How Do You Clean Curtains and Blinds?

Like other elements in your home, curtains and blinds need routine maintenance. It’s important to keep these window treatments clean because dust and dirt can accumulate. With proper care, you can keep out allergens and ensure the longevity and beauty of your window coverings.

This guide focuses on two more popular window treatments: curtains and blinds.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Curtains?

How do you clean curtains? You can steam clean, machine wash, hand wash, or spot clean curtains. The best method to use depends on the material. The first step is to check the manufacturer’s instructions; not all fabric curtains can be machine-washed, and some might even require dry cleaning.

Sturdier fabrics may be machine-washed. Before throwing them in the machine, remove any hardware, like the hooks or rings. Place the curtains in a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric. Wash the curtains using a mild detergent and cold water, and press the gentle cycle. To minimize wrinkles, air dry completely instead of using the tumble dry function. If there’s no way to air dry the curtain, use the low heat setting on your washing machine.

If you have delicate or sheer curtains, hand washing is the best way to clean them.

Here’s how to clean sheer curtains and other similarly delicate fabrics.

Fill a tub with cold water.
Mix a mild detergent.
Submerge the curtains, one panel at a time, soaking them for 10 minutes.
Gently wash the curtain without wringing or scrubbing.
Rinse with cold water, making sure to remove any detergent residue.
Air dry by laying the curtain flat on a clean towel.

Can you use a vacuum cleaner on your curtains? Yes, you can, especially if the window treatment is just dusty.

How to Clean Dusty Curtains

You can lightly vacuum curtains using the upholstery attachment. If you don’t have that particular attachment, use the low suction setting on your vacuum cleaner.

Start the cleaning process by pulling the curtain tight toward you. Run the vacuum cleaner along the panel. Work in sections, from the top to the bottom.

How to Clean Moldy Curtains

Poor ventilation and high humidity can create a breeding ground for mold spores. You might notice black spots or patches and smell a musty odor from your curtains. If you do, your window treatment might have mold.

Here’s how to clean curtains with mold.

Approach with caution. Wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling mold spores, and wear gloves, too.
Remove the moldy curtains from the rod and take them outside.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the moldy section. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour to kill the spores. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to loosen the mold.
Wash the curtains in hot water with a mild detergent, using the highest temperature setting.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing your type of curtain.
Air dry in direct sunlight to kill any lingering mold spores.

How to Clean Heavy Curtains

What if your curtain fabric is heavy? If your curtains are more like drapes, you can still machine wash them. But wash them separately, so you don’t overload the machine. Wash with cold water using the delicate cycle function. Remove the curtains once the cycle ends, then hang them dry. You can also lay them flat on a surface to dry.

Some heavy curtains or drapes may need professional cleaning. Once again, check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

How to Clean Linen Curtains

Linen curtains are a smart choice for any home. The natural fibers allow for breathability, which wicks away moisture and regulates indoor temperatures. This makes linens perfect for warmer climates and rooms with high humidity levels.

Although resistant to wear and tear, most linen curtains are lightweight. They’re delicate enough to require careful washing. You can hand-wash or machine-wash them.

When hand washing:

Use lukewarm water with a mild detergent.
Submerge the curtains and let them soak for 10 minutes.
Do not wring, scrub, or twist the curtains. Instead, swish them around the water.
Drain the water and rinse the curtains thoroughly.

When using a washing machine:

Fold the linen curtains in a mesh bag to protect the fabric. Don’t overload to prevent wrinkles,
Wash the curtains in mild detergent and lukewarm water at 104°F. Use the gentle cycle.
Remove from the machine immediately after the cycle to dry to prevent wrinkles.
Hang dry on a clothesline or indoors on a drying rack.
You can also dry the curtains in the machine, but with low to no heat.

What Is the Best Method of Cleaning Blinds?

From wood to vertical blinds, these hard window coverings are not hard to clean. In most cases, you only need a feather duster. A vacuum cleaner can also work to get rid of built-up dirt. You can also use a rag to wipe down the slats.

Alternatively, you can minimize dust and cleaning by using the blinds regularly. Open, close, or rotate them when you can to keep dust from settling on the slats. If you’re not a fan of dusting or have no time, choose blinds that hang vertically because they collect the least dust.

You can also use an air purifier to reduce the buildup of dust and dirt in your home.

The best method for cleaning blinds, like curtains, depends on the material.

How to Clean Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are made from lightweight fabric folded to create an accordion effect. The beehive-like and hexagonal pockets make this window covering an energy-efficient choice for rooms that need light control.

To dust pleated blinds, use a vacuum cleaner with the upholstery attachment.
Gently wipe the surface from left to right. Do not push against the fabric because it might rip.
To remove stains, use a soft cloth in warm water. Pat the affected area. Then leave it to dry.

How to Clean Wood Blinds

To clean wood blinds, follow these simple steps:

Lower the blinds and slightly tilt them open.
Use a feather duster to clean between the slats.
Apply a wood spray polish.
Use a soft cloth and wipe each slat.

How to Clean Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds

To clean vinyl or aluminum blinds, follow these simple steps:

Adjust the slats, tilting them slightly open.
Use a vacuum cleaner with the upholstery attachment to get rid of dust.
With a soft cloth or sponge, spot clean using mild soap and warm water.
Open the slats and air-dry them.

How often should curtains and blinds be cleaned? You can clean window treatments as often as you clean your home. If you do a weekly clean-up, then dust or spot clean curtains and blinds. If it’s monthly, then clean the window treatments monthly. In general, most deep cleaning should happen every year.

The frequency of cleaning your window treatments also depends on the material, design, and orientation.

When deciding on which curtains or blinds to use for your home, get expert advice from Sedar Global’s A-team of designers and installers. We’ll help you make the right choices for your space,

Book a free consultation today.