Cotton and linen curtains can shrink a bit when washed at home, too.
It always helps to read the sewn-in label for specific instructions on how towash your curtains.
Read on for more details about how to wash and care for your curtains.
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Warning
Some curtains may have a label that reads dry clean only.
Doing anything other than dry cleaning is at your own risk.
Lace curtains can be washed in a machine if protected in a mesh bag.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Synthetic and linedblackout curtainsare likely fine to wash in the machine but check the label first.
Spot-Test Your Curtains
Check the care label on your curtains first.
Dab a white cloth or paper towel on the spot and see if any color is transferred.
Do not wash your curtains with any other items.
The bag will prevent fraying and other damage to the curtains.
Select Cold Water
Choose the cold water option on your machine.
Most washable curtains need to be washed incold waterwith a small amount of laundry detergent.
Dry the Curtains
Line-dry or use alow setting on a clothes dryerfor washable curtains.
Replace the curtain hardware and rehang your curtains.
Add Detergent
Add a few drops of liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent.
Swish the detergent around in the water to create suds.
Add Curtains
Submerge the curtains into the sudsy water.
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With a gentle hand, swish the fabric around in the water to loosen up dirt.
Replace with clean lukewarm to cool water.
Swish the curtains in the water to loosen the suds.
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Keep rinsing the curtains in clear water until all the suds are gone.
Gently and loosely roll up the towel to remove the excess water from the curtain panel.
Hang them over a drying rack or from a bathtub curtain rod.
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Do not hang them near a heat source or they may shrink or otherwise damage the fabric.
In that case,steam cleaningis an option.
Only machine-washable curtains can be steam cleaned, however.
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Some steam cleaners have attachments to steam upholstery or curtains.
If there is no warning, proceed to steam clean your curtains.
Prepare the Steamer
Fill the steamer’s tank with water according to your model’s instructions.
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Do not overfill the tank.
Plug in the steamer and wait for several minutes for the water to heat up.
Attach Nozzle and Test Fabric
Attach the correct nozzle per instructions.
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Hold the nozzle about 6 inches away from the fabric.
Start at the top and steam a small section at a time as you go down the fabric.
If the fabric is becoming too saturated with steam, hold the nozzle further away from the curtain.
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Attach a Drape or Fabric Tool
Put the correct tool onto the hose.
Let it hang to air dry.
If you still see dirt on the curtains, you could repeat the process.
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Treating Stains on Curtains
Treatingstainson curtains can be done just like you would do on a garment.
Blot again with a mix of sudsy water made with a couple of drops of gentle liquid dish soap.
Rinse by blotting and let air-dry.
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Remove and hand-wash or put in the machine on the delicate cycle.
Curtain Care and Repairs
Curtains can become worn at the bottom or torn and frayed elsewhere.
Pets can accidentally leave claw marks on curtains, too.
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Instead of tossing your curtains, try repairing them first.
Repairing Small Holes
Claws andmothscan create tiny pinholes in your curtains.
Fusible tape or fabric glue can repair this issue.
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Read instructions for each product for best results.
you’re free to try treating the hems with a fray-sealing adhesive product that dries clear.
Match the pattern of the curtain as you sew the tear together.
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If sewing is not possible, use fusible interfacing to fix the tear.
Cut a piece of interfacing a little larger than the tear.
Manipulate the tear so it looks as closed as possible and then place the interfacing over the rip.
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Fuse the interfacing to the fabric with your iron (read the interfacing instructions for the best setting).
you might make a run at stretch the fabric to reduce a small snag.
Ironing
It’s best to iron curtains while they are still slightly damp.
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If you are drying them in the dryer, take them out when they are 95% dry.
Use a low iron setting and a press cloth to protect the fabric.
Hang curtains immediately after ironing to avoid any wrinkles setting in.
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A hand steamer can eliminate wrinkles that may develop.
Storing Curtains
Store curtains by hanging them to avoid creases and wrinkles.
Choose a very sturdy, heavy-duty wire coat hanger to support one panel.
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Use one hanger per curtain panel.
Cover the fabric with acid-free tissue paper that is appropriate for the fabric.
For example, use buffered (treated) acid-free paper to store cotton, linen, and sheer curtains.
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Use unbuffered (untreated) acid-free paper to store silk, velvet, and wool curtains.
Hang or store curtains in a cool, dark closet.
you’ve got the option to go longer between washings by maintaining aweekly dust removal routine.
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Hang to air-dry and do not put them in the dryer.
Always check the label for specific cleaning instructions.
It’s best to hang these curtains outdoors for cleaning.
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Hang them taut so the backing cannot fold back on itself or touch anything else.
Sponge-clean with a gentle liquid dish soap and thoroughly dry the backing to avoid any mold growth.
you’re free to sponge-clean the front of the drapes, as well.
However, it is always best to read the label for cleaning instructions for your specific curtain.
Drycleaning & Laundry Institute.
