7 tips to ensure that your curtains stay looking new
Photographs: iStock
Curtains have always played an important role in the decor of the house. They complete the overall look and add that extra sparkle to the appeal of a house. Materials for this important furnishing range from natural, blends to synthetic. Geetesh Saraf, director, Urja Facility Management Services, tells us how to care of curtains and ensure their longevity and freshness.
1. The best way to ensure that curtains are clean is to vacuum clean them on a regular basis. You can also use a feather duster and lint roller to take care of any dust, debris or pet hair.
2. For wet cleaning, the usual method for cleaning at home is to machine-wash. While this is ok, you have to be careful about the wash-cycle and the quantity of detergent. Also, make sure you don't mix the curtains when the rest of the laundry while washing.
3. Curtains with delicate work or additions such as crystals and sequins should not be machine washed.
4. Delicate fabrics or those with heavy colours, should be dry-cleaned. Normally such instructions will be found on the labels of the curtains.
5. If you are attempting to home-launder delicate and expensive curtains, do the following. Soak your curtain in a mild soap solution (depending upon the dirt level) for 30 minutes. Once the soap solution has seeped in adequately, scrub the fabric gently with a soft-bristled cloth brush and use your hands for a more abrasive for the more hardy portions. If you'd rather use a washing machine, select the delicate cycle. For drying, use cold or low heat option and do not completely dry using the dryer. Air-dry the curtains.
6. If you are drying your curtain in direct sunlight, reverse the curtains to prevent fading of colour.
7. It is worth mentioning here that it is wise to have two sets of curtains: one for daily use and the other for special occasions. There are also aesthetics add-ons that can give your regular curtains a rich look.
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Geetesh Saraf
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