How to clean blackout curtains

What are Blackout Curtains? How do I Clean Curtains?

The goal of blackout curtains is to block direct sunlight, so they require a thick, tightly woven curtain fabric (unlike sheer curtains, for example)l. Most blackout curtains are made of one or more of the following fabrics:

• Triple weave fabrics
• Polyester
• Cotton
• Suede
• Polyester
• Velvet

Typically, the material of these curtains is adhered to a thermal or foam backing, which helps absorb extra sunlight and warmth from outside. This can also help keep the room cooler, as well as increase privacy. For these reasons, blackout curtains are often used by people who:

• Need to sleep during the day (such as those who are working night shift)
• Have privacy concerns
• Live in a very warm area
• Have young children
• Desire a dark or dimly lit room

Blackout curtains should be machine washed at least once a year with laundry soap or hand washed with mild soap to gently agitate excess soil, dust, and stains from your curtain. Smaller stains and spot cleaning can generally be managed as they occur, using a cleaning cloth and soapy water to remove them. Different blackout curtains will have different cleaning requirements depending on their manufacturer’s instructions and the fabric they are made from. For example, rubber-backed fabrics and thick fabric with a synthetic coating can usually be machine washed, but only with a gentle cycle.

How Does Blackout Curtains Washing Work?

Before you start cleaning your blackout curtains, it is essential to identify the kind of fabric they are made from and how to best care for it. You should also take a general assessment of your curtains, so you can identify areas that require special attention, such as:

• Particular stains

• Accumulated dust

• Potential allergens

• Lingering odours

Once you’ve identified these spots, consult with your curtain’s care label and manufacturer's cleaning recommendations and ensure you adhere to them throughout the cleaning process.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning is the best way to keep your blackout curtains looking great. Spot cleaning can be done before a thorough washing or to address an immediate stain. In most cases, all you will need is laundry soap, a clean cloth, and warm water, which can be blended to make warm soapy water. This mixture can be applied with a damp cloth after blotting up as much of the spill as possible with a soft cloth or towel. However, some stains (such as blood) tend to lift better with cold water than warm, so it’s best to research specific stains and how to clean them if you’re unsure.

For curtains that are dusty or may have pet dander or pet hair, try cleaning your curtain panels with a feather duster or soft-bristled dust attachment from your vacuum cleaner. Another option is to cleanse your curtain panel with a steam cleaner with a curtain upholstery attachment. A steam wand is especially convenient because it allows you to clean your curtains without needing them laid flat, which saves you time. A professional deep steam cleaning of your curtains, while they are hanging, can be especially advantageous for stain removal and minimising drying time.

Machine Washing Blackout Curtains

Machine washing your blackout curtains is typically quite simple, though it’s crucial to consult with the manufacturer’s instructions first. Remove the curtains hanging from the window and separate any hooks, attachments, and hardware attached to them. A gentle or delicate cycle on the washing machine with cold or slightly warm water is best. Before putting curtains in, go over them with a lint roller to remove dust and gently rub any lasting debris or dust and dirt away. Take care not to overload your machine and only use a mild detergent or stain remover. Avoid bleaches, vinegar, and fabric softeners, which are too harsh. Professional dry cleaning is also an option if you don’t want to wash curtain material yourself.