You deserve a good night's rest, and you deserve to sleep in a bedroom that's stylish, too. When you choose blackout curtains for your home, you'll get the best of both worlds, because they'll be both beautiful and functional. What could be better than that?
Blackout curtains not only block out light but also help insulate your room, enhancing the quality of your sleep. As much as we love them, there’s one common concern: how do you clean blackout curtains without ruining them?
Maintaining a tidy space is essential, and caring for your blackout curtains is part of that. We want to help your curtains stay both practical and beautiful for years to come, so we've put together this guide on how to clean them properly. No more wondering, "Can you wash blackout curtains?" - we’ve got all the answers right here. Let’s talk about the best ways to care for your blackout curtains, so they continue to look and work their best.
Understanding your blackout curtains
Before we get into the details about how to clean your blackout curtains, it's important that you understand the different kinds of blackout curtains that are available. Typically, your blackout curtains will either be fabric-lined, foam-backed, tripe-weave or other similar fabrics. Depending on the fabric you have, your care protocols will be different, so be sure to locate your fabric type on the tag of your curtains.
The manufacturer's care guide is essential when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your curtains, so be sure to keep it handy. Proper care isn’t one-size-fits-all, so it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure your curtains stay in top condition.
How to clean blackout curtains
You already have a lot of things to clean in your home: between your bedding, your floors, your kitchen, and all the other things in-between, we understand there’s a lot on your plate. The good news is, we're here to make cleaning your blackout curtains easier, by providing clear instructions.
Here's what you need to know about cleaning your blackout curtains:
Routine maintenance
In addition to washing your curtains, you need to be sure you're doing simple upkeep tasks. These small tasks will ensure you don't have to over wash your curtains, which could possibly lead to damaging them. In terms of routine maintenance, we recommend you dust your blackout curtains with a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Doing this will ensure you get all the dirt and dust off your blackout curtains as soon as possible.
As well as this, shake out any dust or lint frequently, and if you find there's a stain on your blackout curtains, start with spot cleaning them. To do this, take a damp towel with mild detergent and blot the stain until you see it lighten or disappear entirely. While the frequency of these maintenance tasks will vary based on the amount that goes on in your home and the pets you have, we suggest you do these tasks at least once a week.
Machine washing vs. hand washing
Before you choose between hand washing and machine washing your blackout curtains, you need to figure out what is best for the particular fabric you have. Again, you have to read the tag and the corresponding manufacturer's cleaning guide before you choose between hand and machine washing.
For machine washable blackout curtains: make sure that you're washing your curtains in water that's the appropriate temperature. Never wash your blackout curtains in hot water, always keep the water on either cold or lukewarm (if your manufacturer has specified, follow their instructions). Also, be sure you're washing your blackout curtains on a gentle cycle, and always use a mild detergent. You don't want to wash your curtains with anything that will damage them, so wash them alone. Finally, never use bleach or fabric softener, because these things could damage the surface of your curtains.
For non-machine washable blackout curtains: if your blackout curtains are not machine washable, don't worry! It's still possible to get your curtains clean, even without a washing machine involved. To ensure your blackout curtains are as clean as possible, we recommend you use a bathtub or a large sink so that you can submerge your curtains in water all the way. Once your blackout curtains are fully submerged, gently blot them with a towel and mild detergent to get rid of any stains. Be careful not to damage the lining.
Drying and ironing blackout curtains
Once you've successfully washed your blackout curtains - either in the washing machine or by hand - it's time to dry them (which doesn’t have to be complicated), As you might expect by now, look at your blackout curtains' tags to see if they can be dried in a dryer or if they have to be dried by hand. If your tag doesn’t specify, to be safe, hand dry your blackout curtains.
For tumble-drying: if you're tumble drying your curtains, make sure your temperature setting is as low as it can go. Keeping the temperature of your dryer low will ensure your curtains stay in great condition.
For air-drying: simply pin your curtains on a clothesline outside, or hang them over your shower or another surface in your home. You don't want them to bunch up while they're drying, because you risk them moulding or not drying entirely. So, air dry your curtains with care, ensuring they’re sprawled out and out of direct sunlight. If you let your curtains dry in direct sunlight you risk them fading.
If your blackout curtains have wrinkles after washing, we recommend using an iron on the lowest setting or a steamer. Just be sure to check the care label on your curtains first to ensure this method is safe for the fabric.
Preventative care tips
Now that you have all the information you need on cleaning your blackout curtains, you're ready to answer questions like "Can you wash blackout curtains in the washing machine?" and "Can you machine wash blackout curtains?" But we want to share a few additional preventative tips to help keep your curtains in great condition for years to come. Here's what you should know:
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Clean them regularly, but not too often: aim to wash your blackout curtains no more than once every couple of months to avoid damaging the fabric. For regular upkeep, dust them or give them a shake every week or so.
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Use fabric sprays to keep them fresh: to avoid over-washing, a fabric spray can keep your curtains smelling fresh between washes. Choose a pleasant, fresh-smelling spray to prevent any unwanted odours.
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Avoid excess moisture: keep your curtains in areas with low moisture to prevent damage. If you live in a high-moisture environment, consider using moisture-removing products to protect your curtains.
Common issues to avoid
While cleaning blackout curtains is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
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Over-washing: too many washes can shorten the lifespan of your curtains. Stick to washing them every couple of months to avoid wear and tear.
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Harsh detergents: strong cleaning products can damage the fabric over time, so opt for a mild detergent.
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Ignoring the care label: always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and care to ensure you don't inadvertently damage your curtains.
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Neglecting dust and dirt: regularly check for and remove any dust or dirt. Left unchecked, it can lead to staining or fabric deterioration.
Ready to get some blackout curtains for your home? Choose La Redoute
If you don’t yet have blackout curtains, now’s the time to invest in them. Not only do they help you sleep better and regulate your home’s temperature, but they also add style to any room. For guidance on buying blackout curtains, be sure to check out our curtain buying guide.
Once you have your new curtains, follow the tips we've shared to keep them looking great for years to come. Proper care will save you money in the long run and extend the life of your curtains. For more information about La Redoute and everything we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us.
