Curtains breathe life into homes. They add privacy, light control, security, and an aesthetic appeal to your spaces and beyond. With the wide range of textures, fabrics, patterns, and colours they are available in, curtains are guaranteed to meet whatever requirements you may have.
There’s one downside to curtains, though: they are made of fabric. Over time, they accumulate dust, dirt, smoke, and odour that can dull your home. They can also pose a serious health risk when left to dust for a long time. While it’s easy to toss your curtains in the washing machine, it may not always be the proper thing to do so. Much like your clothes, they require proper care to maintain their quality and extend their usability. Continue reading as we list some of the mistakes you should avoid in curtain cleaning.
5 Ways You’re Washing Your Curtains Wrong
- Using the wrong cleaning products
As said above, curtains are available in every texture, design, and fabric available—some requiring different cleaning solutions than the others. Make sure to do your research, know what fabric your curtains are made of and the right products to clean them. In general, however, you would want to steer clear of harsh cleaning ingredients that can fade your curtains rather too quickly. The best curtain cleaning Singapore uses cleaning solutions that effectively clean your curtains without damaging their fabric. It’s why seeking professional help is often the best decision you’ll ever make when it comes to your curtains.
- Loading everything in the washer
A lot of people repeatedly make the mistake of washing everything in the washer. While there are some that are machine-washable, there are also those that are designed for hand-washing or in some cases, dry cleaning. For example, most polyester, cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics can be machined and washed. Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and rayon are better hand-washed.
- Drying curtains under direct sunlight
Depending on the fabric, sunlight can make some curtains shrink. Its UV sun rays can also fade your curtains, damaging their prints and decorations. It goes to show how important it is to mind where you hang your curtains after cleaning to dry.
- Not treating stains immediately
The basic rules about treating stains are to treat them immediately, right before the stain sets in, so you will have better chances of removing them. It also matters to know what stained the fabric because it will affect how you treat the damage. Remove as much stain and be as gentle as possible to keep the stain from penetrating deeper into the fibres. Afterwards, avoid using heat on the stained area, as it can make it impossible to remove.
- Not washing them at all
It’s easy to overlook curtains when it comes to cleaning. Unfortunately, these fabrics are a magnet for dust, dirt, and other allergens that can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, and runny nose. In damp conditions, they can also serve as a breeding ground for mould and mildew that are linked to a number of serious respiratory problems such as asthma. All these explain why it’s necessary to clean your curtains regularly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Curtains?
For most households, cleaning your curtains every 3-6 months should be fine. However, you would want to increase the frequency if someone in your home:
- has allergies
- smokes indoors or near entryways
- has recently been sick with a cough or other communicable diseases
- have pets at home
Curtain Cleaning Options
When it comes to cleaning your curtains, you have at least three options: hand-wash, machine-wash, or professional laundry.
Hand-Washing: Dust and airborne particles can be easily washed by hand washing your curtains. However, depending on the weight and size of your fabrics, it can be quite a difficult task.
Machine-Wash: You can wash most curtains in the machine, particularly the ones made of polyester, cotton, and linen. But, if you have the more delicate fabrics like silk, velvet, or organza curtains, it’s better to take them to the dry cleaners. This is also true for curtains with embroidery and other ornate details.
Professional Laundry: By far the safest, most effective, and most convenient way of cleaning your curtains is taking them to a professional like Clean Care. These laundry and dry cleaning businesses have a team of experts that know how to handle your curtains safely and deliver unparalleled results. They can restore your curtains to their best possible condition—something you cannot achieve with doing the cleaning yourself.
How to Keep Your Curtains Clean Longer
Keeping your curtains clean and extending their usability is also a matter of maintenance in between cleanings. Check out these tips for cleaner curtains:
Vacuum regularly. At least once a week, vacuum your curtains to remove any surface dust, paying extra attention to the backside, hems, and edges. Do not use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum, its teeth may only damage your curtains.
Spot-treat. Check your curtains for stains regularly and spot-clean where necessary. However, make sure to test your cleaning solutions first on an inconspicuous area.
Press. Curtains look crisper and more elegant when they are wrinkle-free. If they appear creased or wrinkled, consider ironing them to smoothen the fabric. Make sure to check the care label for the recommended temperature settings to avoid damage.
Spray. Fabric fresheners work wonders in covering cigarette smoke and cooking odours from your curtains. They come if you want instant relief from the bad odours or when you can’t afford to have your curtains cleaned at the time.
Professional Curtain Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services
Clean Care offers reliable curtain laundry and dry cleaning services in Singapore. They boast a team of cleaning professionals that are experts in protecting and properly handling your curtains. Leave your dirty curtains to them and they’ll take care of everything from taking down your curtains, cleaning them, and putting them up again so you don’t have to.
Which curtain laundry mistakes are you guilty of? Let us know by leaving a comment.