Curtains are essential for every interior theme because they enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any space. Cleaning curtains is crucial for window styling but homeowners usually neglect it for months. Over time, curtains of every type can pick up dirt, grime, dust, spills, splashes, and pet hairs, resulting create a risky environment for allergy-sensitive individuals. In this article, we have come up with an easy yet effective guide on how to clean curtains while hanging.
05 Most Effective Steps To Clean Curtains Without Taking Them Down
Although curtains can be machine and hand-washed, what if there’s an easier way of cleaning them without taking them down? These are made from natural to synthetic and heavy to lightweight materials, requiring variant cleaning approaches. For heavy-weight (e.g. blackout curtains) and sensitive ones (e.g. sheer grommet curtains), you can go through the tips mentioned in this guide by Green Grass.
Before you begin your DIY cleaning journey, please collect the required tools to ensure accuracy.
Essential Tools And Supplies You’ll Need
- A Vacuum Cleaner
- A Lint Roller
- Mild Fabric Cleaner
- Homemade Cleaning Mixture
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Clean Microfiber Cloth
- A Sturdy Ladder
- A Steam Cleaner
Steps To Follow
1- Shake Off The Curtains
2- Use Of Vaccum Cleaner
3- Tackle Stubborn Lint
4- Spot Cleaning
5- Steam Cleaning
1. Shake Off The Curtains
After you collect all the needed supplies & equipment, move toward dusting off your curtains. Before vacuuming, giving them a good shake or beating them down makes it easier to go for the dusting process. Remove any settled dirt through a good shake and use any soft/ microfiber cloth to eliminate the dirt and debris.
2. Use Of Vaccum Cleaner
Using a vacuum cleaner is the most timeless and easiest way to dust-free your sheer curtains. Take a step ladder and hold a vacuum cleaner against the curtain fabric while keeping the heat setting low. Keep it at a distance of at least 6-8 inches to not lose the fabric’s effectiveness, and quality, or avoid damage. A vacuum cleaner can be used once or twice a week to clean curtains.
3. Tackle Stubborn Lint
Some curtain fabrics capture dirt particles and end up losing their fresh appearance. One of the best ways to remove that lint from curtains is to use a mild cleaner or roller. Using this effective lint roller, any pet hairs, threads, or debris will easily come off the fabric.
4. Spot Cleaning
For removing stubborn stains and splashes, you can also use homemade cleaners. Take a clean microfiber cloth, and pour the water and vinegar (white) solution over the affected area. Rub the surface gently with a cloth while working in a circular motion. Keep rubbing the surface until the stain gets off completely.
5. Steam Cleaning
If you want to save your time and effort, go for steam cleaning. Steam cleaning a fabric helps preserve its feel for years and can be easily performed while your window curtains are still hung on the rod. Take a step ladder and starting from top to bottom, make your way down the fabric to eliminate dust particles. After steam cleaning, let the curtains air dry.
Important Note: Make sure you know how to use it and attach the fabric or upholstery attachment to it. Take a handheld steam cleaner to proceed with this DIY.
Additional Tips For Cleaning Curtains While Hanging
For cleaning curtains and to keep them good for a long, set a regular maintenance routine. The cleanliness of curtains always requires proper guidance and the availability of tools. The rule of thumb indicates that the cleaning must be performed by considering the curtain type and style.
- Keep sheer curtains away from direct sunlight or overheating to prevent wrinkling.
- Make sure to remove metal rings from curtains before using vacuum cleaners.
- Identify the stain type before doing spot cleaning and use the solution accordingly.
- Before cleaning, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer or read instructions.
- Never use commercial cleaners that contain harmful or toxic ingredients on curtains.
- Make sure to test out the cleaners on any inconspicuous fabric area to avoid damage.
- If you don’t know the exact use of a vacuum cleaner always consult professionals.
- Treat lightweight curtains with extreme care to avoid any trouble-creating situations.
To Conclude!
Cleaning curtains without taking them down is the most convenient and effective way to maintain the appearance and functionality of your commercial as well as residential decor. This effective approach by Green Grass will help you save time and effort while preserving & keeping the fabric from damage. When cleaning curtains while they are hanging on the rod, first, you’ll need to gather the essential tools and supplies.
For working steps, it is essential to perform routine dusting to prevent dirt from settling into the fabric. For dusting purposes, using an upholstery attachment or a vacuum cleaner is the easiest method. Additionally, you can tackle stubborn stains through spot cleaning. After spot cleaning, let the curtain air dry and perform regular maintenance to keep curtains in good shape for a long time.
