How To Clean And Maintain Curtains

Found in almost every home, curtains provide two important functions. First, they're designed to provide privacy from the outside world, as well as block both natural and artificial light from entering your house. They also play a role in beautifying your home, as it's easy to find a style and color that will blend with any decor style or theme.

If you're looking for a way to give a room a personal look without spending too much money, new curtains are the way to go. There are window treatments to match any decorating budget, and you can use them to customize any space, from the kitchen to the master bedroom. For instance, if a room has a bright, tropical feel, choose light, airy curtains that will catch the breeze, or add a pop of color with bright yellow or turquoise window treatments.

While most curtains are simple to maintain, there are some things you should do on a regular basis to keep them looking their best. Curtains are regularly exposed to dust, dirt and debris due to open windows, pets and everyday wear and tear. 

Here are some tips for maintaining your curtains:

Cleaning Without Taking Curtains Down

If you don't have time to deep-clean your curtains, you can refresh them without even taking them down. Prevent debris from building up by dusting your curtains once a week or month, depending on how much dirt they're exposed to.

Starting at the top of the curtain, run a microfiber cloth, feather duster or your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment down the length of the fabric. Repeat the process on both sides of the curtain. Pay special attention to any folds in the fabric, as that's where debris tends to  build up.

For a deeper clean without having to remove the curtains, you can steam clean them with a handheld cleaner. Check the curtain's manufacturer care label to make sure they can be exposed to moisture.

Taking the Curtains Down to Clean

At least once a year or during fall and spring cleaning, take your curtains down for a through deep cleaning. Depending on the type of fabric your curtains are made of, you can either wash them on your washing machine's delicate cycle, or have them dry-cleaned. 

If you wash the curtains at home, check the care label to see if you can dry them in the dryer, or if the need to be air-dried. For more information, visit sites like http://www.dschultzwallcoverings.com.