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As the trend for ‘cleanfluencers’ has illustrated, there are some people who find nothing more satisfying than spending an hour or two scrubbing away at their work surfaces and dusting every crevice of their home.
However, for most of us tackling household tasks is very much a chore, and we’d rather spend as little time as possible doing it, thank you very much. Unfortunately, this means some corners might get cut – and there is one particular area that rarely gets cleaned, according to one expert.
Kester Rudd, Product Insight Manager at Gtech, says that while you might be wiping down surfaces and vacuuming regularly, there’s one major hotspot you’re probably ignoring. He says that despite their everyday use, curtains often get forgotten when it comes to cleaning.
Dusty curtains can impact the air quality in your home
‘Curtains brush up against dirty windowsills, pick up dirt from floors, and even absorb odours from cooking or pets’ Rudd says.
‘Over time, this build-up not only dulls their appearance but can also contribute to allergies and poor indoor air quality. Regularly cleaning your curtains not only keeps them looking fresh but also maintains a healthier home environment.’
It’s true that for many of us, cleaning the curtains has probably never crossed our minds before. So where should we begin?
1. Get your curtains ready for cleaning
First things first, take your curtains off the rail and remove any weights or rings before cleaning. This will prevent damage to both your curtains and your washing machine.
Then check the label for fabric information and cleaning instructions. Some curtains can be ruined if you wash them in the washing machine, or clean them with the wrong detergent.
And don’t forget to give your curtain rail a good dusting while you’re at it, or all your hard work will go to waste.
2. Using a washing machine
If your curtains are machine washable, take extra care when popping them in the machine. You can use a laundry net to protect the fabric and stop your curtains from getting stuck in the drum.
For larger curtains, it’s best to wash them individually or take them to a laundrette. Overloading your machine will mean your curtains cannot move freely, so will not be properly cleaned.
Smaller curtains will fit in the washing machine at home
Use a mild detergent, making sure to check it’s right for the fabric of your curtains, and set your machine to a gentle wash. If it doesn’t have that setting, stick to a lukewarm 30° temperature and a low spin speed of 400-800 RPM.
Once the cycle finishes, dry your curtains naturally. Don’t use a tumble dryer or they could shrink. Instead, hang them out on your washing line on a dry and sunny day.
3. Hand washing your curtains
If machine washing isn’t an option, but your curtains still need a deep clean, hand washing is the way to go.
Start by soaking your curtains in cold water, then wash them carefully depending on the fabric type. Make sure that the detergent you are using has fully dissolved in the water before immersing the curtains.
Rinse thoroughly, then squeeze out as much water as possible. If your washing machine does have a delicate setting, you can put your curtains in for a spin cycle to help wring them out before hanging out to dry.
4. Vacuum your curtains
Over time, dust and pet hair can settle on your curtains, leaving them looking dull and triggering allergies. But a quick vacuum can bring them back to life.
A new part of your weekly cleaning regime…
This quick cleaning option can be done regularly, as you don’t even have to take your curtains off the rails. Simply attach a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner and use it in gentle downward strokes.
Make sure to pay special attention to the parts of your curtain that are touching the floor or windowsill, as these spots will have the highest buildup of dirt.
