Blackout curtains or Thermal curtains despite being super resilient and heavy-duty can lose their effectiveness in blocking out light and increasing privacy over time. And this situation can be promptly experienced if the curtains get subjected to a lot of dirt and dust buildup, atmospheric damage, and/or intense usage.
Washing them is the best option to remain their fabric clean and new. But washing your blackout curtains incorrectly can cause damage and result in wrinkles or creases, that will ruin their entire appearance and functionality. To preserve your blackout drapes from dust and dirt, here are some steps regarding how to wash your blackout curtains and keep their look effective.
Why We Need To Wash Blackout Curtains?
Table of Contents
Blackout curtains accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens over time, compromising their effectiveness. Regular washing not only maintains their appearance but also ensures a healthier living environment and optimal light-blocking capabilities.
Reasons Of Washing Blackout Window Curtains
Washing blackout window curtains is essential to maintain their effectiveness, remove dust and allergens, preserve their appearance, prevent odors, and promote a healthier indoor environment. Here is the several reasons.
Dust Accumulation
Blackout drapes can accumulate dust over time, just like any other cloth. The curtains’ attractiveness is harmed by dust buildup, which also reduces their capacity to block light.
Stain Removal
Stains may appear on curtains as a result of interaction with numerous substances. Whether from unintentional spills or ordinary smudges, washing the curtains properly keeps them looking clean and new.
Odor Elimination
Curtains can absorb odors from the environment, including cigarette smoke and cooking odors. By washing them, you can get rid of these unpleasant odors and maintain a pleasant home climate.
Allergen Reduction
In particular, for allergy sufferers, routine curtain washing helps eliminate allergens including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, enabling a healthier living environment.
Preservation Of Blackout Properties
Blackout curtains’ rubberized backings tend to collect dirt over time and degrade in performance. Optimal light-blocking capacity is ensured by proper washing, which helps retain the blackout features.
Comprehensive Guide On Washing Blackout Window Curtains
Here is a guide for washing blackout window treatments as they requires particular care to maintain their effectiveness and appearance.
1. Check The Care Label
Read the care label on your blackout window curtains carefully before beginning the washing process. Fabric’s composition and precise cleaning recommendations are also provided on the care label. Manufacturers might advise hand washing or mild cycle machine washing, and certain blackout curtains might need dry cleaning to retain their room-darkening properties. To prevent causing damage to the curtains when cleaning, it is essential to adhere to the care label directions.
2. Remove Dust And Debris
Remove all of the loose dust and debris from the curtains to begin cleaning. To eliminate dust from the fabric surface of the curtains, shake them gently outside or use a handheld vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush attachment. Keep an eye out for the folds and pleats where dust is most likely to be collected. You can avoid more dirt getting embedded in the cloth after washing by doing this.
3. Pre-Treat Stains (If Necessary)
Pre-treating your blackout curtains’ stains before washing is crucial if they are obvious on them. Use a spot-test method on a discrete area of the curtain before using a mild detergent or stain remover suitable for the fabric type. Use a clean, moist towel to gently wipe the stained areas after applying the stain remover. Avoid forcefully rubbing the fabric as this could spread the stain or harm the blackout coating.
Different Ways To Wash Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains can be washed by machine and hand in cold water with mild detergent, or machine washed on a gentle cycle using a pillowcase for protection. Avoid harsh chemicals and fabric softeners.
Option 1: Machine Washing Blackout Curtains
Machine washing blackout window curtains is a practical and efficient way, however, it is crucial to carefully follow these instructions to preserve the curtain performance.
Step 1: Preparation
- Remove all the curtain hardware, including rings and hooks.
- To avoid snagging, close any zippers or other closures.
- To get rid of any loose dust or dirt, shake the curtains outside.
Step 2: Selecting The Right Cycle
- To avoid harming the fabric and backing, select a moderate cycle with cold water.
- Do not use fabric softeners or bleach because they can damage the blackout properties.
Step 3: Washing
- To protect the curtains after washing, put them in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
- Fill the machine with a tiny amounet it finish its cycle.
Step 4: Drying
- Remove the curtains from the mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
- To let the curtains air dry, hang them over a shower rod or a clothesline.
- Avoid using a dryer, since it will cause the cloth to shrink and harm the blackout coatings.
- After drying, if the curtains still have wrinkles, you can iron them on the backside at a low temperature to get rid of them.
Option 2: Hand Washing Blackout Curtains
A more effective option that helps maintain the blackout qualities of blackout curtains is hand washing, which is suited for curtains made of delicate fabrics.
Step 1: Preparation
- Cold water should be added to a big wash basin or bathtub.
- Hot water should not be used as it can harm the blackout coating.
- Mix in a tiny amount of gentle detergent with the water until foam develops.
Step 2: Washing
- To guarantee a thorough washing, submerge the blackout curtains in soapy water and gently agitate them for a few minutes.
- Pay close attention to any stained spots and use your fingertips to gently lay them to help in stain removal.
Step 3: Rinsing
- Drain the soapy water after washing, then fill the tub or wash basin with fresh, cold water to rinse them.
- Swish the curtains around in clean water to give them a good rinse and get rid of all soap residue.
Step 4: Drying
- Squeeze the curtains gently to remove excess water without wringing or twisting them.
- To let the curtains air dry, hang them over a shower rod or clothesline. Avoid direct sunlight because it could degrade the colors.
- After the curtains have dried, you can iron them on a low setting if they are wrinkled.
Option 3: Professional Cleaning
It is advisable to leave the washing of your blackout curtains to the specialized dry cleaners if they have elaborate designs, are made of delicate fabrics, or are marked as dry cleaning only. The blackout qualities of the curtains are retained by professional washing, which also guarantees that they are handled with care.
Winding Up
Blackout window curtains are essential for reducing light in our living areas and establishing a calm, cozy atmosphere. To keep blackout drapes practical, effective, and appealing, regular washing is necessary. To keep the blackout qualities and extend the lifespan of these priceless window coverings, it is essential to adhere to the care label directions and use the recommended cleaning techniques, whether you prefer to machine wash or hand wash your window curtains. Your blackout window curtains will continue to give you the right atmosphere and seclusion for many years to come if you take good care of them.
