For the shower curtain, a wash in the washing machine may be enough. However, the curtains which are used to decorate and dress our windows, and protect us from prying eyes, need an extra helping hand to be as clean as possible and last a long time! They also tend to yellow, which can be particularly delicate when you know how much care they require. This is why it is always advisable to carefully consult the label before doing anything! Some in fact only support dry cleaning. Are you wondering how to clean curtains that are not affected by this precaution? Discover these few grandmother’s tips for bleaching and cleaning curtains and net curtains. Enough to give them a little freshness to let the light shine through!
Remember that it is better to clean your windows before installing clean curtains on the rods. You don’t put clean laundry on dirty laundry!
1) Always test curtain color before testing tips
Whatever their colors and whether they are handmade or store bought, it is always better to test the color of your curtains before the slightest manipulation. To do this, wet the corner of the hem of the curtain a little. Then place a piece of cotton on it and go over it with your iron. If the cotton becomes colored, it is because the color is poorly fixed. Your curtains will therefore discolor when washing. When this happens, it is better to take the affected blackout curtains or sheers to the dry cleaner.
2) Clean and whiten curtains in the washing machine
To loosen and whiten curtains, you can add a packet of baking powder in the detergent drawer of the washing machine, and start a program at 30°C. This will give maximum brightness to white curtains tarnished by time. In supermarkets, organic or DIY stores, you can also find percarbonate of soda. Not to be confused with baking soda which preserves colors and softens laundry, but does not bleach, percarbonate has a real whitening effect. Allow two tablespoons and a washing temperature of at least 40°C (the heat activates the powder). This tip is therefore best used on curtains that do not fear high temperatures.
Whatever you use, feel free to add white vinegar as a softener. For drying, ban the tumble dryer. Let the curtains dry on a rod to limit wrinkles.
3) Whitening your curtains by hand, another possible option
We do not recommend bleach, which can cause the curtains to turn yellow and damage them. This product is recommended for linen curtains and cotton curtains in a pinch without ever mixing it with hot or boiling water which deactivates it and at the same time releases dangerous vapors. Allow 15 ml of bleach maximum for 10 liters of cold water for 20 minutes.
Otherwise, the healthiest solution for the environment and your health is lemon juice. Pour the juice of one lemon per liter of hot water and let your curtains soak for at least an hour. It is ideal for fragile curtains. And for hand washing, use Marseille soap, especially for synthetic curtains. After an hour of soaking in lukewarm water, never twist your curtains to wring them!
4) Clean rust stains from curtains
The rings on the curtain rod can leave rust stains on a white or light-colored sheer curtain. Fortunately, it is very easy to remove the marks. To do this, use steam to moisten the textile. (You can hang the fabric over a pan of water for example.) Once the veil is damp, use lemon with salt to scrub stains. The combination of the two works very well on rusty stains. Otherwise, ammonia may also be suitable (use with caution).
5) Fight tobacco odors
Once soaked in textiles, tobacco odors are difficult to dislodge, especially since nicotine can leave a yellowish veil. For your curtains, no need for complicated tricks! Pour 5 to 10 drops ofeucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle with a liter of water. Then spray this on your curtains. This will neutralize the unpleasant odor and prevent yellowing of light-colored fabrics.
6) Restore texture to curtains
As with shirts, curtains can be starched. Just let them soak in rice water diluted in clean water. After that, your curtains will look better than ever!