Curtains can often be the unsung hero of the home. Something that, if they were to go missing, you might take a few moments before you finally put your finger on what is missing from your living room arrangements. However, Although curtains aren’t so often the centre piece of our spaces, they’re still vital additions to our homes and without them your aesthetic could easily fall into disarray.
Not only do our curtains provide an important extra layer of depth to our design choices, but they also serve the purpose of regulating the light and temperature in our rooms. Of course, they also cost money to replace, and it’s in your best interest to make sure you get all your money’s worth from any household items, curtains being no exception. In order to get the most of your curtains and extend their lifespan, follow some of our helpful tips below:
The first thing to establish is the nature of your curtains, IE what material they’re made from and how best to clean them. Some materials are more fragile than others, and it’s important to be well aware of how to properly care for your curtains, without running the risk of damaging them. Cotton and linen are sturdy and usually machine-washable, making them relatively easy to clean. Velvet however, is a more delicate and requires more consideration, often requiring dry-cleaning and occasional gentle brushing to keep dust from settling into the fibers. Silk is another highly delicate material, and in many cases it’s better to use professional cleaning services rather than risking damaging them yourself. Information about the materials of your curtains and how best to clean them will normally be included on either the labels found on the curtains themselves, or any packaging that they arrive in.
Without regular cleaning, your curtains are sure to attract dust, dirt and other wear and tear that will not only detract from their lifespan, but also damage their appearance. Once a week, vacuum your curtains using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, which will remove any dirt or dust without damaging the fabric of your curtains. You can also take them down occasionally and give them a gentle shake outside to remove dust and loose debris.
At least once a year, you should also make sure to deep clean your curtains, to fully remove any stains/odours and prevent the build up of more serious damage. It’s a good idea to carry out your deep cleans just before summer and once winter gets underway, ensuring that the heat/cold doesn’t exacerbate any already present issues. Treat any visible stains, use your washing machine/dry cleaning to make sure they’ve had a thorough clean, and also hang them to air out outside to make sure you remove any strong smells they might have picked up since the last deep clean.
