Blackout curtains are a great asset in every home because they darken rooms and regulate the temperature and our sleep. However, such products are no different from any other household utensils, they must be well cared for to remain looking new and efficient. In this guide, we’ll guide you on how to clean blackout curtains while looking at the blackout lining, so you can get the best curtains.
1. Read the care label
It is important to read the label before attempting to clean your black curtains. As busy people, many of us like to do the cleaning ourselves. Some curtain materials and designs require special washing instructions provided by the curtain manufacturer. Some types of blackout curtains can be washed in a washing machine while others can be washed by hand or in a dry cleaning machine. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions often to prevent fraying the fabric or damaging the blackout lining.
2. Dusting and vacuuming regularly
The simplest way to maintain blackout curtains is to dust or vacuum them from time to time. Dust and dirt often accumulate on windows over time, which increases if you frequently open your windows:
- Dusting: It is important to first clean off any loose dirt with a feather duster or a soft cloth. This will prevent further accumulation of dust on the fabric, thereby reducing the depth of dust penetration into the fabric.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum the curtains using the upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt on your blackout curtains. Remember to use low suction to prevent distortion of the blackout lining when manipulating the patient’s body.
3. Spot cleaning for small stains
Also, if you find small stains or marks on your blackout curtains you can clean them without washing the entire curtain:
- Step 1: Wring out a piece of clean cloth with a small amount of mild soap and water.
- Step 2: Wipe the stained area gently so that you don’t make the situation worse and ruin the fabric or the blackout lining in the process.
- Step 3: After that, wipe the existing area with a clean dry cloth to eliminate remaining moisture. This curtain should be allowed to dry on its own before being put back on the window rod.
4. Hand-washable blackout curtains
Another technique for washing curtains is hand washing if there is a hand wash symbol on the label of your curtains or if you want to wash your curtains gently:
- Step 1: You need a large container that will hold cold water and the amount of detergent should not be excessive.
- Step 2: Soak the black curtains and move them back and forth in the water with your hands. It is advisable not to rub or twist the fabric as the blackout lining may then get damaged.
- Step 3: After a few minutes, drain the soapy water and fill the bathtub with clean water to wash the curtains. Do this until all the soap is removed from the cloth.
- Step 4: While washing, it is now important to pat the fabric dry to remove excess water, but do not wring the fabric as this may cause some wrinkles or damage to the fabric. Spread the curtains out to dry and lay flat if possible to avoid wrinkles or any creases, iron when completely dry, then hang.
5. Machine wash (if allowed)
If your blackout curtains are machine washable, follow these steps for safe cleaning:
- Step 1: If any hooks, rings or any other accessories have been added to the curtains, it is better to remove them.
- Step 2: Place blackout curtains in the washing machine without overfilling them.
- Step 3: This will prevent any damage to the fabric or blackout lining and will therefore require cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Step 4: Include a mild detergent you should not use chlorine as this will reduce the durability of the blackout lining.
- Step 5: Finally, after washing the curtains should be hung to dry. Do not use a dryer as heat is especially bad for blackout lining.
6. Dry Cleaning
If the curtains are made of a delicate material like silk or velvet or if it is written on the care label, the best way to clean the curtains is to hire a professional cleaner. They also have the privileged knowledge and appropriate equipment to deal with such materials without spoiling them.
7. Ironing and steaming
Blackout curtains may appear wrinkled after washing or drying and may require ironing. In some cases, one can iron them to reduce wrinkles but, one should not iron them directly on the blackout lining, and instead, use a low-heat iron. In this case, you can use hand steam to iron your clothes to remove creases without causing stretch on the fabric.
8. Maintaining the blackout lining
Curtains sometimes require blackout lining for the purpose of blocking light from entering, so it is important to take good care of it. Do not rub the lining vigorously or wash it frequently with chemicals, which may damage the texture of the lining. With these dustings and gentle washing, the effectiveness of the blackout lining can be maintained for many years.
As you’ll soon see, there’s no real challenge associated with cleaning your blackout curtains. In fact, simply by dusting with a feather duster, spot cleaning, hand washing or machine washing if permitted, you can keep your curtains looking great while still protecting the blackout lining. Proper treatment means your blackout curtains will remain effective in blocking out light and giving you the best night’s sleep.
FAQs:
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Can blackout curtains be washed in a washing machine?
Some blackout curtains are machine washable but one has to read the labels to be safe. These fabrics and the blackout lining should be washed in cold water and on the gentle cycle with only mild detergent.
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How often is it recommended to wash the black curtains in your home?
Blackout curtains should be cleaned or vacuumed monthly, while blackout curtains should be washed every six to twelve months, depending on how dirty they have become.
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Is washing blackout curtains damaging their coating?
If the consumer strictly follows the care instructions when washing the blackout lining it cannot be damaged. Do not use bleach, strong-washing powder or wash at high temperatures as this may damage the lining.
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Is it a good idea for me to iron the blackout curtains so they don't look wrinkled?
Yes, but the flame should be low and do not place it directly on the blackout lining. Likewise, you should not use an iron directly on your clothing due to the possibility of damaging the garment, but you can use a hand steamer to use on the garment to remove wrinkles.
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Do all blackout curtains need to be dry cleaned?
Not necessarily. There are blackout curtains that can be hand or machine washed, some fabrics like silk and velvet must be dry cleaned. It is recommended to always use the care label for guidance.
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