Like carpets curtains are a vital part of your home décor and can make a statement through its visual appeal. They add richness to your living space and brighten the overall feel. But of course they also have a utility purpose since they act as screens for our doors and windows. They filter the illumination you receive from natural sunlight. They also keep away dust, grime and contaminants and help you retain your privacy indoors from the peering world outside.
While we go about dusting, mopping and sweeping, we also have to sometimes stop and stare at our curtains and clean them from professionals of curtain cleaning Sydney services. Often curtains get the last thought by home owners when it comes to maintaining them. With doors and windows left open curtains become heavy and matted with contaminants, suspended dust and other air borne elements. They turn a bit discolored, look less fresh and in extreme cases unsightly. That aside they also can then be of risks with health issues cropping up in family members.
Dusty dirty curtains can trigger skin rashes, allergic rhinitis, asthma and other allergic reactions including sneezing and coughing. The reason is they have embedded dust, smoke, allergens and pest not visible to the naked eye.
So like many aware and conscious home owners you can engage specialist of curtain cleaning Sydney services to do a proper cleaning. But there are many who adopt DIY approach and do their all to maintain overall healthy look and hygiene. Regular fixtures sanitization helps improving indoor air and prevents recurrent illnesses. There are numerous DIY ways of curtain cleaning that is done to put life back into your curtains. We will see a few and also talk a bit about the dos and don’ts for better results and upkeep!
The DIY Method Is Nothing But Cleaning The Curtains Yourself.
Things to do when you clean curtains
Reading the label instruction: As you begin the cleanup process make sure you read the fabric labels well and treat accordingly. It will be mentioned if you can go for dry cleaning or washing.
Weekly vacuum
Your home has its unique character and curtains collect suspended matter, dust, pollen and dander as they cover doors and windows from where air flows in. To prevent accumulation of allergens and dirt, vacuum weekly. Ensure using filters to see that you retain a good and healthy indoor air quality. For a smoother work use crevice, brush head and flat brush. Set a top to down approach as you move the vacuum. This is what the professionals of curtain cleaning Sydney do for the best outcome and it is a time saver.
Machine wash
Unless the label mentioned professional dry cleaning you can straight away try the machine wash method as it’s the easiest option. The exact cleaning method or tips should be provided in the label. The product type and specific temperature would be mentioned. In case there is no label, just feel the fabric and wash in warm water with a fabric softener and mild detergent at temperature setting below 40℃. Also to prevent any harm to your curtains set wash cycle on gentle and spin dry them. Then hang them dry them outside to prevent creasing.
Cleaning the drapes and pelmets
In case your curtains are long with fabric drapes and pelmet, routine using a vacuum is desirable. You can clean the fixtures well beforehand using a soft bristled flat cleaning brush. After vacuuming wipe the drapes and filters with a microfiber cloth damped with water and rubbing alcohol mixture. Make sure all folds and crevices are dry. Any wetness can cause mold growth that you would want to avoid.
Removing carbon deposits by dry cleaning your curtains
Our curtains are exposed to various culinary smokes and smells apart from air borne air pollutants. These gather as carbon residues in tough areas like curtain hoops and folds. Dry cleaning is a great way to address this. A simple process to clean like any curtain cleaning Sydney experts involves mixing one part of rubbing alcohol in 5 parts water. For deeper cleaning you can add one part of dishwashing solution. Put this in a spray bottle and spray on the curtain for a few seconds. Immediately wipe with a microfiber cloth or mitten. Dry the curtains and fixtures in air by opening all doors and windows.
What You Should Avoid When Cleaning
It is sometimes better to know what one should not do first and learn what one should do. Here are a few tips.
- Avoid dusting curtain immediately after vacuuming
- Don’t try the bottom up approach by beating curtain down. This actually worsens things spreading dust and contaminants all around, causing them to re settle back into your curtains and upholstery
- Spot test before using a new cleaner to prevent damaging fixtures
- For steam cleaning which is a specialist job you should hire professionals from curtain cleaning Sydney service providers
- In case of any doubt about washing curtains choose dry cleaning as its safer specially those curtains that have embellishments or ornamentation
- Do not use high temperatures or harsh cleaning solutions. Keep water lukewarm and use a cloth dryer to dry if needed to prevent from excessive sun damage
- Remember to dust curtains with vacuum’s soft brush attachment after deep cleaning
- Set vacuum to reduced suction while using to avoid sucking fabric inside the nozzle. You can also tie a nylon stocking over the nozzle using a rubber band
- Do not neglect sheer curtains even they seem all right. Dirt accumulated over time discolors them. Use cold water and mild detergent since they are delicate. If you are washing in machine run for 2-3 minutes on gentle spin
- Do not overload your machines as curtains are heavier when wet
- If hand washing avoid wringing or rubbing the fabric , just mildly agitate them
- Ensure that while drying curtains on two parallel lines the wet surfaces remain separate. Check that they do not rest on wood which might stain them
To keep the air quality in your homes fresh and healthy routine curtain cleaning is needed. It also keeps the curtain and its fixtures well maintained and prolongs their life. And you end up having a beautiful aesthetic home!