Hey, Huetifulhomes readers! Today we’re going to talk about something that you may not think about very often, but it can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels: your curtains!
Curtains are great for adding some style and personality to your windows, but they also collect a lot of dust, dirt, and grime over time. And let’s face it, taking them down and hauling them to the dry cleaner can be a hassle and a half. Not to mention, it can get pretty expensive too.
So what’s a savvy homemaker to do? Well, you’ll be happy to know that you can wash most curtains at home, using nothing but your bathtub and some common household items. Yes, you heard that right: you can wash curtains in the bath!
Fill your bathtub with cold water and add some mild laundry detergent or dish soap. Submerge your curtains in the water and gently scrub them with a cloth, sponge, or brush. Rinse them well and hang them to dry.
Sounds easy enough, right? But before you grab your curtains and head to the bathroom, there are a few things you need to know. Not all curtains are created equal, and some may require special care or precautions. Here are some tips on how to wash curtains in the bath safely and effectively.
The first thing you need to do is check the label on your curtains for any washing instructions or warnings. Some fabrics may be too delicate or sensitive for washing in the bath, such as silk, velvet, or lined blackout curtains. These may need to be dry cleaned or spot cleaned only.
If you’re not sure about the colorfastness of your curtains, you can do a spot test on a small corner with some water and detergent. If the color bleeds or fades, don’t wash them in the bath.
If your curtains are made of lace or have any embellishments or trimmings, you may want to protect them from snagging or tearing by putting them in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. This will also help prevent them from getting tangled or twisted in the water.
When washing curtains in the bath, use mild detergents that won’t damage or discolor the fabric. You can use liquid laundry detergent or dish soap, but avoid anything with bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals. You can also add some baking soda to help remove odors and stains.
Don’t try to wash too many curtains at once in the bath. You want to make sure there is enough water and detergent to cover them completely and allow them to move freely. Otherwise, they may not get clean enough or rinse well.
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or brush to gently scrub your curtains in the water. Pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained, such as the bottom hem or the edges that touch the window frame. Don’t rub too hard or wring out your curtains, as this may damage the fabric or cause wrinkles.
After scrubbing your curtains, drain the dirty water from the tub and refill it with clean cold water. Rinse your curtains well until there is no soap residue left. You may need to repeat this step a few times until the water runs clear.
The best way to dry your curtains is to hang them outside on a clothesline on a sunny day with a gentle breeze. This will help them dry faster and prevent mildew or musty smells. If you can’t hang them outside, you can use a dryer on a low setting, but remove them when they are still slightly damp and hang them to finish drying.
If your curtains are wrinkled after drying, you can iron them on a low setting with a thin white towel or cloth between the iron and the fabric. This will protect them from scorching or shining.
Q: How often should I wash my curtains?
A: It depends on how dusty or dirty your home is, but generally speaking, you should wash your curtains every three to six months. You can also dust them weekly with a vacuum cleaner attachment or a lint roller to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I wash shower curtains in the bath?
A: Yes, you can wash shower curtains in the bath too. Just follow the same steps as above, but use bleach instead of detergent if your shower curtain is white or clear plastic. You can also add some vinegar to help remove soap scum and mildew.
Q: Can I wash curtains with other items?
A: It’s best to wash curtains separately from other items, as they may shed lint or dye that can transfer to other fabrics. You can wash them with a couple of bath towels to prevent them from crinkling or sticking together, but make sure they are the same color as your curtains.
There you have it, Huetifulhomes friends: how to wash curtains in the bath. Now you can enjoy your clean and fresh curtains without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat. Just remember to check the label, protect your curtains, use mild detergents, don’t overcrowd, scrub gently, rinse well, and dry properly. And don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it!
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who could use some tips on how to wash curtains in the bath. And stay tuned for more home hacks and decor ideas from Huetifulhomes.com!
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.
