Blackout curtains are the popular choice for homeowners due to the functionalities they serve. As they are a great investment that is equally ideal for covering windows and getting health benefits, it is mandatory to properly clean and maintain them. In order to keep your blackout drapes functioning at their best, you have to wash them regularly.
Cleaning your drapes regularly will not only extend their life but also give them a fresh and appealing look. If you are looking for tips to clean your drapes, we have put together different methods in this guide for your help.
Different Ways To Clean Blackout Drapes At Home
Before you begin, check the manufacturer’s instructions and label on your curtains. Because washing curtains that are not machine washable can cause the fabric to fade, shrink, or lose its effectiveness to block light.
Needed Tools & Supplies
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Warm water
- Sponge
- Vacuum
- Upholstery/brush attachment
- Detergent
- A large-sized tub
- Washing Machine
- A steamer
- A stool/ step ladder
1. Dusting With A Vacuum
Regular dusting of blackout curtains is the best way to keep them dirt-free. To get rid of the dirt, the simplest way is to use a vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment. When dusting, you can use a stool to reach the upper surface of the curtains.
A vacuum cleaner is easy to use and handle as you just have to move the brush attachment across the curtain surface from top to bottom. To keep your curtains looking fresh all the time, use a vacuum cleaner at least twice a week.
2. Hand Wash
To hand wash your blackout curtains, you will need to prepare the cleaning solution. Take a large sized tub and fill it with cold water. Pour a mild detergent into it and mix it well until the water becomes sudsy. Immerse your drapes in this water for some time.
Avoid using stiff brushes to not damage the curtain fabric. Rub them gently and give them a thorough wash. Rinse the curtains well to clear out all the soapy water.
3. Spot Cleaning
For the spot cleaning of curtains, always use mild cleaning solutions. Make sure to test the cleaner first to check that it doesn’t discolor the fabric.
Pour small drops of solution onto the stained spot and use a microfiber cloth or damp sponge to rub the surface. Keep rubbing gently until the stain is removed.
4. Machine Wash
Blackout curtains typically come in two types of materials: woven triple-weave or foam-coated fabrics, both of which need distinct cleaning techniques.
Foam-Coated Fabrics
These fabrics have a grey and white coating on their backside. It’s better to not use water to wash them, rather spot cleaning and then dry cleaning is the best way to upkeep them.
Triple-Weave Fabrics
These fabrics are made of high-density yarn that is tightly woven. Use a front-loaded washer machine to clean these drapes because it doesn’t have a rotator that can damage the fabric by twisting. Take the curtains out, rinse and hang them to air dry. Make sure to put each panel at a time in the machine.
5. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning helps in cleaning and restoring blackout curtains. For steam cleaning, you don’t have to take out the curtains from the rods which saves your time and energy. Use a handheld steamer and keep it distant away so that the fabric doesn’t get damaged.
Wrap Up!
Cleaning blackout curtains is crucial for a tidy and fresh look. These curtains are simple to hand or machine wash depending on the fabric weave. Other than this, there are some effective methods to wash your blackout drapes including spot cleaning, deep cleaning, and steam cleaning.
Regular dusting with an upholstery brush attachment is necessary to not let the dirt settle into the fabric. Before washing blackout, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and opt for the methods mentioned above.
