Window treatments like curtains and blinds are essential to not only add comfort to any area but also to improve its aesthetics. These window curtains and blinds provide you with privacy and control over light, and make the area comfortable enough for relaxing and having quality sleep.
However, to ensure their longevity, it is quite important to keep them properly cleaned and maintained. This way, they will retain their perfect condition and will keep on beautifying your interiors.
With that being said, in this article, we will take you through a comprehensive guide in which you will learn some tips and tricks about how to maximize the lifespan of your window treatments. It goes without saying that whether you have luxurious drapes or sleek and modern window blinds, getting them cleaned regularly is the only way to make them last longer.
Tips & Tricks To Extend The Lifetime Of Your Curtains And Blinds
Your modern window curtain and blinds’ lifetime can be extended by regularly cleaning and maintaining them, which can help you save money and make the most out of your investment.
Cleaning Your Window Curtains
First, let’s learn about how you can properly clean your curtains and what are the possible methods to clean them so as to increase their longevity.
Dusting & Vacuuming
The very first thing you can do on a regular basis to keep your curtains clean is dusting and vacuuming them. You can use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and debris from the curtain fabric without damaging it. This will help your curtains lose the accumulated dirt particles and also prevent them from settling in the fabric layers during the deep cleaning process.
Hand-washing Curtains
If you have installed silk or sheer curtains in your place, then you should know that these window treatments always require some extra care to last long. For this purpose, you can fill up a bucket or a bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent to it to keep sheer curtains fresh and clean.
Place your curtains in the solution, then stir them around for a while. Gently rinse them in the clean water, then squeeze any extra water out without wringing. To dry, hang the curtains in an airy space away from direct sunshine.
Machine Washable Curtains
For machine washable curtains, start by sorting them according to their color and fabric. To thoroughly clean them, always use a mild detergent and wash them in cold water on a soft cycle. Do not use bleach or any other harsh chemical in order to prevent them from discoloration and or any other damage. Remove excess water by squeezing them and then hang these curtains in the open air to dry.
Dry Cleaning Of Curtains
Some of the curtains only require dry cleaning because of their delicate fabric and/or intricate designs. You can always take such curtains to a professional dry cleaning store so as to have them maintained the right way. It may require investing a bit of your money, but you can keep your window treatments brand new for a longer time this way.
Treat The Stains ASAP
If you notice any stains on any of your window curtains, run to treat them ASAP so that they won’t damage the fabric permanently. Apply a spot-cleaning solution or a mild stain remover over an inconspicuous area to test if it fades the color or not. If there’s no discoloration experienced, apply it on the stained area, working from the outer edges to inwards. Avoid any rubbing or twisting, and once the stain is gone, rinse the treated area and let it air dry.
Cleaning Your Window Blinds
Now, let’s move on to cleaning your window blinds and see how you can properly have them cleaned so that they can always look their best.
Dust Them Out
Regular dusting is the most effective way to always keep your window blinds clean. For this purpose, you can always use a microfiber cloth, a soft-bristled brush, or a feather duster. Start by dusting your blinds from the top and work your way down to the bottom, ensuring that each slat is properly cleaned.
Use A Homemade Cleaning Solution
Using your own cleaning solution by combining vinegar and water is another option for cleaning your blinds. You can simply clean your window blinds with this DIY solution, especially if you have wooden blinds that can only be cleaned with the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning solution. Dampen a cloth into the DIY cleaning solution and make sure to clean each slat gently and properly with it, removing all the dirt and debris.
Wash Them In A Soapy Solution
Another amazing method to get your window blinds, such as vinyl or aluminum ones, cleaned is to wash them with a soapy solution. Fill up a bathtub with warm water and add a mild detergent to it. Remove the blinds carefully and place them in the tub for a couple of minutes. After that, with the help of a soft-bristled brush, you can scrub away the dirt and grime from their slats, making them look brand new.
Maintenance Tips For Curtains & Blinds
- Protect your window treatments from direct sunlight because harmful UV rays can cause their discoloration or fading.
- Regularly inspect your window curtains and blinds for loose threads, brackets, or other hardware. Also, if you notice any damaged component, try to repair or replace it ASAP to avoid more damage.
- Maintain proper ventilation in the room to avoid excessive moisture buildup because it can result in the growth of mold or mildew.
- Keep replacing your window treatments according to the season and ensure storing them properly.
Wrapping It All Up!
With these tips and tricks, you can keep your window dressings in perfect condition for years. Besides, there are so many options available regarding curtains and blinds which you can opt for, when there’s a need for an upgrade. Yet maintaining your current window coverings clean is equally essential to improving the appeal of your decor and for extending the life of your window curtains and blinds.
