How to Clean Blackout Curtains: A Complete Guide

Tired of dingy blackout curtains that let light peek through? Don’t throw them out just yet. With regular cleaning and care, your blackout curtains can provide light blocking relief for years to come.

Follow our comprehensive guide to freshen up your blackout curtains and restore their room darkening superpowers. We’ll walk you through machine washing, hand washing and spot cleaning methods to suit any curtain and space. Learn how to detach linings, remove hardware and properly air dry your blackout curtains without damage.

Discover tips and tricks for keeping blackout curtains in peak condition when they’re not in use. Vacuuming, low ironing and cool storage are just a few ways to prevent premature wear and tear. Stop wasting money replacing blackout curtains that just need a good wash and TLC! This step-by-step solution will have your blackout curtains blocking light and looking like new again.

Machine Washing

Machine washing is the easiest and fastest way to clean blackout curtains, but it’s not suitable for all types of blackout curtains. You should only machine wash blackout curtains that are made of washable fabrics, such as cotton or polyester, and that have a detachable lining or no lining at all. You should also check the care label on your curtains to see if they are machine washable and follow the instructions accordingly.

Here are the steps to machine wash blackout curtains:

• Remove the hooks, rings, or clips from your curtains and detach the lining if possible.
• Place your curtains in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them from snagging or tearing.
• Load your washing machine with cold water and mild detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets as they can damage the blackout coating or fabric.
• Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle and start the wash.
• Once the cycle is done, take out your curtains and shake them gently to remove any wrinkles.
• Hang your curtains on a clothesline or a drying rack to air dry. Do not use a dryer as it can shrink or melt the blackout coating or fabric.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is a more gentle and safe way to clean blackout curtains, but it’s also more time-consuming and labor-intensive. You should hand wash blackout curtains that are made of delicate fabrics, such as silk or velvet, or that have a sewn-in lining that cannot be detached. You should also check the care label on your curtains to see if they are hand washable and follow the instructions accordingly.

Here are the steps to hand wash blackout curtains:

• Remove the hooks, rings, or clips from your curtains and detach the lining if possible.
• Fill a large tub or sink with cold water and mild detergent. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets as they can damage the blackout coating or fabric.
• Submerge your curtains in the water and gently swirl them around with your hands. Do not scrub, wring, or twist them as they can cause tears or creases.
• Drain the water and rinse your curtains with clean water until no soap residue remains.
• Gently squeeze out the excess water from your curtains. Do not wring or twist them as they can cause tears or creases.
• Lay your curtains flat on a large towel and roll them up to absorb more water. Do not rub or press them as they can cause tears or creases.
• Unroll your curtains and shake them gently to remove any wrinkles.
• Hang your curtains on a clothesline or a drying rack to air dry. Do not use a dryer as it can shrink or melt the blackout coating or fabric.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning is the best way to clean blackout curtains that have minor stains or spots that do not require a full wash. You should spot clean blackout curtains that are made of non-washable fabrics, such as wool or linen, or that have a special finish or treatment that cannot be washed. You should also check the care label on your curtains to see if they are spot cleanable and follow the instructions accordingly.

Here are the steps to spot clean blackout curtains:

• Remove the hooks, rings, or clips from your curtains and detach the lining if possible.
• Mix some cold water and mild detergent in a small bowl or spray bottle. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets as they can damage the blackout coating or fabric.
• Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution or spray it lightly on the stained area. Do not soak or saturate the fabric as it can cause water marks or discoloration.
• Gently blot or dab the stained area with the cloth or sponge until the stain is gone. Do not rub, scrub, or press as they can cause tears or creases.
• Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and blot or dab the area again to remove any soap residue.
• Blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
• Hang your curtains on a clothesline or a drying rack to air dry. Do not use a dryer as it can shrink or melt the blackout coating or fabric.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to keep your blackout curtains in good shape and extend their lifespan:

• Vacuum your curtains regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.
• Avoid exposing your curtains to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture as they can fade, crack, or peel the blackout coating or fabric.
• Iron your curtains on a low setting and on the reverse side if they have wrinkles or creases. Do not iron the blackout coating or fabric directly as it can melt or burn.
• Store your curtains in a cool, dry, and dark place when not in use. Do not fold or compress them as they can cause permanent creases or damage the blackout coating or fabric.

Thats It!

There you have it – a few simple solutions to revive your blackout curtains and keep rooms dark. Follow our cleaning guide to freshen up curtains in need using the method suited to your fabric and hardware. Keep blackout curtains maintained with regular vacuuming, low ironing and cool storage between washes.

A few minutes of care and attention can extend the life of your blackout curtains for years, saving the cost and hassle of frequent replacements. Here’s to pitch black rooms, energy efficiency and budget-friendly solutions! Let us know if you have any other home hacks you’d like help resolving. We’re always here to share tips and tricks that keep your space stylish and functioning without waste.

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.