Blackout curtains are a great way to block out unwanted light and noise from your bedroom, living room, or any other space in your home. They can also help you save energy and money by keeping your room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But sometimes, blackout curtains can be too stiff and rough, making them look unappealing and uncomfortable. If you want to soften your blackout curtains without ruining them, you have a few options to choose from. In this post, we will show you how to soften your blackout curtains using laundry detergent, fabric softener, vinegar, or dryer sheets. These methods are easy, safe, and effective, and you don’t need any special tools or skills.
How to soften blackout curtains without ruining them: You can use laundry detergent, fabric softener, vinegar, or dryer sheets to soften your blackout curtains. You can either wash them in the washing machine or soak them in a tub with these products. Then, you can either dry them in the dryer or hang them to air dry.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is a common product that can help you soften your blackout curtains. It can remove dirt, dust, and stains from your curtains, as well as make them smell fresh and clean. To use laundry detergent to soften your blackout curtains, you will need:
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
- Dryer or clothesline
Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the care label on your blackout curtains and follow the instructions for washing them. Some blackout curtains may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, load them into the washing machine and add laundry detergent according to the package directions. Choose a gentle cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric or the lining of your curtains.
- If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, fill a large tub with cold water and add laundry detergent according to the package directions. Submerge your curtains in the water and gently agitate them with your hands. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your blackout curtains thoroughly with cold water until no soap residue remains.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, transfer them to the dryer and tumble dry on low heat or no heat setting until they are slightly damp. If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, hang them on a clothesline or a shower rod and let them air dry until they are slightly damp.
- Remove your blackout curtains from the dryer or the clothesline and hang them on the curtain rod while they are still damp. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands and let them finish drying on the rod.
Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is another product that can help you soften your blackout curtains. It can add moisture and softness to your curtains, as well as reduce static cling and wrinkles. To use fabric softener to soften your blackout curtains, you will need:
- Fabric softener
- Washing machine or tub
- Dryer or clothesline
Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the care label on your blackout curtains and follow the instructions for washing them. Some blackout curtains may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, load them into the washing machine and add fabric softener according to the package directions. Choose a gentle cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric or the lining of your curtains.
- If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, fill a large tub with cold water and add fabric softener according to the package directions. Submerge your curtains in the water and gently agitate them with your hands. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your blackout curtains thoroughly with cold water until no soap residue remains.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, transfer them to the dryer and tumble dry on low heat or no heat setting until they are slightly damp. If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, hang them on a clothesline or a shower rod and let them air dry until they are slightly damp.
- Remove your blackout curtains from the dryer or the clothesline and hang them on the curtain rod while they are still damp. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands and let them finish drying on the rod.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural product that can help you soften your blackout curtains. It can also remove odors, stains, and mildew from your curtains, as well as restore their color and brightness. To use vinegar to soften your blackout curtains, you will need:
- White vinegar
- Washing machine or tub
- Dryer or clothesline
Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the care label on your blackout curtains and follow the instructions for washing them. Some blackout curtains may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, load them into the washing machine and add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Choose a gentle cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric or the lining of your curtains.
- If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, fill a large tub with cold water and add one cup of white vinegar. Submerge your curtains in the water and gently agitate them with your hands. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your blackout curtains thoroughly with cold water until no vinegar smell remains.
- If your blackout curtains are machine washable, transfer them to the dryer and tumble dry on low heat or no heat setting until they are slightly damp. If your blackout curtains are not machine washable, hang them on a clothesline or a shower rod and let them air dry until they are slightly damp.
- Remove your blackout curtains from the dryer or the clothesline and hang them on the curtain rod while they are still damp. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands and let them finish drying on the rod.
Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are another product that can help you soften your blackout curtains. They can also reduce static cling and wrinkles, as well as add a pleasant scent to your curtains. To use dryer sheets to soften your blackout curtains, you will need:
- Dryer sheets
- Dryer
- Clothesline
Here are the steps to follow:
- Check the care label on your blackout curtains and follow the instructions for drying them. Some blackout curtains may be dryer safe, while others may require air drying or dry cleaning.
- If your blackout curtains are dryer safe, load them into the dryer and add one or two dryer sheets according to the package directions. Choose a low heat or no heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric or the lining of your curtains.
- If your blackout curtains are not dryer safe, hang them on a clothesline or a shower rod and place one or two dryer sheets under them or near them. The breeze will help distribute the scent and softness of the dryer sheets to your curtains.
- Remove your blackout curtains from the dryer or the clothesline and hang them on the curtain rod while they are still slightly damp. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands and let them finish drying on the rod.
FAQs
Q: How do I wash my blackout curtains?
A: To wash your blackout curtains, you need to check the care label on your curtains and follow the instructions for washing them. Some blackout curtains may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. You can also use laundry detergent, fabric softener, vinegar, or dryer sheets to wash your blackout curtains.
Q: How do I dry my blackout curtains?
A: To dry your blackout curtains, you need to check the care label on your curtains and follow the instructions for drying them. Some blackout curtains may be dryer safe, while others may require air drying or dry cleaning. You can also use a dryer or a clothesline to dry your blackout curtains.
Q: How do I iron my blackout curtains?
A: To iron your blackout curtains, you need to check the care label on your curtains and follow the instructions for ironing them. Some blackout curtains may be iron safe, while others may require steaming or no ironing at all. You can also use a steam iron or a garment steamer to iron your blackout curtains.
Q: How do I store my blackout curtains?
A: To store your blackout curtains, you need to fold them neatly and place them in a plastic bag or a storage container. You can also use mothballs or lavender sachets to prevent moths and other pests from damaging your curtains.
Q: How do I hang my blackout curtains?
A: To hang your blackout curtains, you need to use a curtain rod and curtain hooks or clips. You can also use a tension rod or a wire system if you don’t want to drill holes on your wall. You can hang your blackout curtains behind regular curtains for more privacy and style, or alone for a minimalist look.
Wrap Up
Blackout curtains are wonderful and practical window treatments that can enhance any room in your home. However, they can also be too stiff and rough, making them look unappealing and uncomfortable. If you want to soften your blackout curtains without ruining them, you can use one of these methods to soften your
