How to clean your curtains and blinds

Curtain care is probably not at the very top of your To Do list, but there are actually many advantages in taking care of your curtains and blinds. Not only will you keep their appearance looking as good as new, but you will also save a lot of time and money in the long run.

What is the best way to wash your curtains? What method of cleaning is best for your blinds?

Read this blog for simple and effective tips and tricks on how to wash and clean your window dressings.

TIPS FOR WASHING YOUR CURTAINS

Although it may seem like a major task, washing curtains is no different from washing other delicate fabrics. Although there is one major difference - It's far worse if your curtains shrink than if your T-shirt does. So it's worthwhile giving it a bit of thought, before you get stuck into washing your curtains. This applies to both hand washing and machine-washing.

If there is a care label on your ready-made curtains you should of course follow it. Choose the recommended gentle cycle - typically a wool program with low spin. It is important that the water level is high, as high water level protects the fabric. If you have large curtains, consider whether you would rather do two washes, instead of putting both curtains together in the same wash.

If you are unsure whether the curtains can take a cycle in the washing machine, then you can of course wash your curtains by hand. Whether you wash your curtains by hand or machine, it's a good idea to hang them while they are still damp to avoid unnecessary folds while drying. Wring them well up or centrifuge them on low speed. Add newspapers or a towel under the curtains to collect excess water so you protect your floor.

If there is a care label on your ready-made curtain, of course you should follow the instructions. Select the gentle cycle the label recommends – usually a wool programme with a low spin. It's important for the water level to be high, as the high water level protects the fabric. When it comes to large curtains, it might be a good idea to do two washes instead of putting the curtains in the same wash.

If you are unsure whether your curtains can withstand machine-washing, then use the bathtub. If you do not have a bathtub you could always use the children’s (clean) paddling pool and a water hose. You can direct the water away from the pool using a hose. 

If, for example, you are directing the water out into the garden, be sure to use fully degradable, preferably organic detergent, so your flowerbeds or shrubs can benefit from the rinsing water. Your children will probably think it’s fun to help wash curtains when you do it like this. If necessary, you can of course also wash your curtains in the shower.

Whether you hand-wash or machine-wash your curtains, it is a good idea to hang them up when they are still damp. This helps prevent unnecessary creases while they are drying. Of course, they should not drip.

Venetian blinds give your home a simple and stylish look. The shutter style blinds allow you to control how much light enters your home and are easily adjusted with a cord that moves the slats up and down. The horizontal lines of the slatted curtains create calm and balance and are suitable for all windows.

If you have chosen these type of blinds for your home, you are probably aware that blinds are real dust magnets. Make a habit of vacuuming your blinds, and use the soft brush on the nozzle. There are also special blind brushes, which you can use as well.

Another practical way of keeping dust and grease away from your blinds is to use wet wipes, if your blinds need a quick clean.

You can also take down blinds and wash them. This applies to both wooden and metal blinds. Carefully lay the blinds in the bathtub or in the bottom of the shower, then wash them with a soft brush in warm water and a little detergent and vinegar. Hang the blinds up and let them dry, before you replace them in the brackets above the window.

Both aluminium blinds and wooden blinds can be a little delicate, but each in their own way. Wooden blinds should not sit for too long in water, while aluminium blinds can easily get ugly cracks in the sides. So be very careful when you move around aluminium or plastic blinds.

Vertical blinds are perfect to use as both patio door blinds and window blinds. The vertical lines of the slatted curtains create calm and balance and are particularly suitable for large windows. When it comes to the regular cleaning of vertical blinds, you should use a vacuum cleaner. But can vertical blinds actually be washed if anything happens to them and they get stained or start to yellow?

Most vertical blinds can certainly withstand soaking at max. 30 degrees. But because the slats should not be directly folded, you must wash this type of blind very carefully. Read the instructions and only wash your vertical blinds in the washing machine if the instructions recommend it. The same applies to ironing at low temperatures. If you have vertical blinds that are creased, you can iron them on low heat (maximum 110ºC) to restore their appearance. If you have blackout slats, make sure you only iron them on the woven side. A good trick is to place a dry tea towel between the iron and the slats for maximum protection.

If you have expensive vertical blinds, and do not want to take any chances, you can have your vertical blinds dry-cleaned.