Curtains look very effective on windows if they are snow-white. These fabrics turn yellow and gray over time, so many people wonder how to freshen them up. Is it possible to restore their original shine without using bleach? It turns out it’s possible with some surprisingly simple, homemade methods. We will tell you how to whiten curtains without using chemicals.
Why are the curtains gray?
White curtains are a window decoration that will never go out of fashion. They are so universal that they fit practically any interior, be it in a modern or classic style. Thanks to their color, they optically enlarge and brighten the room and provide a beautiful background for other equipment. However, this only applies as long as they are snow white. Unfortunately, elegant curtains turn yellow and gray over time, losing their original shine. What is the cause of this? Curtains turn gray for several reasons.
- First of all, dust particles, smog and other pollutants that enter our homes from the outside easily settle on these fine fabrics. Nothing harms curtains more than cigarette smoke, which penetrates deep into the fibers and changes their color.
- Exposure of curtains to sunlight and kitchen fumes from cooking is also important.
- Insufficient washing of these materials and their storage in unsuitable conditions also have an effect on the graying of curtains.
How to whiten curtains – home remedies
We don’t always succeed in preventing our curtains from turning gray. If they have lost their original appearance, we should not immediately replace them with new ones. Although you can find bleach in stores designed specifically for these fabrics, you don’t need to buy it if you want your curtains to be snow white again. We can whiten them without chemicals, using home remedies, which brightens fabrics better than many expensive detergents.
Lemon juice and salt
- Pour about 10 liters of warm water and the juice of 2 lemons into a large bowl.
- Add ½ cup salt and stir until completely dissolved.
- Soak the curtains in this solution for 2 hours.
- After this time, wash in the washing machine, selecting the program for delicate fabrics.
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach that does not damage fabric
- To brighten your curtains, simply soak them in cold water with a small amount of washing powder and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide and leave them to soak overnight, preferably overnight.
- Then wash them by turning on the washing program at 30 °C.
Baking soda and vinegar
- Place the curtains in the washing machine drum and then pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drum.
- Choose a gentle washing cycle and wait for the moment of rinsing.
- Then pour 1 cup of vinegar into the detergent drawer (the fabric softener compartment).
- After washing, hang the curtains.
What program should you use to wash white curtains? This will make the fabric soft, smooth and much whiter