Your curtains help to finish off your space, injecting a touch of colour and personality into your home. But when they’re covered in dust and pet hair that builds up over time, they’re not quite the dreamy finishing touch you first imagined!
Keeping your home clean should be quick, simple and cost-effective — which is why we’re sharing our top tips for cleaning your curtains without the need to take them down.
Why Keeping On Top Of Curtain Cleaning Matters
While your curtains might look clean at a glance, especially if they’re darker or patterned, they can still harbour a surprising amount of dust and dirt. Regular cleaning is essential, not just for aesthetics but for your health, too. And if you have pets or kids, the need for frequent cleaning is ever more important for their delicate respiratory systems.
As a general rule, aim to clean your curtains every 3-6 months to keep your spaces fresh and healthy.
Cleaning Your Curtains: Vacuuming
The first step to cleaning your curtains is by vacuuming to get off all that loose dust and pet hair. To save you from battling with your vacuum nozzle sucking up your entire curtains, use an upholstery brush attachment to gently remove the dust and debris.
If your curtains are delicate, like lace or voile, remember to keep the suction low and be careful around curtain rings and poles.
Deep Clean Your Curtains With A Steam Cleaner
Need a bit of a deeper clean for your curtains? A steam cleaner will be your best friend! It cleans, sanitises and even irons out creases all in one go — without taking your curtains off the curtain pole.
Start from the top and work your way down each curtain, ensuring they are thoroughly steamed. To help with the humidity, open your windows to let the excess moisture out.
Pro tip: Steam cleaners can work wonders for cleaning your blinds, too! Just check that the material of your blinds can withstand the heat.
The Good Old Shake And Lint Roll
For a quick dust fix, especially if your vacuum is out of action or your curtains are a bit too delicate, give them a good shake from the top. Follow up with a lint roller for any persistent pet hair or bits of dust.
Spot Cleaning Your Curtains
The best way to deal with stains on your curtains is to tackle them as soon as they happen. If you’ve got a fairly fresh stain or your curtains aren’t smelling brand spanking new any more, simply mix hot water with baking soda and salt. Soak the affected area and then rinse the curtain. For more stubborn stains, use a mixture of dish soap and warm water.
If you need something a little more heavy-duty for mould, white vinegar is excellent — but make sure to patch test on a small area first.
Cleaning your curtains doesn’t have to be a whole operation. By following these simple steps in your regular cleaning routine, you can keep your curtains looking pristine, without even taking them off the pole!
If your curtains are looking a little tired, or your looking for your next set of bespoke, made-to-measure curtains, or beautiful Roman blinds, take a look at our huge selection of premium fabrics available online at the Sewing House.