How to wash curtains in a washing machine

Before you wash your curtains in the washing machine, you need to know how to do it. Universal buttons will not help here - delicate fabrics easily deteriorate and lose their presentation. In order not to learn from your mistakes and damaged curtains, we suggest that you immediately follow proven instructions and tips. They will be discussed below.

Features of automatic washing by fabric type

If your curtains are not embroidered with beads and glass beads, do not have unnecessary decor and metal inserts, then it is not difficult to decide on the nature of automatic washing. It is enough to navigate by the type of fabric. There are only a few of them.

1. Delicate. This includes organza, voile, semi-organza and silk, which require especially careful care and strict adherence to temperature conditions. It’s better to skip the washing machine altogether or wash at a maximum of 30° on a delicate/manual cycle.. There is no need to pre-soak the curtains - thin materials can be washed quickly without additional manipulations. Next, we proceed as follows: put it in a special bag, refuse detergents and turn off the spin cycle.

Silk and semi-organza can be ironed on the lowest setting and through a thin fabric, and organza and voile will dry and smooth out without any help.

2. Acrylic and viscose. These fabrics are washed at temperatures from 30° to 40° using special products. It is especially important to add conditioner, which will return softness and shine to fabrics “roughened” by the sun. There is no need to wring out acrylic and viscose, but you can iron it through a wet bedding in the direction of the pile with a choice of 150°.
3. Linen.Here we pay attention to the type of material: for thick coated fabrics, 40° is enough, and for thin colored fabrics, at least 60° is set.
4. Cotton. We wash with universal powder at a program of 50-60°. We pay special attention to drying, which must take place without the use of heaters (otherwise shrinkage will occur). Ironing is allowed, but only when damp.
5. Polyester. Delicate detergents and temperatures up to 40° are selected, which will prevent the appearance of folds and breaks. Iron only on the “Silk” mark and with plenty of moisture.
6. Taffeta. It withstands hot water up to 50°, but it deteriorates greatly from spinning and intensive rotation of the drum. Therefore, we choose a delicate cycle, avoid all-purpose powders and hang the curtains damp.
7. Velvet. They are considered the most demanding material, so professional care is indispensable. The ideal option is to use dry cleaning services. When choosing a home-made alternative, do not forget about the basic rules: turn it inside out, roll it up, turn on the delicate wash at 30 degrees and set the cycle duration to minimum. We dry only horizontally, otherwise the material will be greatly stretched and deformed.

We also pay attention to the color of the product. If there are white curtains in the drum, then we choose non-aggressive bleaches, and when washing colored fabrics - only special detergents to avoid shedding. What else you shouldn’t forget about when loading curtains into a washing machine – we’ll tell you in detail below.

Caring for chintz curtains

Doubts often arise whether it is possible to use an automatic washing machine to clean chintz curtains. The uncertainty can be explained simply - this fabric must be washed very carefully, especially in washing machines. This is only possible if the following conditions are met:

• Manual mode in cold water up to 30°.
• No detergents, maximum shampoo.
• During washing, pour a little salt into the powder receptacle.
• When rinsing, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water.
• Minimum drum rotation.

Rubbing and twisting the chintz is strictly prohibited. Ideally, after completing the cycle, place the curtains in a bathtub filled with cold water, rinse carefully and drain. We leave the fabric at the bottom, periodically shifting it until the main mass drains on its own. Then we hang it on a floor dryer.

Washing products on eyelets

If the curtains have eyelets, then look at their quality. When the inserted rings are made of inexpensive plastic, it is better to carefully remove them and return them to their place after final drying. The machine does not threaten high-quality metal at all. The main thing is to adhere to the following rules.

1. Place draperies in a protective bag.
2. Set the temperature to 30°.
3. Select delicate mode.
4. Replace the powder with an all-purpose shampoo.

After finishing washing, take out the washed curtain immediately. Staying in the drum for a long time will lead to tarnishing of the metal and loss of aesthetics. It is advisable not to delay hanging it on the curtain.

Thread curtains and blackout

The easiest way to care for thread curtains and blackout curtains. Before placing the first ones in the drum, you should tie the threads in several knots to prevent severe tangling. Then we place them in a special bag and select the fastest program.There is no point in washing them for a long time - synthetics wash off instantly. You can wring it out, but it is not necessary to iron it. It is better to hang them wet, and under their own weight they will finally straighten out.

Dense draperies like blackout are not afraid of anything. They can be washed at any temperature and with any detergent. It is preferable to use a liquid gel, which is distinguished by its delicate effect and color retention. There is one secret: semi-damp material will smooth out itself very well, so it is better not to wring out the curtains and let them dry on their own hanging on the curtain rod.

Advice from experts

That's not all. Additional tips will help you achieve an ideal result and avoid unpleasant surprises and problems. So, it is recommended not to forget about the following nuances:

• First of all, pay attention to the label where the manufacturer indicates the most acceptable conditions for washing specific curtains;
• remove curtains carefully so as not to lose small fittings;
• Don’t try to wash a lot at once. It is better to load the drum halfway for better rinsing;
• If there is embroidery, decorative elements, or metal inserts on the canvas, it is necessary to “hide” the curtains in a protective mesh bag. If there is no special device, a regular pillowcase will do;
• when there is a greasy stain on the fabric, you should cover it with starch for 5 minutes before loading;
• to remove yellowness, just soak in salt water for 2-3 hours;
• do not choose a cycle with water heating above 60 degrees;
• wash regularly - at least 2 times a year.

And most importantly, don’t take risks.If it is difficult to determine the type of fabric or there are several materials on one curtain at once, do not rush with automatic washing and give preference to manual washing.

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