Curtains are neglected in most homes.
These days, draperies are inexpensive, and people change home decor themes often. When the curtains begin to look dingy, they simply buy new ones – usually as an excuse to redecorate! While we’d never discourage redecorating, there are plenty of reasons to clean your curtains more often than you do now.
Dust and Dirt Collectors!
Curtains are usually filthy, and with good reason. They are the barrier between outside and inside.
When your windows are open, the curtains absorb moisture and attract dirt from the outside. Even when your windows are closed, there are cracks and drafts. If air can get through, so can tiny dirt particles.
Draperies are also the places where dust and dirt from ceiling fans and air vents settle. Even when you clean your house, you are putting dust and debris into the air. A number of those particles will settle onto your curtains.
When you take all of this into consideration, you can see why it’s so important to clean your curtains on a regular basis!
Weekly Cleaning.
No matter how dirty and dusty your curtains get, it would be way too much work to wash them or have them cleaned every week. It would also ruin your drapes!
You can, however, get a lot of the dirt and dust off the surface of your curtains by dusting or vacuuming them every week as part of your general household cleaning. You can use a feather duster, static duster, dusting cloths, a damp cloth, or a dusting attachment that fits onto your vacuum cleaner.
Whichever method you choose, there are a few tips to remember:
- Start at the top of your curtains and work your way down so the dust falls onto parts you haven’t dusted yet.
- Concentrate on dusting hems and folds as most of the dust accumulates in those areas.
- If you use a damp cloth, make sure you dust or vacuum the curtains first to avoid smearing in dirt. It’s best not to use a damp cloth on lightly coloured curtains.
- It’s easier to leave your curtains hanging when you dust them. Consider getting a more secure curtain rod if you aren’t able to hold the curtains taught to vacuum or dust them.
Be sure to dust or vacuum both sides of your curtains. Dust and debris collects on the sides facing windows as well, and it can fall onto your floor, cause odour, or cause particles to become airborne allergens.