Curtains hanging on the windows and glistening in the sun in a snow-white color are one of the simplest and most delicate decorations in your home, which you cannot do without. When hung up, freshly washed, they give the impression of untouchable cleanliness. Are you wondering if it is necessary to soak white curtains, and if so, what products to use in order not to accidentally damage them? Here’s an unusual method that will make them look like new after every wash.
Do white curtains have to be soaked?
Seasonal household cleaning also includes washing curtains. We not only want to return their freshness, but also their lost whiteness. Unfortunately, even the best quality curtains can turn yellow and dull over time. This takes away all their decorative value. Would you rather put them down as soon as possible? Yes, sure do, but don’t get rid of your favorite curtains prematurely. There is a way to restore their snow white color. The way they were when you bought them. They will be clean, aesthetic, fragrant again and their fibers will acquire the correct structure.
Most high-quality curtain materials require regular maintenance. This will not only extend their lifespan, but also beautify the appearance of the window decoration. Dust and various air impurities settle on the curtains every day. Curtains hung by an icy window and above a radiator working at full speed in the winter are additionally exposed to the influence of excessive moisture accumulation. Over time, they get dirty and smell unpleasant. You cannot allow that. After all, the curtains hanging on the windows, bright, expressive and contrasting with the other elements of the equipment, are the first to catch the eye when entering the room.
However, pay attention to the properties of the material of your window decoration. Choose the soaking method based on these requirements.
How often to wash curtains?
It used to be recommended to wash curtains on average once every six months.
Nowadays, a lot depends on the material they are made of, the room they are hung in, and whether they are heavily exposed to dust and other contaminants. Window decorations in the living room, where we spend most of our time, and those hanging in the bedroom, where we want high hygiene and sleeping comfort, should therefore be washed more often. At least once every three to four months.
Before you put the curtains in the washing machine, soak them in a specially prepared solution with a rather unusual agent. It enhances the shine, dries the old color and, if necessary, restores it. Here is a method I got from my grandmother and mother. Now I use it regularly when washing old and new curtains.
What unusual means to use?
Instead of baking soda, you can soak the fabric in lemon juice. However, it will not have the same whitening, strengthening and shining effect as dissolved in water… Tablet for dentures.
- Dissolve the effervescent denture tablets in a bowl of slightly warm water and wait for them to dissolve thoroughly.
- If you are preparing a bleaching bath for curtains for the first time, start with 1 to 2 tablets per 4 to 5 liters of water and evaluate the effect.
- Soak the curtains in the resulting solution of tablets and water for about 1.5 hours.
- For very dirty, dull and colorless pieces, extend this time to 2 hours.
- If you have curtains from several rooms that you want to wash, do not forget to increase the amount of added detergent and water.
- Rinse the soaked curtains under running water and wring them out gently, then transfer them to the washing machine drum and immediately set the program for gentle washing of the curtains.
- You don’t need another bleaching agent, just use the powder that you reach for every time you wash. Dose it according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the package.
- Do not dry the curtains in direct sunlight, but try to do it in the fresh air, this way they will not only shine clean, but also smell nice.
Washing curtains – methods and optimal temperature. This will prevent them from turning gray and collapsing
