7 DIY Curtain Cleaning Tips You Should Know – Going to a dry cleaning shop to keep your curtains fresh can be a big hole in your expenses. This is most especially if you own a curtain fabric that requires weekly to monthly cleaning. Not to mention, it’s also a hassle to carry those heavy fabrics back and forth from your house.

Fortunately for you, opting for dry cleaning shops is not necessary. There are several at-home tasks that you can do as an alternative. You just need to know the essential DIY curtain cleaning tips to help keep your curtains both safe and clean. Speaking of, this is what we’re going to walk you through in this article. Here is the list that you can refer to:

1. Know the right cleaning method for each curtain.

If you’re going to clean your curtains by yourself, then you should first acquaint yourself with the right cleaning methods.

You see, curtains are just like clothes. They come in various fabrics with different levels of sensitivity and fragility. Hence, it’s just right that you’re aware of the specifics before going in for DIY cleaning. The good thing is you can easily do this just by looking at a curtain’s label.

The style also plays a big part in how you should wash a fabric. For instance, blackout curtains, usually a mix of polyester and cotton, are best washed through steam. You can also wash it with water, but there are some precautions. Despite its thick fabric, you need to stay with a gentle wash and mild detergent.

Special wash instructions also come for curtains made out of velvet, silk, sheer, linen, and likes.

2. Make vacuuming a habit.

Vacuuming is one of the top-tier tips when it comes to DIY curtain cleaning. Doing this daily or weekly will already be a big thing to keep your curtains dust-free. Not only that, but it will also help remove dirt, pet hair, and other loose particles.

For some reminders, attach the vacuum’s soft brush every time you use it on the curtains. This is the best choice, no matter what fabric is at hand. It will also help the tool stay gentle while you’re using it. What makes vacuuming better is you can use it without taking down curtains. Just vacuum hanged curtains away, and you’re good to go.

3. Use cold water when washing curtains.

Another one of the essential things you need to remember is the importance of cold water. No matter what fabric, washing method, or curtain style you’re dealing with, wash them with cold water. The only exemption is when you’re steam cleaning, which we’ll discuss more later on.

Now, the reason why you need to use cold water is because of the curtains’ sensitivity to heat. If it isn’t available, then at least opt for normal room temperature. Either way, using this will help you avoid tears, wrinkles, and unnecessary damage to your curtains’ fabric.

4. Consider steam cleaning curtains.

In the former section, we discussed how steam cleaning is the only time you don’t need to use cold water. It’s because, in this method, you heat curtains to clean them instead of rinsing them in water.

Steam cleaning best fits curtains made out of heavy fabric types. These include cotton, heavyweight linen, and velvet. Even if your curtains aren’t heavy, you can still turn to this. This is a more convenient method if you just don’t have time to go through the whole washing process.

To do the method at hand, simply pour hot water into a container. Make sure that the container is high enough in the sense that only the steam will reach the fabric. Place it under the curtain that you want to clean. You may need to use more containers, depending on the length of your curtains.

5. Remove unwanted hair and fur through lint rollers.

If you have pets, you may want to consider getting a lint roller for your curtains. Using this will let you remove the fur that somehow stuck to your curtains. It may mean a lot of work, but lint rollers are much more effective in removing unwanted hair. You may also want to do this before fully washing your curtains.

Fortunately, lint rollers are affordable. Some are merely a dollar, while the highest quality can come up to $5 at most.

6. Treat stains as soon as they occur.

Since DIY curtain cleaning takes a lot of time, it’s best if you take care of stains immediately. May it be sauce, paint, or food, treat them through a spot wash or simple wipe. This will help you prevent ending up with permanent, ugly-looking stains. Not to mention, it can also be unhygienic since it can cause bacterial formation in the long run.

You can solve simple stains by wiping the stain with a damp cloth or tissue. Larger and more serious stains may need a swish of disinfectant spray before wiping. You can also use a mild detergent.

7. Don’t use harsh chemicals on your curtains.

By now, you probably already know that curtains are sensitive. This applies to all styles and fabrics. That said, it’s best if you avoid using harsh chemicals when DIY curtain cleaning. There are gentle detergents that you can buy over-the-counter.

Alternatively, you can make your own mild curtain cleaning solution. One of the best recipes consists of water, white vinegar, and liquid soap. The liquid soap can either be the one for washing clothes, bath, or dishwashing liquid. The first one is your best option, though.

For spot treatments, you can simply use white vinegar. Just mask the scent with perfume or disinfectant after.

7 DIY Curtain Cleaning Tips You Should Know – Conclusion

Curtains can be complex to maintain. You need to spend both time and effort regularly since they’re a big part of your home’s overall environment. Although opting for a dry cleaning service will save you the inconvenience, DIY curtain cleaning is also a good option. You just need to know simple tips like when to vacuum, dry, and the right water temperature.

Another thing, it’s also a must that you read a curtain’s label before following any DIY tip. This is where you can find everything that you need to know about the dos and don’ts of the fabric.