Thursday 13 February 2014

4 tips to keep your curtains looking like new

Curtains need to be cared for properly if they are to retain their original decorative and practical purposes. No one like walking into a house with filthy or faded curtains on the windows. Caring for your curtains need not be a chore and there are ways to make it easier to take care of them like getting an adjustable curtain rod that will make it easier to take the curtains off the rod. These tips should help you maintain the health of your curtains a lot longer.

1. Protect them from sunlight

Sunlight can make your curtains fade very quickly and you should take every precaution to protect them from being in contact with direct sunlight. You might need to get hold of some double traverse rods to layer your dark colored curtains with light colored ones facing the sun to shield them. Additionally, you may want to consider hanging light colored ones on windows where there the sun comes in from. You can also get specially lined curtains that will do the same job of protecting the fabric on the outside.

adjustable curtain rod2. Vacuuming

You should vacuum your curtains and drapes at least once a month using the lowest setting so as not to damage the drapes. Additionally, use the soft brush extension to get it cleaned more thoroughly. All the trims and embellishments should be checked to ensure that they are properly attached, so that they do not get sucked into the vacuum cleaner. Just gently shake the drapes every day to expel any dust that might have built up during the day and this will make cleaning them a lot easier and make sure dust does not get caught in the fibers. Edges need special attention since they are touched a lot and also accumulate dust from contact with the window sill or floor.

3. Washing

Washing curtains will become necessary once in a while, especially those of lighter fabrics and those in kitchens and dining rooms where they may accumulate grease and odors from the surrounding area over time. Always have a look at the care instructions (some fabrics need dry cleaning,) and follow them to avoid damage to the fabric. If the stains are not too tough, use the gentlest setting on your washing machine. On first wash, it is usually best to wash the fabric separately in case the color runs. In general, you should always wash silk curtains by hand while cotton and linen can usually be machine washed.

4. Ironing

Curtains in your living room, sitting room and dining room should always be ironed to make them look presentable. Turn them inside out before ironing them to make sure that no damage is suffered and again, use the lowest heat setting on the iron to make sure that you are not going to damage the fabric or risk burning through. Many curtains should also be just starched instead of ironed which might damage them, so check the care instructions.

With these tips you should be able to keep your curtains looking fresh for years.

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