Four walls and a roof make a house; but when you start living inside, when you add your own touches to the space, does it become a home. Simple things like photos of your loved ones on the wall or pretty-looking curtains on the windows are all small additions that add to the charm of your space.
Curtains made from natural fibers like cotton and linen bring elegance and charm to your living space; but they require thoughtful care to retain their beauty and longevity. Unlike bedspreads, curtains need not be washed every week, but you need to take the time and effort to clean and maintain your drapes too.
If you want to learn more about how to maintain curtains, you need to read on!
Everything you need to know about curtain care
Curtains aren’t just decorative; they serve practical purposes like regulating light, providing privacy, and enhancing insulation. But over time, dust, allergens and stains (especially if you have kids or ‘clumsy’ adults at home) can accumulate on them, leaving them looking less than pleasing.
Put in place a consistent care routine and you will be able to preserve the natural beauty of these curtains and extend their lifespan too.
How to maintain curtains – what needs to be done regularly
We know that washing curtains is not a possibility on a regular basis, but that does not mean that you can do anything to keep them clean otherwise.
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Dusting your curtains - Natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to attract dust, but regular dusting prevents buildup, which can dull their appearance over time. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a fabric brush with medium soft bristles to gently remove dust from your curtains. Work from top to bottom, ensuring all areas are covered. Lighter curtains, such as sheer curtains can simply be taken and given a good shake outdoors to dislodge dust and debris.
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Spot cleaning - Accidents happen, and stains can mar the pristine look of your curtains, and for this, spot cleaning is your first line of defense. The first method to try out would be blotting; if the stain is fresh, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area. Rubbing could stain the fabric further or damage it, so remember to be gentle. You can make a mild soap solution and use this to blot the stain as well and then just rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
Curtains, especially those made with natural fabrics, such as the ones you will find at The Yellow Dwelling, might fade when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, which is why rotating them periodically is essential.
Washing curtains 101!
While you need not wash curtains on a daily or even weekly basis, especially if you are maintaining them regularly, you will have to wash them once every month or two. Moreover, natural fiber curtains require periodic deep cleaning to remove embedded dirt and odors and if want to understand how to clean window curtains or door curtains efficiently and efficiently, here is how:
In general, most curtains will come with wash instructions – these will include crucial information on washing temperatures, drying methods, and whether the curtains can be machine-washed. It is often easiest to just follow the instructions and you should be good to go.
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If you are hand washing – Delicate curtains like cotton or linen are best hand washed - fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent to prepare a frothy, foamy bath for the curtains. Let the curtains soak for 15-20 minutes. You can gently agitate the fabric with your hands to loosen dirt and once done, you can remove the curtains from the soap solution and then rinse the curtains until the water runs clean.
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If you are machine washing – Many curtains these days can be easily machine washed on a gentle cycle, but do remember to wash light color and dark color curtains separately. Ideally, you should use regular room temperature water to protect the fibers of the fabric and also remember to use a mild detergent. Avoid overloading the machine - we suggest that for washing machines with a capacity of less than 6 liters, you wash on 2 curtains at a time and for machines with higher capacity, a maximum of 3 to 4 curtains. Washing too many curtains at the same time could lead to tangling and improper cleaning.
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Drying it right - Proper drying is essential to avoid shrinkage and maintain the fabric’s integrity – you can hang them on a clothesline or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight could lead to the fading of colors, which is why you might want to avoid it. You can also smooth out the fabric with your hands while it’s still damp to minimize wrinkles or you can iron them on a medium setting. If you are washing sheer curtains, you can consider a steamer to get the wrinkles out.
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To iron or not to iron - A lot of people tend to wash their curtains and simply hang them back on the rod, allowing them to air dry. However, when dealing with cotton curtains, it is best to iron them on a gentle heat setting. When washed, cotton fibers tend to get all scrunched up and even shrink a little bit and ironing can help take care of all these. So, ironing your curtains after a wash, will give you crisp and fresh-looking curtains!
And then there is the issue of shrinkage - when you are dealing with natural fibers such as cotton and linen, shrinkage is a characteristic that comes along. However, given the benefits you get to enjoy with natural fabrics, like these being eco-friendly, breathable and also durable, the possible shrinkage is a miniscule issue to be concerned with. Moreover, this is something that can be handled quite easily - simply iron the curtains, after washing them and they should be back to looking as good as new. Ironing not only helps remove the wrinkles but also helps elongate the fibers of the fabric. And in case, you feel that the curtains have shrunk too much, there is always a little extra fabric at the hem of our curtains, which you can simply open and iron over and then stitch back. 
Preventive measures that will support your curtains cleaning processes
In addition to regular dusting and washing, there are other measures that you can take to clean and maintain your curtains, ensuring their longevity.
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For instance, you can add lining to your linen or cotton curtains, as these will provide an extra layer of protection against sunlight, dust, and wear. Lining is especially beneficial for preserving the color and texture of natural fabrics.
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Natural fibers are sensitive to harsh cleaning agents, which is why it is essential to use gentle, eco-friendly products to maintain their softness and strength.
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Remember to keep a check on your curtains – look for signs of wear, such as fraying edges or loose seams and address them as soon as possible.
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In case you are storing your curtains, remember to dry them out completely, before folding and storing. Try not to store them in plastic bags as that could lead to moisture formation – cloth or other fabric bags would be the better choice.
Curtain care isn’t exactly rocket science – all you need to do is keep a few pointers in mind and you should be able to enjoy the beauty of your curtains for a long time!
