In addition to beautifying the windows, the veil curtains allow you to let the right amount of light into the house. Over time, dirt and dust can settle in the weave, giving the curtain a grimy appearance and impregnating it with bad smells. By washing your curtains properly, you can keep them in good condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Pretreat the Curtains
Step 1. Pre-treat the curtains to remove all dust and dirt before washing them
By wiping off dust and grime before washing, you'll have the ability to keep them neat. Over time, dust and dirt can become trapped in the weave of the fabric, so it is very important to pre-treat them.
Step 2. Remove them from the stick
Move the rod away from the wall and pull the curtains to the side.
Step 3. Use a bucket or bathtub
You will need to soak them to pre-treat them, so a bowl will be needed. You can also use the bathtub, properly capped, if that's easier for you.
Step 4. Get vinegar and baking soda
Both vinegar and baking soda are powerful natural cleansers, capable of restoring the whiteness and splendor of the past. In order for cleaning to be more effective, it is recommended to use both substances, but individually.
- Do not use vinegar and baking soda at the same time, otherwise they will cancel each other out. One is acidic, the other is basic, so by mixing them you will get a chemical reaction that will reduce the cleaning action of both.
- Vinegar is great for removing odors and returning curtains to their bright white color. It also allows you to get rid of mold.
- Baking soda is excellent for removing mold, eliminating odors and whitening curtains.
Step 5. Pour lukewarm water into the bucket or basin
Use lukewarm water to soak the curtains, which will need to be completely submerged in the bucket or basin.
Step 6. Add a cup of vinegar
Pour a cup of vinegar into the basin to create a solution for the curtains to soak. If the smell bothers you, you can add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to make it more pleasant. Lemon juice also helps degrease the curtains.
Be careful not to use vinegar if the curtains are linen, otherwise they will burn. Most modern, inexpensive draperies are polyester, but if you suspect they contain linen, skip this step
Step 7. Immerse the curtains in the basin and shake them slightly
Soak them in vinegar and mix a little to allow the water and vinegar to combine. Submerge all curtains so that each part is completely soaked.
Step 8. Soak them for at least an hour
Leave them completely submerged in water for an hour or overnight. This will remove dust and dirt, eliminating any odors on the fabric.
Step 9. Drain the water and vinegar and soak the curtains in baking soda for another hour
If you want to do a deeper cleaning or if the curtains are particularly dirty, you can soak them again. Fill the bowl with warm water and add a cup of baking soda. Soak them for an hour or overnight. The baking soda will eliminate any stains, any residue of dirt and bad smells.
Step 10. Treat residual stains
Make a paste with four tablespoons of baking soda and 60ml of water. Apply it to the curtain, rubbing it into the stains. Once the baking soda has penetrated the fibers, apply a little vinegar to the stains.
You can also use a stain remover against stains. Some curtain brands are likely to recommend the application of a particular stain remover
Part 2 of 2: Washing the Curtains
Step 1. Wash the curtains after pretreating them
Once you have removed the dirt and dust and pre-treated the stains, you can wash the curtains. Normally they are put in the washing machine on the delicate program, especially if they are made of cotton or polyester. Most of the curtains on the market are made of polyester.
If they are particularly delicate, then it would be best to wash them by hand. In these cases, these are antique curtains or curtains that give the impression of being damaged once washed, such as curtains that have wool or silk fibers in their composition. Wash them by hand by placing them in a basin of cold water with a little washing-up liquid or dish soap. Gently agitate the water to allow the detergent to fully penetrate the fibers. Since these are delicate fabrics, instead of wringing them out, lay them out while still wet and let them dry. This will prevent creases from forming. Silk cannot be spread, otherwise it will turn yellow, so roll the curtain in a towel to remove excess water and then iron it at a low temperature to dry it
Step 2. Choose the detergent
Any type of cloth detergent will work, but one that is formulated specifically for the fibers of your curtains will be even more effective. For example, you can use a product for white or delicate fabrics.
If you don't have a particular detergent available, that's not a problem. Since you have pre-treated and pre-washed your curtains, the stains should already be gone, so your choice of detergent will not significantly affect them
Step 3. Put the curtains in the washing machine
If they are particularly delicate, it may be necessary to wash them by hand and, consequently, use a basin with cold water.
Step 4. Add a white towel or white cloth
You will need to increase the load when washing rather thin curtains. In this way the weight inside the machine will be more balanced and you will optimize the performance of the washing machine, allowing the drum to move with a suitable load for the washing to be more effective.
Step 5. Set the gentle cycle and pour in the detergent
Run the washing machine with hot or cold water with the delicates program. Add a normal amount of detergent.
- If you have a washing machine with the opening on the top, wait until it has loaded some water before adding the detergent.
- If you prefer, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to help the machine clean better.
Step 6. Put fabric softener and vinegar for the rinse cycle
Pour your favorite fabric softener into the rinse. If you add even two tablespoons of vinegar, you will make the curtains softer.
- Remove them before spinning or squeeze them a few turns so they don't crease.
- Do not use vinegar on linen curtains, otherwise they may burn.
Step 7. Spread out the curtains and let them drain until dry
Remember not to put them in the dryer, otherwise they may shrink. Lay them out before hanging them on the window again. Alternatively, you can hang them up while still wet, letting them hang dry.
Veil curtains are difficult to iron without damaging them, so try to prevent wrinkles by hanging them while they are still wet or damp
Advice
- If they need to be dry cleaned, you may want to try cleaning them at home. Carefully use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove dust and dirt from the curtains, then hang them over a basin full of water into which you have previously poured a cup of boiling vinegar. The steam will help eliminate any odors.
- If you want, you can also use bleach on the curtains. However, vinegar is just as effective against stains and also does not harm the environment, so it is preferable to bleach.
- If you're hesitant about success, try washing only a small, inconspicuous corner to make sure they won't get damaged in the washing process.
Warnings
- If you have any doubts about the strength of the fibers or the fabric they are made of, you should wash them by hand. It would be even better to take them to the laundry especially if they are particularly old and / or of value.
- If your curtains carry washing instructions, follow them. Some fabrics cannot be washed except dry clean. There are also delicate fibers that must be washed by hand and in cold water.
