Curtains and drapes are somehow the same, but they are not completely. But to some extent, curtains and drapes have the same cleaning treatments. The curtain is light in weight as compared to drapes. Cleaning experts prefer the same cleaning methods for both curtains and drapes.
In this article, we will show you how to clean both curtains and drapes.
Note: First, check the fabric labels, then handle the curtains or drapes with care.
Have you noticed how much dust has accumulated on your curtains or drapes over the last few months? First and foremost: Read the care directions carefully as mentioned above to see if your curtains and draperies can be washed or if they should be dry-cleaned.
Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts for Curtains and Drapes
When Should You Dry Clean?
The linings and seams of your window coverings may shrink in the wash, even though they are made of washable fabric. If you’re unsure, it’s best to go with dry cleaning. Curtains and drapes with stitched-in pleats, swags, or other ornate decoration that may not tolerate washing should be dry-cleaned.
Special Fabrics of Curtains and Drapes
You may refresh velvet draperies without washing or dry-cleaning them; simply brush them with a soft white cloth bathed in hot water and well wrung out. If you must hand-wash silk curtains or drapes, use lukewarm or chilly water and a light liquid dish detergent. Swish softly, never twisting or wringing.
Damage of Sunlight
Constant exposure to sunshine can weaken even the most durable materials. When cleaning curtains and draperies in the washing machine, use the gentle cycle, cool or lukewarm water, and a mild detergent. If feasible, dry them on a clothesline or in a clothes dryer on a no-heat or delicate setting.
Sheer Curtains or Drapes
Even if the sheer curtains or drapes don’t appear dirty, they should be washed regularly since by the time dirt emerges, they can be irreversibly stained. Gently clean these delicate materials.
Make sure they don’t fill more than half the machine, then soak them in cold water for 5 minutes. Use a gentle detergent and, if desired, a whitening agent. Turn the dial to rinse to drain the water, then run the machine for 2 to 3 minutes on a soft wash setting.
Put the sheer drapes and curtains and a couple of terrycloth towels in the dryer for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. Pull into shape and rehang while still slightly damp. If necessary, place an ironing board near the window and iron the hems of the curtains or draperies while they are still hanging.
Smooth them with a portable steamer or the vertical steam setting of a standard steam iron. Drapes Cleaning is what all these you need to assure.
Cleaning Drapes & Curtains on a Regular Basis
After the deep cleaning, remember to dust curtains and drapes regularly with your vacuum cleaner’s soft-brush attachment or a soft, long-handled broom made of synthetic fibers (they catch dust much better than natural fibers).
If you use a vacuum cleaner, set it to low suction to avoid drawing the cloth into the nozzle. To prevent this, place a firm piece of a plastic screen between the nozzle and the cloth, or wrap an old nylon stocking over the nozzle with a rubber band.
If you can take down and rehang curtains and drapes with ease, air them out on a clothesline or put them in a clothes dryer set to no-heat or delicate cycle.
Step-by-Step Curtain and Drape Care
- Curtains or drapes should be measured before washing in case they need to be stretched back into form. Remove any hooks and weights, then loosen the tapes so they rest flat.
- Dust the curtains and drapes before cleaning them by passing them through a dryer on the no-heat cycle. Alternatively, shake them out, place them on a bed, and dust with a vacuum brush attachment.
- Don’t overfill the washing machine, and keep in mind that wet curtains or drapes become heavier.
- When hand-washing, do not rub or wring the fabric; instead, gently agitate it.
- Try to dry curtains in two parallel lines so that wet surfaces do not come into contact. Allowing the curtains to lay on wood may cause them to discolour.
- Iron while damp along the vertical length on the unshown side. To avoid watermarks, wet the entire curtain again if sections of it have already dried.
- To avoid puckering, stretch the seams gently while ironing then spread the curtains out on a clean surface, such as a bed, and pull them to the correct size.
- When the curtains or draperies are dry, insert the hooks and weights and pull the tape to the proper width.
- You may be able to save a step by hanging your curtains and then smoothing them with a portable steamer or the vertical steaming of a standard steam iron.
- Clean the valances that are attached to the wall before rehanging the curtains. Vacuum an upholstered valance and a wooden valance with the crevice tool; clean a plastic valance with a sponge dipped in a solution of liquid detergent and water.
- When rehanging curtains, it’s easiest if one person sits on a ladder to insert the hooks and another stands below to ensure the curtains don’t drag on the floor.
These are some of the curtains and drapes cleaning techniques. Keep in mind there are different kinds of curtains and drapes and they all require unique kinds of cleaning, washing, dusting, and vacuuming. If still, you are confused, don’t worry, contact local curtain and drapes cleaning companies.