Blackout curtains can be considered as necessary accessory for every home, as these curtains, in addition to the function in the blocking of the light, have the possibility to decrease the noise level and to regulate the temperatures of the room. But, with time of usage they collect dust, dirt, and allergens, among other things. When the curtains are already rather old, the question of how to wash blackout curtains arises to make them look attractive and serve as effective soundproofing and insulation layers.
In this guide, you will learn the process of cleaning the blackout curtains step by step. No matter which type of curtains you have, those that can simply be thrown in a washing machine, or those that are more delicate, we’ve all the information you need.
Why Regular Cleaning is Important
Why cleaning matters before getting to the cleaning methods this article looks at why cleaning is a critical factor that should be considered always. Besides being used to block light, blackout curtains are insulators hence can help cut down electricity bills. Dirt collects on the upholstery over some time such that they become ineffective and can even cause health problems for those with allergies. When washed now and then, then their life expectancy is prolonged as well as their effectiveness in their usability.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
To begin with, every fabric and material should be thoroughly washed according to the label on the curtains. It is important to note that blackout curtains are available in a wide range, and may be made from different materials hence; they are washed in different ways. Most are made for washing by machine, others by hand wash, and some are for dry cleaning only. The care label will give you specific instruction and adhering to this instructions will help you avoid further damaging your curtains.
Pro Tip: Understanding the Materials
Blackout curtains are usually made of polyester fiber, cotton fabric or both may be mixed to create a blackout curtain. These fabrics are usually laminated to a back layer of heat-sensitive, light-excluding moisture-proof fabric that cannot be washed or cleaned with a detergent. Always handle with care.
Step 2: Vacuum the Curtains
After agreeing on the right washing process, the next procedure is to get rid of any accessible best particle. He instructed that the gentle method of cleaning involve using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush end to clean both faces of the curtains. This will help to avoid situation where some dry particles penetrate further into the fabric during washing.
How to Vacuum Curtains:
- Place the brush nozzle to the vacuum cleaner by fixing it well by tightening it properly.
- Begin from the top not the bottom or middle of the curtain and drag it slowly down.
- Take extra time to clean edges and pleats of furniture as most times dust collects here.
Cleaning your blackout curtains by vacuum means that you do not wash them that frequently but at the same time, they will always be clean and in good condition.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains
If your blackout curtains have noticeable dirt stains or any kind of spots, clean, them first before washing. It is vital to try washing with a delicate liquid soap mixed in water and using it on one’s skin, especially a part of the fabric that is unnoticed. Wipe on the solution using a soft cloth and even dab at the stained region (do not rub).
Common Stains and Solutions:
- Dust and dirt: That should wash the dishes just fine using a diluted dishwashing liquid solution.
- Grease stains: If you want to try something simpler, you may use warm water and baking soda combination.
- Mildew: Neutral solution such as water and white vinegar are used to remove the mildew gently on the fabric.
Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Washing Methods
Depending on the type of blackout curtains you own, there are two primary methods for washing: machine wash and washing by hand.
Machine Washing Blackout Curtains
If your curtains are labeled as machine washable, follow these steps:
- Remove Hooks and Accessories: Remove every hook or accessory that is of metal in order to avoid causing harm to the washing machine and curtains.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Adjust the washing machine’s knob to the gentle cycle or the delicate cycle. Second, never use hot water as this might ruin the blackout lining. Recommended temperature is low and water that is cold or even warm makes the best tea.
- Mild Detergent: Select a gentle, non-bleaching liquid laundry detergent, as the strong detergents erode the backing causing curtains to lose their blackout nature.
- Avoid Fabric Softener: Blackout curtains contain fabric softeners that can, after sometime, settle to the blackout layer leaving a residue. Skip this step.
- Air Dry: After you are done with washing cycle, let your curtain dry on its own. One should not put the garment on a tumble dryer as the heat is bad for the backing. Either hand them outside on a clothes line or inside on a rack provided they are not hung under the scorching sun so that they do not accept the color of the sun.
Hand Washing Blackout Curtains
For delicate or non-machine washable blackout curtains, hand washing is the way to go:
- Fill a Tub with Cool Water: Take a bathtub or a large basin and then you proceed to fill it either with cold or cold and slightly warm water.
- Add Detergent: Mix a little amount of a mild detergent in the water. Ensure the detergent is greatly diluted before placing the curtains to avoid soaking too much on the curtains.
- Soak and Gently Agitate: Wash the curtains in cold water rinsing them separately, avoiding twisting and wringing. Do not scrub the blackout layer as it will reduce the useful life span of the layer due to forceful rubbing.
- Rinse Thoroughly: When washed scrub off the detergent and then empty the basin and replace with clean water to wash off the curtains to remove any soap residue.
- Air Dry: Hand-washed curtains also should be dried in the shade, just like the machine wash curtains should be A. Ensure you are able to hang them carefully to minimize on develop of crease.
Step 5: Ironing Blackout Curtains
There could be some wrinkles displayed after washing your curtains. If it’s not too severe, gravity will do the job when you re-hang the curtains which might make them fall again. But if they are deep or hard to be removed then you can iron them using an iron at a low setting.
Tips for Ironing:
- Low Heat: And never iron with the highest heat point available on the iron. It is sensitive to high temperatures; dry heat can cause melting of the blackout lining.
- Iron on the Fabric Side: It is also important not to iron on the backing – preferably on the blackout fabric only. However, if required, it may be pressed with a blotting paper in between the curtain and the iron.
- Steam Option: Otherwise you can use handheld steamer to iron your clothes, in order to remove the wrinkles that they may have developed. Dip the steamer a few inches from the cloth and then steam the wrinkles out on the fabric.
Step 6: Regular Maintenance Tips
To minimize the frequency of deep cleaning, you can follow a few simple maintenance tips to keep your blackout curtains looking fresh and functioning well:
- Vacuum Regularly: As I said earlier, vacuuming should be done very often, at least, every few weeks so that dust does not accumulate.
- Spot Clean: Accidental spills should be wiped with a cloth and cleaned immediately if they are to be removed completely.
- Rotate Curtains: If your curtains are getting direct sunlight exposure then it will be advisable that you occasionally interchange your curtains, at least every six months.
- Use a Lining: In this case, it is necessary to apply sheer curtain or liner to minimize the contact between blackout curtains and dust and, in this way, wash them frequently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Harsh Detergents: Harsh cleaning agents can damage the blackout backing, making your curtains less effective at blocking light.
- Tumble Drying: The high heat in a tumble dryer can cause the backing to crack or peel, so always opt for air drying.
- Scrubbing Stains: Vigorous scrubbing can ruin both the fabric and the blackout layer, so always use gentle blotting motions when treating stains.
Getting blackout curtains dirty may not sound easy to clean, but as much as you want to keep the curtains clean, it’s important that they be cleaned without destroying their block out feature. By performing these few basic guidelines: checking the care label, vacuuming, spot cleaning, and washing them properly you will maintain their functionality and appearance for quite some time.
Regular maintenance is key. Regardless of whether you choose to vacuum them, wash by hand, or put them through a washing machine, your blackout curtains can be clean again and will remain a part of your home that gives darkness, insulation, and improved noise control as needed.
