Once you learn how to clean blinds and shades, you’ll always be able to see the light of everything.
Curtains and drapes can do a lot for a room. Not only are they utilitarian, letting in light during the day then lulling you to a good night’s sleep, but they also add a decorative touch to your windows. However, we often take them for granted and forget that they also need a little care.
How to clean curtains
The good thing about cleaning your blinds is that there are no complicated or expensive products involved. Unless they’re really filthy, you don’t even need to take them out of the window.
What you need:
Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
Warm water
Dishwashing liquid
Swiffer duster or microfiber cloth
Baking soda
Dryer or compressed air cans
Lower the curtain.
Curtains are much easier to clean when they are closed so they form an almost solid surface. Curtains that often overlap, like vinyl and aluminum, should be tilted downward rather than fully closed.
Wipe the blinds with a clean microfiber cloth or old socks.
Wipe the crossbars from side to side, starting at the top bar and working your way down to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the areas you’ve cleaned. If you have vertical blinds, wipe each slat from the top, holding the bottom of the panel so it doesn’t move around. You want to wipe in a downward motion so they don’t get stuck. If desired, you can use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner on low suction, gently running along the length of the curtain.
Flip the curtain and repeat.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt.
Just don’t do this on wooden blinds as water can warp them.
How to deep clean curtains?
If your blinds have grease or stubborn stains, it may be time for a deep clean.
Remove the curtains from the windows and gently place them in a bath with warm water, some dish soap, and a cup of baking soda.
Let them soak for an hour or so.
Rinse with warm water.
Wipe off excess dirt and hang again.
How to lighten white curtains
Curtains absorb a lot of sun and can eventually yellow and dull.
Again, remove the curtains from the windows and gently place them in the bath, this time with cold water and 3 cups of liquid bleach.
Let them soak for up to 10 minutes.
Wear rubber gloves and then wipe each slab with water and bleach solution with a clean sponge or cloth.
Wash.
Use a clean towel to dry before hanging.
How to clean umbrellas/honeycombs and fabric curtains
Since dirt and even insects can easily get caught in portable blinds, you should try to clean them quickly once a week.
Use the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to clean the surface. Gently sweep it through the curtain.
Set your hair dryer on the lowest setting and blow any debris out of the cell. Instead, if you want, you can spray a can of compressed air through the boxes.
Absorb stains gently — don’t scrub hard! —With a clean cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap. Dry by blotting with another clean cloth to prevent water retention. You never want your portable blinds to get too wet.
How to clean drapes
Nets should also be cleaned every two weeks, especially if someone in your home has allergies.
Vacuum screen.
You want to get dust, dirt, and pet hair off the screen before it gets on the fabric, and a vacuum cleaner’s nozzle is a great tool to use. Using the lowest suction level and short swipe, start at the top of the screen and work your way down. If your blinds have embellishments like beading, you can simply wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid damaging them while removing dust.
Wash the curtain.
If your curtain is really dirty or yellowed, you may have to wash it. However, before wetting them, check the care label for the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your blinds are machine washable, use cold water, a gentle detergent, and a gentle wash cycle. However, do not put too many tables at once, or they will not be clean. And, if they’re made from delicate fabrics like lace, put them in a mesh bag in the machine. If you’re going to hand wash, consider using a tub for extra space.
To dry the curtains, hang them on a clothesline to prevent wrinkles and possible dryer damage. If they look wrinkled, you can quickly clean them with a warm iron or steamer. Again, check the care label before doing anything.
Dry clean screen.
Sometimes, the safest thing to do is to simply send the curtains to a dry cleaner to have the professionals take care of them. Do this if your curtain is particularly fragile or dirty. If they are made from expensive fabrics, such as silk brocade, make sure you go to a dry cleaner that specializes in drapes.