How to wash curtains without ironing - Best methods

For every housewife, the question of how to wash curtains without ironing is very relevant, and this is quite understandable.

After all, it is quite difficult to smooth out fabric, especially large sizes, and not a single housewife can afford to hang wrinkled curtains.

Nowadays there are various models on the market that differ in texture, style, material used, and they all require special care.

Since some fabrics cannot withstand high temperatures when washed, spinning is prohibited. All this is ultimately reflected in the appearance.

To avoid ironing and maintain its original condition, there are some rules and tricks that will greatly simplify the care process.

Important care points

Have you ever wondered how to wash curtains so that they do not lose their texture, color and shape? And this primarily affects their condition.

When curtains are purchased, many simply do not have labels indicating the permissible water temperature for washing and whether they can be ironed at all.

Sometimes such recommendations are given by the sellers themselves, but, unfortunately, in rare cases.

For example, there is a structure that requires only hand washing and gentle spinning; if you wash it in a machine, it will lose its appearance and even an iron will not help to return it.

So, let's start in order, consider how and what materials to wash, because it is this procedure that directly affects their condition and ironing.

Starching tulle

Lush folds create a solemn atmosphere. But in order for the airy fabric to keep its shape well , you need to know how to starch tulle correctly . This will make the curtains thicker, they will not wrinkle so much. When dry, starched products are covered with a film that traps dust, dirt is not absorbed deep into the material and is easier to wash.

1. 
   Preparation of the solution. A tablespoon of starch (potato or corn) is diluted in a glass of cold water. Then the solution is poured into 250 ml of boiling water in a thin stream, stirring constantly. Boil the product for 2 minutes until a homogeneous, transparent mixture is obtained. Before use, starch must be cooled and lumps removed.

2. The tulle is sprayed with a soft solution, straightening each area well. The damp fabric must be ironed so that it keeps its beautiful shape for a long time.
3. Using special means, starching can be done in the washing machine. The prepared solution is poured into the rinse aid compartment; after washing, the container is washed out with running water.

You can starch linen and cotton tulle. Synthetics and silk products are not processed in this way.

Linen

This structure, although rough, is quite finicky. If the model is made of pure linen, then the hostess will immediately note that a touch is enough for wrinkled places to remain on the surface.

They cannot be avoided when washing, so it is important not to cause more harm.

• Many people use the normal mode in the machine, but it is better to use the delicate mode;
• Set the temperature to no more than 40;
• Set the minimum spin.

Of course, it will take longer to dry, but this will save you from unnecessary smoothing processes. Before hanging, shake well and iron on the dryer.

But you shouldn’t dry it completely. It should be hung slightly damp; under its weight it will take the required shape and the surface will be smooth.

Ironing correctly

Finally, a few general recommendations that will be relevant when ironing any fabric.

• When you buy ready-made curtains, they must have a label with care instructions (in what water to wash, at what temperature to iron, etc.). Please read what is written there carefully and follow the instructions carefully.
• Before plugging in the iron, carefully inspect the soleplate - there should be no stains on it. In most cases, black spots are burnt particles of textiles, and if you start ironing without taking any action to clean, the white curtains can be damaged beyond repair.
• Determine what fabric the tulle is made of (synthetics, silk, cotton, other materials). Modern irons have special programs for each fabric, which is what you need to choose. If there are no specific instructions on your iron, then iron the curtains no more than +120 degrees (this is one or two points on the disk).
• It is not recommended to rush or, conversely, “slow down” during the ironing process. If you “walk” across the canvas too quickly, you are unlikely to have time to smooth out the unevenness, and if you constantly linger in one place, you risk burning the curtain. Choose a moderate pace and systematically go through the entire canvas.
• Tulle, like any other fabric, should be ironed only from the wrong side.
• To avoid damaging the curtain, use a thin cotton cloth through which you will iron. Modern models of irons have a special sole, which must be worn when ironing thin fabrics.
• According to experts, the vertical position of curtains is ideal for smoothing. Firstly, because the canvas will straighten under its own weight (even if this weight is small), and secondly, because it will be more convenient to use a steam generator or iron.
• Manufacturers often recommend ironing only completely dry material. However, most of us know that this approach does not give the desired effect. Therefore, it is better not to wait until the tulle is completely dry. And if it happens that the canvas has dried completely, you can do the following trick with some curtains: moisten them with a spray.
• Seams on curtains will require a special approach. They must be ironed from the wrong side. In addition, it is important to ensure that there is not too much pressure, otherwise the seams will be “imprinted” on the front side. To avoid this effect, use gauze.

Tulle is an amazing material, both in its appearance and in its performance characteristics. As befits royalty, he has a difficult “character”, and if you do not exercise caution and attention, you can easily ruin the material. However, many housewives have found a “common language” with delicate and airy tulle, and claim that ironing such fabric correctly is a pleasure. This means that you can ensure that your window opening is designed flawlessly.

Silk, organza

These materials are very thin and delicate, and they require the same treatment.

The advantage of such things is that very thin fabric is easy to wash; if there are no visible stains or other contaminants, you don’t even need to use powder, all the dust will go away just like that.

But the disadvantages include deformation, which can occur as a result of high water temperature, spinning, or from contact with other things. The washing rules are as follows:

• There should be no other things in the machine;
• Temperature up to 30;
• “Delicate” mode;
• It is better to pack the curtains in a bag, of course, which is not painted, then the risk of damage to the drum is eliminated;
• The procedure is carried out without spinning.

These items dry fairly quickly, but they will need enough space to dry unrolled and flattened.

Should be hung slightly damp, do not wait for complete drying.

What tools can be used

The first thing you need to do when inspecting the curtains before washing is to understand whether detergent is needed. If the curtains are not very dirty (for example, just dusty from time to time), it is better to abandon special products altogether, since the flow of water coming from the drum of the washing machine will be enough to make the curtains clean again.

Use high-quality tulle washing products.

If the curtains are very dirty, you should choose to use detergents in the form of a gel or liquid, because with a delicate wash mode in water at a temperature of 30-40 degrees, the washing powder will not dissolve and stains will remain on the curtains, which will require you to spend extra money The time for the second wash is just in warm water.

Delicate fabrics should be washed on a delicate cycle.

And if you put tulle and one curtain into the washing machine separately, then you will have to repeat as many as 3 washing cycles, which will take the whole day.

Special chemicals

You can now find a lot of different products for washing curtains in household chemical stores. Curtains can be cleaned using either special gels for washing clothes or special detergents for curtains (usually sold in packages labeled “for delicate washing”).

Use quality cleaning products.

It is also not prohibited to use now widely used laundry capsules containing several types of gel or detergent. It is very important that the cleaning is done with gel or liquid special products, since powders for washing clothes are not suitable here - they will leave stains on the fabric of the curtains, so you will then have to rinse the curtains either in a machine or by hand, which in any case will take a very long time. a lot of time.

Folk

Folk remedies are usually used not for regular washing, but to remove stains of various origins.

Folk remedies are suitable for preventive cleaning.

To clean curtains, you need to remember a few simple rules:

1. The stronger the contamination, the faster you need to begin removing it.
2. The edges of the stain should be sprinkled with starch, and then cleaned with a cotton sponge.
3. The trajectory of movement is from the edges of the spot to the center.
4. The mark should be rinsed with warm water.

Soak the tulle for a couple of hours in warm (no more than 30-40 degrees) water with a small amount of detergent.
If a stain from a drink (wine, coffee, tea) appears on the curtain, you must immediately take the following steps:

1. Remove the curtain from the curtain rod.
2. Blot the stain with a napkin.
3. Treat the area of ​​contamination with a cotton sponge soaked in alcohol.
4. Make a solution (1 liter of liquid + 1 tablespoon of vinegar + 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid).
5. Soak the curtain in the solution for 30 minutes.
6. Machine wash the curtain.

You can save a faded item after washing with baking soda.
If for some reason the curtain is stained with soot, then you need to follow these instructions:

The first method is to remove the stain using turpentine.

1. Mix turpentine and soap solution.
2. Moisten the stain with the mixture.
3. Wipe the stained area with a napkin.
4. Clean with a brush and soapy water.
5. Wash the curtain.

After finishing washing, shake the tulle slightly without squeezing, otherwise creases will remain.
If you use a mixture of turpentine + egg yolk, you need to apply the heated mixture to the stain and then put the fabric in the washing machine. The second method is to remove stains with baking soda.

1. Mix warm water and 2 tablespoons of soda.
2. Rub the stain with dishwashing liquid.
3. Soak the stained fabric in a soda solution for 8 hours.
4. Rinse and dry the curtain.

If greasy stains have formed on the curtains (the most popular methods):

1. Place the stained fabric on a sheet of paper. Sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or potato starch. Leave for a day.
2. Use chalk or tooth powder.
3. Mix glycerin and ammonia.

Velvet

A very capricious fabric, which, if not properly cared for, immediately loses its texture and becomes deformed. If the curtains are like this, the best thing to do is to have them dry cleaned.

This may not save money on maintenance, but at least you won’t have to buy a new product.

The thing is that the delicate pile does not tolerate long contact with water, it immediately deforms, the structure itself is also capable of stretching, so spinning is out of the question.

If you still have to wash it yourself, it is better to refuse the machine. At least some housewives still practice this method.

• It should be placed in a bath, water no more than 30, turn the fabric out so that the pile is in the middle.
• When washing, you should not wrinkle or rinse vigorously; everything should be gentle and careful. Also, when squeezing, there are no tourniquets as with ordinary things.
• Next, another point is drying. Here you will need a large vertical surface so that you can spread them out. There should be no folds, as they will leave bald spots.
• A blanket or sheet is placed under the fabric so that it can absorb water; it must be changed periodically. Hang slightly damp.

Is it possible to hang it without removing it?

give tulle a neat look without removing it from the cornice :

1. 
   Ironing.
   The damp curtain is hung on the curtain rod and allowed to hang for some time so that it straightens under the weight of its weight. Next, use the steam function. By exposing the tulle to steam, it is possible to smooth out any creases and other irregularities.

2. A steamer is the best way to iron a curtain without removing it from the curtain rod. You need to move the steamer slowly over the curtain.
3. If you don’t have a steamer at hand, you can replace it with a container of boiling water. It needs to be brought to the curtain and moved along the entire canvas.

Polyester

Quite practical and durable material. It can be safely machine washed, but it is still better to follow some rules.

The thing is that, despite the strength, large loads on the surface can cause harm.

But the harm is that with strong impact, the material will wrinkle, and since it is light in weight, drying will not help smooth it out. You'll have to use an iron and waste time.

• It's better to use a bag;
• Wash separately from any other items;
• Use no more than 40;
• “Delicate” mode;
• No spin.

It is necessary to choose a place where the water can drain into the container, then hang it and smooth it out.

If you follow these points, the surface will be perfectly smooth and you won’t need to remember about the iron.

Removing stains

Stains can be removed using special store-bought or folk remedies. It is better to wash stains as soon as they are discovered. The longer a stain exists, the more difficult it is to remove.

Author:

Anastasia Kukushkina

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