How To Wash Large Curtains

Hey, Huetifulhomes readers! Today we’re going to talk about something that many of you have asked us: how to wash large curtains?

You know what we’re talking about: those big, beautiful curtains that cover your windows from top to bottom, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere in your home. They look amazing, but they also take up a lot of space and can be tricky to wash.

How do you wash large curtains without ruining them or your washing machine? How do you dry them without wrinkling them or shrinking them? How do you iron them without burning them or yourself?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll show you how to wash large curtains in the washing machine or by hand, depending on the type of fabric and your preference. We’ll also share some tips on how to dry, iron, and store your large curtains after washing them.

So grab your large curtains and let’s get started!

Remove any hooks or clips from the curtains. Wash the curtains in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent, or by hand in a bathtub with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and hang to dry. Iron on low setting if needed.

Remove Any Hooks or Clips

The first thing you need to do before washing your large curtains is to remove any hooks or clips from the curtains. This will prevent them from scratching or snagging the fabric, or getting tangled or stuck in the washing machine.

Simply slide the hooks or clips out of the curtains and set them aside. You can put them in a ziplock bag or a small container so you don’t lose them.

Check the Label

The next thing you need to do is check the label on your large curtains for any washing instructions or warnings. Some fabrics may be too delicate or sensitive for washing in the machine, 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 large 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 machine.

Wash in the Machine

If your large curtains are machine washable, you can toss them into a standard washing machine to give them a good cleaning. Set the water temperature to the coldest possible setting and choose the gentle spin cycle to avoid damaging or warping the fabric.

Use a mild laundry detergent that won’t damage or discolor the fabric. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals. You can also add some baking soda to help remove odors and stains.

Don’t overload the washing machine with too many large curtains at once. 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.

Wash by Hand

If you prefer to wash your large curtains by hand, or if they are too delicate for the machine, you can wash them in a bathtub with warm water and mild soap. It’s not recommended to use hot water as it may damage the fabric.

Fill your bathtub with warm water and add some mild soap. 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.

Submerge your large curtains in the water and gently scrub them with a cloth, sponge, or brush. 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 large curtains, as this may damage the fabric or cause wrinkles.

Rinse Well

After washing your large curtains, drain the dirty water from the tub and refill it with clean cold water. Rinse your large curtains well until there is no soap residue left. You may need to repeat this step a few times until the water runs clear.

Dry Properly

The best way to dry your large 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 large 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.

Iron Carefully

Ironing large curtains can be a challenge, but it can also make them look crisp and neat. Here are some tips on how to iron large curtains safely and effectively.

• Use a low setting on your iron and a thin white towel or cloth between the iron and the fabric. This will protect the fabric from scorching or shining.
• Iron the curtains while they are still slightly damp, as this will make them easier to smooth out and prevent wrinkles from setting in.
• Iron the curtains in sections, starting from the top and working your way down. Use long, even strokes and avoid pressing too hard or too long on one spot.
• If possible, iron the curtains while they are hanging on the rod, as this will help them keep their shape and length. You can use a handheld steamer or the vertical steam setting of a regular steam iron to smooth them out.
• If you need to iron the curtains on a flat surface, such as an ironing board or a table, make sure the surface is clean and covered with a thick white towel or cloth. Fold the curtains in half or quarters to fit the surface and iron one layer at a time.

Store Properly

If you need to store your large curtains for a long time, such as during a move or a renovation, here are some tips on how to store them properly.

• Make sure the curtains are clean and dry before storing them, as any dirt or moisture can cause mold or mildew to grow.
• Fold the curtains neatly and place them in a large plastic bag or a storage bin with a tight-fitting lid. You can also use vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect the curtains from dust and insects.
• Label the bag or bin with the name of the room and the window where the curtains belong, so you can easily find them when you need them.
• Store the bag or bin in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet, a basement, or an attic. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, heat, or humidity, as these can damage the fabric or cause fading.

FAQs

Q: How often should I wash my large curtains?

A: It depends on how dusty or dirty your home is, but generally speaking, you should wash your large 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 large curtains with vinegar?

A: Yes, you can wash large curtains with vinegar to help remove odors and stains. Just add one cup of white vinegar to the washing machine or the bathtub along with your detergent or soap. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that can also brighten and soften fabrics.

Q: Can I wash large curtains with bleach?

A: No, you should not wash large curtains with bleach, as bleach can damage or discolor the fabric. Bleach can also weaken the fibers and cause holes or tears. If you need to whiten or sanitize your large curtains, use baking soda or vinegar instead.

Wrap Up

That’s it, Huetifulhomes friends: how to wash large curtains. Now you can enjoy your clean and fresh large curtains without worrying about ruining them or your washing machine.

If you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who could use some tips on how to wash large curtains. And stay tuned for more home hacks and decor ideas from Huetifulhomes.com!

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.