicate wash” mode. Spinning at high speeds can lead to tearing of the fabric, so it is better to avoid it.
5. If the curtains are very dirty, covered with various stains, then before washing the curtains, they need to be soaked in a basin with stain remover and washing powder or soap. Any detergent must first be completely dissolved in warm water, and only then soak the textiles.
6. How to properly wash curtains if they are bulky and simply do not fit into the drum of the washing machine? Very simple - they are cleaned in the bathroom. To facilitate and speed up the process, heavy, dense curtains are previously knocked out or vacuumed using a special attachment.
7. To make the curtains easier to iron, they do not need to be wrung out and dried in the machine. Ironing curtains is easier and faster if they are slightly damp.

How often should you wash curtains? There are no clear rules here; it all depends on how badly and quickly they become dirty. In summer, when windows and balconies are open, a lot of street dust accumulates on the fabric.

Grease, soot, and tobacco smoke settle on kitchen curtains if someone in the household smokes. Therefore, they need to be cleaned more often. In winter, you can do without washing at all, just vacuum the curtains periodically.

Features of washing thick curtains

Thick curtains include curtains made of satin, velvet, taffeta, and linen. These can be curtains of the following types:

• roll;
• Roman;
• Japanese;
• multi-tiered lambrequins;
• regular ones on hooks.

Prolonged washing, the use of aggressive powders and gels, and contact with high temperature water are very undesirable. Therefore, first you should vacuum the curtains, no matter what type or type they are, or at least thoroughly shake off the accumulated dust. If individual stains are noticed, you can try to wipe them off from a dry cloth with a paper eraser.

Did not help? The stain is then treated with a suitable product depending on its origin and type of fabric. After this, the curtains can be washed completely in an automatic machine or bathtub. Roller, Roman or Japanese curtains simply cannot be rolled up and placed in the drum of a washing machine. How to wash such curtains in the bath?

1. First, prepare a liquid washing solution - dissolve powder, gel or soap in warm water.
2. Then, using a sponge or soft brush, apply it to the curtains and clean them.
3. Finally, the textiles should be rinsed well. This is best done using a shower.
4. Curtains of this design are dried in a horizontal position. For convenience, you can place stools in the bathtub and straighten the curtains over them. When all the water has drained, the wet curtains are moved to a clothes dryer or table and dried there.
5. It is not recommended to immediately hang damp curtains on the curtain rod - the fabric may stretch under its own weight.

Silk curtains should be washed with special care, even the material is dense. Only liquid products are used, the maximum water temperature is 30 degrees.

If you are using an automatic machine, you will need a special bag or an old pillowcase for silk curtains. Silk with the addition of viscose can be washed at a temperature of 40-45 degrees; in hot water they can fade and become deformed.

If the curtains have metal eyelets - rings sewn into the fabric through which the cornice is threaded - then they cannot be completely washed even in the bathroom; rust may appear on the fabric around the rings. How to solve a problem? The top edge of the curtains hangs over the edge of the bathtub. And then the curtains are cleaned as recommended above.

How to tidy up thin curtains

The upcoming washing of thin and airy translucent curtains always frightens inexperienced housewives. And it’s completely in vain - there’s nothing complicated about it. Tulle fabrics are indeed very delicate and require a special approach. But they also wash off quickly and easily.

Tulle and organza can be machine washed, but you also need to use a special bag or mesh for this. The “push-up” mode does not turn on; the water temperature should be no higher than 40 degrees. If the curtains are very dusty and dirty, then first soak them for several hours in a basin with a solution of soap or washing powder, or overnight.

After this, just wring out the tulle a little, move it into the drum of the washing machine and turn on the rinse mode. They will be clean and snow-white again.

By the way, organza curtains do not need to be dried or ironed, but hung on the curtain rod immediately after washing. They will look great, the fibers of this fabric quickly straighten under their own weight, but the textile itself does not sag or lose its shape.

Very often, users ask how to wash exclusive curtains made of threads, beads and glass beads. Such products can only be washed by hand. You cannot rub them, you can only perform gentle squeezing movements. The curtains are rinsed from the shower, after which they are allowed to drain and moved to the curtain rod, where they dry completely.

Classic thick curtains and airy curtains look impressive, create comfort, protect the room from drafts and bright sunlight. But a lot of dust accumulates on the curtains, so they need constant care and periodic washing. The rules of care depend not only on the material of the curtains, but also on the style.

Textile care

Depending on their purpose, curtains are made from natural or artificial fabrics, light or thick, colored or plain. If the curtains have a manufacturer's label, no questions arise: it indicates the fabric composition and suitable washing, ironing or dry cleaning modes. But in cases where the exact composition of the fabric is unknown, general rules should be followed:

• if the curtains are made of velvet, brocade, satin or natural silk, it is better not to try to wash them yourself, but to dry clean them or use the services of a cleaning company;
• Products made from cotton, linen, viscose or synthetic fabric can be washed. Hand washing is preferable: it is more gentle;
• Before washing the curtains, they should be freed from dust (shake out well or clean with a vacuum cleaner) and soak for 1-2 hours in cold water with the addition of liquid detergent or shavings of laundry soap (50 g per 10 liters of water). The water needs to be changed 2-3 times;
• It is recommended to wash with washing gels at a temperature not exceeding +40 Cº, without exposing the fabric to friction;
• The product must be rinsed thoroughly. Table vinegar with a strength of 9% is added to the last rinse water (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per liter of water);
• to avoid possible shrinkage of the fabric, you need to wash and rinse curtains with water at the same temperature;
• After washing, to make ironing easier or to do without it, do not twist the fabric, but only squeeze it lightly with your hands. Then the water is allowed to drain and the panels are dried in a straightened form away from heating devices and direct sunlight.

Washing curtains in a washing machine

If the house does not have conditions for washing large items, then you will have to use an automatic machine. For textile curtains of simple styles (without rigid lambrequins, figured gathers and permanent decor) made from natural and synthetic fabrics, machine wash is suitable. If the manufacturer allows washing in an automatic machine, then it is better to use liquid detergents for delicate fabrics.

When washing curtains in a machine, adhere to the following rules:

• select the “hand wash” or “delicate” modes: with a water temperature of 30–40 Cº and the spin function disabled;
• Before washing, completely free the upper edge of the panel from hooks, rings, hangers and other removable decor. The laces of the curtain tape should be securely tied together so that during washing they do not fall into the holes of the drum and are not pulled out of the drawstring;
• in cases where the fabric has some vulnerable non-removable decor or eyelets, before being immersed in the drum of the machine, the panels are placed in a mesh washing bag or in a large pillowcase (70x70 cm);
• The drum is loaded to no more than 50% of its volume: there should be room for free rinsing. At the end of the wash cycle, do 1-2 additional rinses to completely remove the detergent. Curtains with lambrequins on a solid base, as well as roller blinds, Roman and Japanese blinds, are not machine washable.

Features of washing curtains made of tulle and organza

Before washing, items made from tulle or organza are soaked overnight in a solution of table salt (add 8 tablespoons of salt to 10 liters of warm water). After this procedure, stains are washed off more easily.

When used for a long time, white curtains made of thin materials often acquire a gray or yellow tint, which is difficult to get rid of when washing. Modern tulle and organza are synthetic fabrics; they cannot be boiled, but after washing you can use oxygen bleach, then rinse the products again in plenty of water.

If there is no bleach, you can restore the whiteness of tulle or organza curtains in another way:

1. Add ammonia (1 tablespoon) and hydroperite (5 tablets) or 3% hydrogen peroxide (2 tablespoons) to cold water (10 l).
2. Soak the product in the resulting solution for half an hour, stirring from time to time, then rinse thoroughly in cold water.
3. After the water has drained, it is best to dry the curtains directly on the curtain rod: then you don’t have to iron them.

Features of washing curtains with eyelets

These curtains look great and are very easy to use: they are easy to hang on a rod and move almost silently along the curtain rod. Eyelets can be detachable or non-detachable, made of metal, wood or plastic. It is better to remove them before washing, but this is only possible if they are detachable. To strengthen the upper edge of the panel, nylon grommet tape with an adhesive layer is often used, so that the holes with the edging removed can withstand washing without deformation.

If the eyelets cannot be removed, then in order not to damage the machine drum and tear the fabric, it is better to put the panel in a special washing bag or wash it by hand. Fabrics with metal or wood inclusions should not be left in soapy water for a long time; it is advisable to reduce the washing time to a minimum. Such a product cannot be wrung out in a machine and it is undesirable to wring it out with your hands. After the water has drained, the item is dried flat on a rope or horizontally on a terry sheet.

Features of washing filament curtains

Before washing, curtains must be dusted off and freed from hooks or rings. Carefully divide the threads into three parts and braid them into a braid, securing them at the bottom with a regular rubber ring. Instead, you can tie sections up to 50 cm long with ribbons to prevent the threads from tangling.

If the curtains are not decorated with glass beads or beads, then the item prepared and placed in a washing bag can be put into the washing machine, turning on the delicate cycle and using liquid detergent for colored fabrics. But it’s safer to wash it by hand: place the curtain in a basin of soapy water, lightly squeeze the strands and release them. The water is changed 2-3 times until it becomes clear, and this completes washing the curtains.

A well-rinsed and slightly wrung-out curtain is hung over a basin or bathtub. When the water has completely drained, wrap it in a terry towel and squeeze it out a little. Then the threads are unraveled and the curtain is hung in place: in this state it will dry quickly without losing its shape.

Caring for Roman, roller and Japanese blinds

Roman blinds, removed from the cornice and freed from hard plastic or wooden slats (slats), are a strip of dense fabric. The manufacturer's label indicates care methods, whether washing is possible and in what mode. If there is no label, then you need to adhere to the general washing rules for curtains outlined above.

Sometimes manufacturers treat the fabric with dirt-repellent impregnation. This is easy to check: drop some water and see if it is absorbed or remains on the surface. If water is absorbed, it means that washing will not damage the fabric, but if not, then prolonged exposure to the detergent can destroy the protective coating. The slats are inserted into place until the fabric is completely dry.

You can try to remove simple stains using a regular eraser, then wipe the curtain with a foam sponge moistened with neutral dishwashing detergent or hair shampoo, and then rinse with plenty of water, preferably under shower.

Roller and Japanese curtains made from synthetic materials with dirt-repellent and hydrophobic (water-repellent) impregnations, for which washing is impossible, are washed in the same way.

Cleaning curtains with lambrequins

Curtains made in designer workshops are often decorated with lambrequins (shaped removable parts made of the same material, on a fabric lining or a solid non-woven base). All parts of the set must undergo the same cleaning procedure so that the fabric on one of the parts does not differ in structure and color from the others.

Therefore, curtains with lambrequins are not washed, but cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and treated with steam (using a vertical steam iron or a steam generator). Cleaning companies perform this type of curtain cleaning at home.

Correctly selected curtains guarantee a cozy and favorable atmosphere in the house. Beautiful curtains complete the interior design and help regulate the lighting in the room. But the curtains will delight you with an attractive appearance only if they are kept clean. Window curtains tend to accumulate dust and dirt particles, and for good air exchange they need regular cleaning.

Features of curtain processing

Textile curtains for windows perform not only a decorative function. They prevent bright light and street dust from entering the room.

But particles of dust and dirt do not disappear, but settle on the fibers of the fabric, which makes the curtains a kind of dust collector. Accumulated harmful substances pose a health hazard to residents. Therefore, cleaning curtains is a must.

Dry processing is carried out using synthetic brooms, a steam cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle. The most effective method of cleaning curtains from accumulated dirt is washing. However, it is recommended to dry-clean expensive textiles and some curtain elements, such as lambrequins, since home washing can ruin such items in just one time. Other types of curtains can be washed by hand or in a washing machine. The type of washing depends on the type of material from which the window curtains are made. Recommendations for cleaning can always be found on the product label.

Not everyone knows how often curtains should be washed. The optimal solution would be to clean the curtains every six months. If the apartment is located on the first floors of the house, where most dust and dirt settles, then the products are washed at least three times a year.

The nuances of cleaning different materials

The correct approach to cleaning curtains guarantees not only high-quality cleaning, but also extending the life of the products. Each material has its own characteristics, so you cannot neglect the rules for caring for curtains of a certain type.

Expensive natural fabrics need dry cleaning. Typically, home washing is contraindicated for curtains made of cambric, damask, calico, moire, muslin and brocade. These materials are characterized by shrinkage and rapid loss of shape due to washing in water. The correct solution for such curtains is dry cleaning.

Other types of fabrics can be washed by hand. Before washing in a machine, you should know which mode to choose for a particular type of material:

Experienced housewives advise washing curtains made from delicate fabrics by hand, since the machine method quickly leads to loss of color and softness of the fabrics. Recommendations on product labels will help avoid premature spoilage. If you have doubts about how to wash curtains correctly, there is always the option of taking them to a dry cleaner, where professionals can put the window curtains in order.

Machine wash and preparatory procedures

Before washing in an automatic washing machine, curtains must undergo preparatory procedures. First, the canvases are cleaned of dust deposits and dirt stains using the dry method. They can be vacuumed or simply shaken out. If there are hooks or eyelets on the curtains, they should be removed during washing. Products are soaked in cold water with the addition of a small amount of detergent. To avoid damaging the fibers of the curtains, it is not recommended to rub or squeeze them. The curtains are straightened on a rope and wait for the excess moisture to drain.

If these rules are followed, window curtains will not be damaged or deteriorate after being washed in the washing machine. Curtains should be ironed at the temperature indicated on the product label. Some materials do not require ironing.

Features of hand washing

Washing curtains by hand seems like a difficult and unpleasant task for young housewives. But this is a necessity if the products are made of delicate fabrics. Washing by hand will help maintain the attractive appearance of window curtains and avoid damage to the structure of the curtains.

After dry cleaning, the curtains are soaked for 1-2 hours in a soap solution. Then a large basin is filled with cold water, to which detergent is added. You can use powder, but to avoid white streaks it is recommended to use gel or washing balm. These products carefully remove dirt and prevent the product from losing its softness.

After rinsing, the curtains are not wrung out so that unwanted wrinkles do not form on them. Dry the straightened fabric on a bar in the bathroom. If possible, the canvases are placed on a horizontal surface. It is necessary to ensure that the curtains are not exposed to direct sunlight.

Cleaning different types of curtains

Washing curtains in a washing machine will save a lot of extra time. Ordinary drapes and curtains that fall from the eaves to the window sill or the floor itself do not cause cleaning problems. But some types of curtains require special care conditions.

Modern models differ in the way they are created. Sometimes they include parts that cannot be washed using the usual method:

• Curtains with eyelets. Eyelets are metal rings sewn into the upper part of the curtain and act as fasteners to the curtain rod. Some types of metals oxidize quickly, so you need to know the material of the elements so as not to spoil them with water. If washable, the curtains are placed in the washing machine with the setting required for the fabric. In this case, do not use aggressive detergents that can harm the eyelets.
• Kiseya. Beginners who have just purchased thread curtains often wonder how to wash curtains in a machine. If there are no decorative elements, the products can be placed in a special bag and loaded into the drum, setting the delicate mode. The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. Dry the curtains straightened on a rope. If there is decor in the form of wooden or metal beads, dry cleaning is applied to the curtains.
• Blackout. Blackout curtains with a multi-layer structure cannot always be cleaned with water. Products with a metallized or acrylic layer are processed dry. It is advisable to use washing if the curtains pass the paint fastness test. Apply a small amount of detergent to the area of ​​the fabric and wipe lightly. If the paint has not worn off, then the curtains can be washed by hand or in a machine at 30 degrees.
• Roller blinds. This type of blinds cannot be washed either manually or automatically. Roller curtains are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner using a special attachment. Difficult stains are removed with a soap solution using a soft sponge.
• Roman curtains. Such curtains can be washed by hand, after first removing the slats and other elements that are susceptible to moisture. Washing is carried out using baby powder or shampoo. To remove heavy stains, use a stain remover. To prevent the fabric from losing its shape, the slats are inserted back before the material is completely dry.
• Japanese curtains. Such products can be made of various materials. The plastic is washed with soapy water. Rattan and bamboo models are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Fabric panels are washed by hand by adding liquid detergent to water. After drying, the curtains are mounted back.

Fashionable curtains require careful treatment. Products should not be washed unless otherwise stated in the recommendations. Knowing the basic rules for cleaning curtains will help you avoid various problems.