Curtain cleaning is the most common household practice that requires precise skills. You should have a deep knowledge of curtain fabrics for elegant cleaning. If you don’t know about individual curtains, you may contact the supplier to get complete instructions. In this DIY guide, Dubai Curtains And Blinds has described all possible ways to clean window curtains while hanging. In addition, we have also enlisted the basic supplies to use for curtain cleaning. If you want to start your DIY project of curtain cleaning at home, follow our important guidelines to achieve your goal.
Curtains Cleaning Without Taking Them Down | A DIY Guide
For cleaning the curtains, you should understand the nature of the fabric used. Because each fabric material has specific instructions to follow for cleaning. In addition, it’s somewhat technical to clean window covering without taking it down. However, you can maintain your window covering by regular dusting, vacuuming, spot cleaning, and dry cleaning.
Supplies You’ll Require For Cleaning
- Duster/ Microfiber Cloth
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Dry Cleaner (Optional)
- A Mild Detergent
- Clean Water
Curtains Dusting
Curtain dusting is the best practice for keeping curtains clean and maintained. For appropriate dusting, you can use a duster or microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime particles from the curtain surface. Moreover, by shaking the curtains gently for 1-2 minutes while hanging from the curtain rod, these dust particles will be removed. The benefit of this practice is that it prevents your fabric material from being damaged. However, for stubborn dirt particles also called lint, you can also use a brush.
Vacuum Cleaning
Another effective technique to clean the blackout curtains while hanging is the use of a vacuum cleaner. But for proper vacuuming of each corner of the curtain, you need to use a stepladder. The brush must be soft and clean for vacuuming curtain fabric. However, the use of a soft brush ultimately protects your fabric material from damage and keeps its brightness.
Spot Cleaning
If you find stains or spills on the curtain fabric, you can use an easy technique of spot cleaning. For spot cleaning, you need to prepare a solution of water and mild detergent in the bowl. However, you can also add a stain remover for fast stain cleaning. Spray this solution on the curtain spotted or spilled area and rub it with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. It must be ensured that the detergent will be toxins-free and high-quality. Otherwise, it can damage your curtain fabric’s color and quality. After cleaning with solution, you need to air dry the curtain fabric for complete moisture removal.
Dry Cleaning
If you find grease or severe dust on your sheer curtains that reduces the ambiance of the curtains, you can dry clean them. It must be ensured that the dry cleaner probe is 6-7 inches away from the curtain surface while cleaning. Take the probe from top to bottom and left to right in every direction for smooth and efficient cleaning.
Curtains Maintenance Tips
- Protect curtains from huge sunlight exposure to prevent color fading.
- Always ensure an appropriate curtain length for hanging to prevent severe dust and debris.
- If possible, do regular dusting of curtains to keep them shining and dust-free.
- For a wrinkles-free curtain look, you can use iron and steam properly.
- To remove smell from curtains, different types of fresheners can be used.
Understanding Different Curtain Fabrics
Before beginning any cleaning process, it’s crucial to identify the type of fabric your curtains are made from. Common materials include cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, silk, and sheer fabrics like voile. Each has its own cleaning requirements. For example, velvet and silk curtains are more delicate and may require professional dry cleaning, while polyester and cotton are more durable and easier to clean at home. If you’re unsure about the fabric, check the care label or consult the curtain supplier to avoid damaging your window treatments.
Safety Precautions During DIY Curtain Cleaning
When cleaning curtains while they are still hanging, safety should be a top priority. Use a stable, non-slip stepladder or stool when reaching high areas. Ensure the floor area is free from water or cleaning agents to avoid slipping. If you’re using electrical tools like a vacuum cleaner or dry cleaner, make sure the cords are safely managed and not creating a tripping hazard. Also, avoid cleaning during wet or stormy weather if your curtains are near open windows, as it could affect drying or cleaning efficiency.
Frequency of Curtain Cleaning
How often you clean your curtains depends on various factors like location, weather, indoor environment, and fabric type. For example, curtains in kitchens may absorb grease and need more frequent cleaning, while bedroom or living room curtains can be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. Homes with pets, smokers, or people with allergies may require more regular curtain maintenance to reduce allergens and odors.
Removing Odors from Curtains
Curtains can absorb unpleasant smells from the environment over time, especially in kitchens or smoking areas. To remove odors without washing, consider spraying fabric-safe deodorizers or fresheners. Alternatively, you can make a DIY fabric spray using a mixture of water, white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon. Lightly mist the curtains and allow them to air dry naturally. You can also hang them near an open window for natural ventilation.
Dealing with Mold and Mildew
In humid environments, curtains are prone to developing mold and mildew, especially if they’re near windows that collect condensation. To address this, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, apply it to the affected area with a cloth, and allow it to air dry. Make sure the area is well-ventilated during this process. Regular ventilation and using moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in the room can help prevent future mold growth.
How to Handle Sheer and Delicate Curtains
Sheer curtains require extra care due to their light and fragile nature. Avoid scrubbing or harsh chemicals. Instead, use a handheld vacuum on a low setting with a soft brush attachment. For spot cleaning, blot the area gently rather than rubbing. If you’re using a steam cleaner, ensure it’s set on the lowest temperature to avoid fabric damage.
Curtain Steaming Tips
Using a garment steamer is a gentle and effective way to remove wrinkles, refresh fabric, and kill bacteria. Always hold the steamer a few inches away from the curtain and move it in a downward motion. Avoid lingering too long in one spot to prevent moisture buildup or potential heat damage, especially on synthetic or delicate fabrics.
Eco-Friendly Curtain Cleaning Practices
For environmentally conscious homeowners, consider eco-friendly cleaning agents and reusable tools. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that may release toxins into your indoor air. You can use natural products like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar for spot or odor removal. Microfiber cloths are also reusable and effective for trapping dust without needing sprays or polishes.
When to Consider Professional Help
While many curtain types can be cleaned at home, some situations call for professional assistance. If your curtains are made of expensive or antique fabrics, or if they have heavy embellishments, lining, or interlining, it’s best to take them to a professional curtain cleaning service. Additionally, if the curtains haven’t been cleaned for years and contain deep-set dirt, a professional service can offer a more thorough and safe solution.
Conclusion of How To Clean Curtains While Hanging?
It is summed up that cleaning the linen curtains without keeping them down is a somewhat tricky DIY project. By following our incredible guide, you can clean curtains efficiently without handling their large fabric folds. Moreover, we have explained all effective ways to clean curtains while hanging. To keep your curtain clean and durable for a long time, we have also enlisted some golden tips for curtain maintenance.
