Sheer curtains are one of the most stylish ways to let in natural light and brighten up living spaces. Like any other fabric, they will need to be washed periodically.
Sheer curtains are more delicate than other window coverings so cleaning them can be a bit tricky. Learning how to wash sheer curtains is important as dirt and dust can lead to damage and reduce the lifespan of the curtain. Contact us today to book in with our specialists.
Here are our top tips to wash and maintain sheer curtains
Preparing your curtains
Sheer fabric makes for quite delicate curtains so before washing remove any dirt, dust or pet hair using your vacuum cleaner on both sides of the fabric with a soft brush attachment, this may be easier to do while the curtains are still hanging on the window, just be mindful of pulling on the hooks.
For any stubborn stains or dust, a spot clean can be useful, use a gentle detergent and cold water.
Check the care label
How you clean your sheer curtains can make a huge difference to their lifespan, so it pays to know the right way to do so.
Prior to washing, double-check the care label on the curtains as they will have instructions tailored specifically to that fabric. Some curtains dry-clean-only curtains.
If dry cleaning is out of your budget, sheer curtains can be done at home with a home dry-cleaning kit or by following the instructions below.
Removing the curtain from the wall
The hooks or brackets that you hang your curtains with can damage the delicate fabric during the process so make sure to remove them prior to washing. You can consult your care instructions for recommended ways to remove hooks.
You may need a tool like needle nose pliers to remove the hooks. Once you have washed the curtains, take the time to assess the hooks for any rust or residue before re-attaching and replacing any hooks that are eroded.
Once ready, align the hook onto its matching loop or panel and secure into place.
Dry cleaning curtains
Sheer fabrics are often made with natural fibers such as silk and linen and so require some extra care when cleaning. Dry cleaning sheer curtains is a smart way to get them as clean and fresh as possible.
The delicate fabric of the sheer panels requires special care when laundering and dry cleaners have the equipment and products to best clean delicate fabrics.
To assist the process, remove all accessories such as hooks and tiebacks before bringing your curtains to the cleaner. Doing so will help keep your curtains looking their best for years to come.
Hand wash
If you have some stubborn stains, then hand washing before popping them in the machine may be useful.
Hand washing means that you can use warmer water and detergent as you can control the pressure of the water to prevent damage.
- Fill a laundry tub or a bucket with slightly warm water.
- Add in your soaking agent or liquid laundry detergent and dissolve fully before adding the curtains.
- Fully submerge the curtains and gently scrub using your hands or rubbing the fabric together.
- Remove the curtains from the water and squeeze any excess water out.
- Draining the used water, use fresh water to rinse any remaining detergent.
- Let the curtains air dry by hanging them from a clothesline or laid out flat on a towel or clean surface.
Machine wash
As sheer curtains are delicate, they will not be able to handle harder detergents or heavy washing machine cycles. Most sheer curtains are safe to wash in cold water on a cycle that is gentle on delicate fabric; just make sure not to overload your washing machine for optimal cleaning results.
Dry Naturally
Whether you hand wash or machine wash curtains, let them dry naturally without using a dryer or artificial heat as this will prevent any shrinkage or cause the fabric to change shape.
Try and lay them out as soon as the machine cycle is finished while they are slightly damp to prevent wrinkling and avoid direct sunlight as this can impact any colour the curtains may have. Try and hang the curtains so that the hooks and hems are not pulling on the fabric as it dries.
Ongoing Maintenance
After the wash process, keep your curtains clean by regularly dusting and vacuuming using a soft brush attachment. Occasionally spot cleaning will keep your sheer curtains looking fresh between washes.
Keeping areas around the curtains as dirt and dust free as possible will also help to keep them looking fresher for longer. Hanging the curtains in a sunny spot can help to reduce the impact of dust mites and other allergens that can accumulate on the fabric.
Things to remember
Be sure to use a mild detergent in the wash as well and avoid any fabric softener or bleach that could cause damage.
When machine washing, be sure to use a cold-water cycle.
If you need to use chemical cleaners, be sure that they’re safe for your specific fabric before using them.
Sheer curtains are a fantastic addition to any space, offering natural light while maintaining privacy.
Although cleaning sheer curtains can be a tricky task because of how delicate they are, the benefits of taking the time to wash sheer curtains regularly will keep your curtains looking fresher for longer and extend their lifespan. For tips on washing curtains and blinds head to our blog. Bosetti Blinds Blog | Posts & Top Tips | Blinds, Shutters & Awnings
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