Linen curtains have become a staple in every household. At Aura Curtains, you can find a variety of styles without compromising the quality of the fabric. At Aura Curtains they provide a modern and elegant look, that adds a touch of texture and personality to the space. But just like all other fabrics, linen curtains require certain care and maintenance to preserve their shine and texture. Following is a detailed guide on how to wash linen curtains and still maintain their original novelty.
Can you wash linen curtains?
The most frequently asked questions regarding curtains are can you wash linen curtains, and should linen curtains be washed? As well as how to wash sheer curtains and should sheer curtains be washed. And a simple answer is Yes! Every type of fabric has a specific method to preserve its quality, for linen, even though cleaning linen curtains might be a bit tricky the key is to understand the quality as well as the construction of the curtain to avoid damaging the fabric. Linen is a natural fabric that if not taken care of properly can shrink and lose its texture. Below is a detailed explanation as well as tips and tricks on how to wash linen curtains properly.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that there are different types of linen. Pure linen curtains are made of 100 per cent flex thread and half linen curtains have 50 per cent cotton mixed in them. Secondly, check the care label tag for any specific instructions. But the question remains can you wash linen curtains and how? For, any simple and unlined linen curtains they can easily be cleaned in the washing machine. However, for sheer curtains and curtains with linings or some intricate designs is recommended to be hand-washed or gently washed. Sheer Curtains at Aura Curtain are crafted from a black sheer net that allows light to filter while maintaining complete privacy. Aura Sheer Curtains provide calmness and elegance without sacrificing the quality of the fabric, hence providing safe and durable curtains that are easy to clean.
Step-by-step process of cleaning linen curtains:
Step one:
The first thing in cleaning linen curtains is to get the curtain down and dust it off. The best-recommended way would be to use a vacuum with a brush and on the lowest setting. This will ensure that no dirt gets settled in during washing. And then look at the cleaning tag as it will inform on does as well as don’t of how to wash linen curtains
Step two:
The second step would be to look for any visible stains and treat them before washing the whole curtain. With a soft brush as well as a mild detergent and some cold water rub the stain with detergent and a little bit of cold water in a light circular motion using the brush and gently remove any other visible stain with the same method.
Step three:
The third step would be to set up the washing machine. One important tip to note would be to only wash the curtain alone and not with any other fabric. This helps protect the curtain from wrinkles and damage. Place the curtain in the machine and add a scoop of gentle detergent which is specifically made for delicate fabrics. Then set the machine on gentle or hand wash mode, depending on the model of the machine this might be wary. Select cold or warm water to wash, and NEVER use hot water as it shrinks and damages the quality of the curtain.
Step four:
Lastly, some machine-washable linen curtains can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, it’s generally not recommended. Machine drying can cause shrinkage and creases it is recommended to air dry linen curtains and to avoid dryer as it might crinkle, shrink or wear off the fabric. Avoid direct sunlight and dry them till they are just damp enough. Since linen tends to crinkle easily, it is advised to iron them when they are damp. the iron should be on the lowest setting and with a cloth in between the curtain and the iron. Simple upward or one-sided strokes will be enough for the curtains to be wrinkle-free.
By precisely following these four steps on how to wash linen curtains it is guaranteed that the fabric will not lose its shine and will be long lasting. But this is suitable for only simple, plain curtains without lining, to wash sheer curtains, curtains with intricate patterns, curtains with lace or curtains with lining it is preferred to hand wash them.
How to wash sheer curtain patterns or lace curtains at home?
Since sheer curtains are delicate it is better to hand wash them, this will secure the fabric not getting damaged in any way. Now, hand-washing curtains with different patterns will also ensure that the colours won’t bleed, and the design will not fade or get distorted. Lace is a fragile and sensitive textile; it easily gets damaged hence hand washing lace curtains is the best option.
A step-by-step guide on how to hand wash linen curtains.
First Step:
Firstly, grab a huge tub that can easily fit the curtains. Fill the tub with warm or cold water. Never use hot water for washing curtains as it can shrink, damage the colours and wear out the fabric. Lukewarm water is preferable for hand washing but it can also be replaced with cold water as well.
Second Step:
Once the tub is filled halfway with the water add detergent in it and mix well. The detergent should be for gentle clothes and once it is mixed in, carefully submerge the curtains in the water. Note that the curtains are thoroughly immersed and if it is not add more water so that the entire curtain is doused in detergent water.
Leave it to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This will help loosen the dirt and will make it easier to clean the curtains.
Third Step:
After soaking it for the required time swirl the water and rub any visible stain off. An important tip to note is to be gentle and avoid aggressively rubbing and scrubbing, otherwise it will damage the texture of the curtains.
Fourth Step:
Take out the curtain from the tub and dip the detergent water out. Rinse the curtains completely with clean water. Keep rinsing it till no more soap residue is visible. Once the curtains are rinsed entirely mildly squeeze out access water. Another tip to note would be to not wring or twist the curtains. Delicately squeeze the curtains to get rid of any remaining water.
Fifth Step:
To dry the curtains the best way would be to use a drying rack or clothesline outdoors in a shaded area with good air circulation. Avoid drying the curtain in direct sunlight, as it can fade the colours and patterns on the fabric. And dry them so they are only slightly damp.
Last Step:
To take out the wrinkles take the curtains and iron them while they are still slightly damp on a low heat setting. Use a cloth between the iron and the fabric and stroke it in an upward or sideways motion. This will ensure that the material is not scorched and is wrinkle-free.
Steaming the curtains can also help remove stubborn creases. Once the fabric is completely dry use a handheld steamer or a garment steamer and set to a low setting. Hold it a few inches away from the fabric and remove any unwanted creases.
By following these six simple steps, it will preserve the durability as well as sustenance of the material. But hand washing requires a lot of time as well as work. Considering that in the modern world where time is of the essence and the robust development of types of machinery, washing sheer curtains in the machine is possible.
A simple guide on How to wash sheer curtains in washing machine
Before washing sheer curtains check the care label tag first, if it permits proceed with the following:
If there is any stain treat them with a stain remover before proceeding to wash it. After all visible stains are removed separate the sheer curtain from the rest of the laundry. Always wash sheer curtains separately this will sustain the material. Add a mild detergent which is used for delicate laundry. Set the machine on a gentle wash and use cold water this will prevent shrinking and will restrain the colours. For extra care, use a mesh laundry bag this will protect sheer curtains during the washing cycle. Air dry immediately this can help avoid excessive crinkles.
Tips for Maintaining any type of curtains.
Still, finding out ways how to clean linen curtains effectively and without the need to wash them? One of the most used and old ways to clean curtains is to shake them off. This is effective if there is no stain and only dust has piled up on the curtains. Take off the curtain and on an open and empty space shake off any dust from the curtain, A more effective way is to ask two people to hold two corners of the curtain each and shake it. This works on any type of curtain even sheer curtains.
Open the curtains regularly this will allow fresh air to circulate your curtains and prevent odors in them. As well as rotating the curtains this will help to evenly distribute sunlight on the curtains and will prevent their color from fading.
Maintaining and cleaning linen curtains might seem like an overwhelming task, but it does not have to be, at least not with Aura Curtains. Aura Curtains are home to luxurious, elegant and alluring curtains that transform the overall look without any need to compromise on the quality. Curtains are essential in every household they bring the whole room together. The steps that have been mentioned above on how to wash linen curtains are the easiest and simplest steps. Just keep an eye on the cleaning tag, the temperature of the water, type of detergent, and air dry it away from direct sunlight. The result will be a clean as well as durable texture that is best for all linen curtains.
