How To Get Cigarette Smoke Stains Out Of Curtains

Cigarette smoke can leave behind unpleasant stains on your curtains, making them look yellowish and dirty. These stains are caused by nicotine and tar, which are sticky substances that cling to fabric and are hard to remove. If you smoke indoors or have guests who do, you may find yourself dealing with cigarette smoke stains on your curtains.

But don’t worry, there are some effective ways to get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains without having to replace them. Here are some of them:

How do you get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains?

You can get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains by using one of these methods:

• Soak them in baking soda, borax and salt
• Wash them with vinegar and detergent
• Spray them with hydrogen peroxide
• Use a commercial stain remover

Soak Them In Baking Soda, Borax And Salt

One of the easiest ways to get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains is to soak them in a solution of baking soda, borax and salt. These ingredients can help break down the nicotine and tar stains and dissolve them. This method works well for washable fabrics like cotton and linen.

To soak your curtains in baking soda, borax and salt, follow these steps:

• Remove your curtains from the hooks or rods and lay them flat on a clean surface.
• Add 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of salt to a 5-gallon wash basin.
• Pour 3 gallons of hot water into the basin and stir well to dissolve the ingredients.
• Soak the stained parts of the curtains in this solution overnight or for eight hours.
• Rinse your curtains with cold water and check the stains. If they are still visible, repeat the soaking process until they are gone.
• Hang your curtains to dry or wash them as usual.

Wash Them With Vinegar And Detergent

Another way to get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains is to wash them with vinegar and detergent. Vinegar is a natural acid that can help neutralize the alkaline nicotine and tar stains and loosen them. Detergent can help wash away the stains and leave your curtains clean and fresh.

To wash your curtains with vinegar and detergent, follow these steps:

• Remove your curtains from the hooks or rods and place them in your washing machine.
• Add 1 cup of white vinegar and your usual amount of laundry detergent to the machine.
• Set the machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and start the wash.
• Check your curtains after the cycle is done. If the stains are still visible, repeat the wash with more vinegar and detergent until they are gone.
• Hang your curtains to dry or tumble dry them on a low heat setting.

Spray Them With Hydrogen Peroxide

A third way to get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains is to spray them with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten the nicotine and tar stains and make them less noticeable. This method works well for light-colored fabrics that can tolerate some bleaching.

To spray your curtains with hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

• Remove your curtains from the hooks or rods and lay them flat on a clean surface.
• Test the hydrogen peroxide on a hidden part of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t damage the color or texture.
• Spray some 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the stained areas of the curtains until they are damp but not soaked.
• Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 15 minutes or as directed by the product label.
• Blot the excess hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Rinse your curtains with cold water and check the stains. If they are still visible, repeat the process until they are gone.
• Hang your curtains to dry or wash them as usual.

Use A Commercial Stain Remover

The last way to get cigarette smoke stains out of curtains is to use a commercial stain remover. There are many products available that are designed to remove nicotine and tar stains from fabrics. You can find one at most stores or online retailers.

To use a commercial stain remover on your curtains, follow these steps:

• Choose a stain remover that is suitable for your type of fabric. Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions and precautions.
• Test the stain remover on a hidden part of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t damage the color or texture.
• Apply the stain remover directly to the stained areas of the curtains and let it sit for the recommended time.
• Rinse your curtains with cold water and check the stains. If they are still visible, repeat the process until they are gone.
• Hang your curtains to dry or wash them as usual.

FAQs

How do I prevent cigarette smoke stains from forming on my curtains?

There are some things you can do to prevent cigarette smoke stains from forming on your curtains in the first place, such as:

• Avoid smoking indoors or near your curtains. Smoke outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away from your curtains.
• Use an air purifier or a fan to filter out the smoke and improve the air quality in your home.
• Wash your curtains regularly to remove any accumulated smoke and dust particles.

What type of fabric is best for curtains?

The type of fabric you choose for your curtains depends on your personal preference, style and budget. However, some fabrics are more suitable for certain purposes than others. For instance, if you want to block out light and noise, you might want to choose a thick, heavy fabric like velvet or brocade. If you want to let in some natural light and air, you might want to choose a light, airy fabric like cotton or linen. If you want to add some texture and interest to your windows, you might want to choose a patterned or embroidered fabric like damask or jacquard.

How do I measure my windows for new curtains?

If you want to buy new curtains for your windows, you will need to measure them correctly to ensure a good fit and a nice look. Here are some steps to follow:

• Measure the width of your window from the outside edge of the frame to the other outside edge. Add 6 to 12 inches to this measurement to allow for some overlap and fullness. This is the width of your curtain rod.
• Measure the length of your window from the top of the frame to the bottom. Decide how long you want your curtains to be, whether you want them to just touch the sill, hang below the sill or puddle on the floor. Add 1 to 3 inches to this measurement to allow for some hemming and hanging. This is the length of your curtain panel.
• Multiply the width of your curtain rod by 1.5 to 2 to get the total width of your curtains. This will give you enough fabric for some pleating and gathering. Divide this number by the number of panels you want to use per window. This is the width of each curtain panel.

Final Words

Getting cigarette smoke stains out of curtains can be a hassle, but not impossible. By using one of these methods: soaking them in baking soda, borax and salt, washing them with vinegar and detergent, spraying them with hydrogen peroxide or using a commercial stain remover, you can get rid of cigarette smoke stains and make your curtains look clean and fresh again. And if you’re looking for new curtains for your home, Huetifulhomes.com has got you covered with our fun and quirky home furnishings!

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.