1. How to clean your curtains?

We believe many people have trouble with curtain cleaning. The following tips apply to most curtains, however some fabrics will have specific cleaning instructions, so you should always follow those first. It’s also important to be aware that there may be potential for a small amount of shrinkage – depending on your curtain fabric.

Pre Cleaning - always follow the specific instructions for the fabric. If those instructions indicate you can machine wash, the safest option is to use a cold wash cycle using a mild detergent. If in doubt, always opt to wash them by hand.

During Cleaning - Due to the amount of fabric you are cleaning, a bathtub can be an ideal location for hand washing as you can wash a vast amount of fabric. Using a mild detergent and gently wash the fabric without soaking, rubbing or wringing.

After Cleaning - To dry your curtains, best practice is to hang them by their hooks in the shade on a robust line.

At no point should you put your curtains in the dryer, use pegs or hang them over anything, as you will get marks on the fabric.

 

2. How to clean different types of curtains?

Unlined curtains

Unlined curtains are typically low-maintenance and can be easily washed at home. Before washing, check the cleaning label or gently hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent.

Lined curtains

More difficult to wash yourself, we recommend dry-cleaning (P30) lined curtains with a dry-cleaner who specializes in curtain fabrics.

If you do wash your lined curtains yourself, be sure to check if the curtain and lining are different materials. When there are different fabrics involved, washing your curtains can cause one side to shrink, making your curtains pucker. Where possible, remove the lining and wash it separately.

Wash in cold water with a mild detergent.

Voile curtains

Voile curtains are often made of lighter fabrics, so they are easier to take down and hand-wash in cold water.

Once dry, you can give voile curtains a warm iron.

Thermal Curtains

Hand-wash thermal backed curtains in cold water, taking care not to let the thermal coating stick to itself.

Don’t rub or wring the curtains as you wash them and never apply heat to the backing, as it will melt.

 

* Sourcing: All contents are referred from JAMESDUNLOP TEXTILES.COM

 

3. How to avoid color fading?

Color fading can be caused by different factors, such as sunlight, humidity, improper washing approaches. In order to extend its lifespan, regular vacuuming but also avoid direct sunlight and use sun filters to block the UV Rays. One of the most effective ways in which to reduce UV damage to your interior soft furnishings is the use of a quality curtain lining. The fiber most resilient to sunlight damage is acrylic, followed very closely by polyester. Of natural fibers, cotton and linen have quite good sun resistance with quality dye stuff, much more than silk. But the best fiber type in high sun environments is definitely solution dyed acrylic, olefin or polyolefin.

Other Tips:

For Curtains

• Gently dust your curtains on a regular basis 
• Never touch the curtain fabric with dirty hands as this may leave marks.
• When washing curtains, the preference is for a warm hand wash, or alternatively a cold gentle cycle on your washing machine. Do not soak, do not bleach and do not wring or rub.
• Remember to remove any hooks, rings, trims and accessories BEFORE you wash your curtains.
• When it comes to drying your curtains the best option is to drip dry them or hang them up DO NOT tumble dry the curtains and avoid using pegs and other hanging tools that will leave marks on them
• Warm iron on fabric side only.
• Use a steam cleaner if you have one to iron and take out creases. 

For Blinds

• Dust - either with a feather duster, soft brush, cloth or in some cases (such as roller blinds) a vacuum cleaner. 

• Cleaning  – When cleaning blinds avoid scrubbing them they tend to have the best clean when they are dabbed on with a soft damp cloth to remove stains.