Taking care of your curtains seems like a herculean task for some Nigerians but in this article from Naijassador, we delve into how you can maintain your curtains properly.
Curtains are one of the most ignored items during house cleaning. In most households, they get cleaned once or twice a year. This shouldn’t be the case as they absorb a lot of dust and should be cleaned more frequently than just once a year. Not washing curtains can lead to uncomfortable situations like a smelly house, as the curtains absorb smells and allergies because of the dust that they might gather
Dust mites are one of the most common triggers of year-round allergies and asthma and they are usually found in dusty, unwashed curtains. So, when last did you wash your curtains?
If they haven’t been washed in the last 6 months, then you need to get them washed immediately. You might be exposing your respiratory tract to too much dirt and dust.
It Is recommended that you wash your curtains every 3-4 months. That is at least thrice a year. This will get rid of any dust or allergen that has been gathered over time. It will also help your house smell fresher and look cleaner as curtains are usually part of the house decor.
If you suffer from allergies, asthma or you’re prone to respiratory issues, you should wash your curtains monthly. This will help to curb the occurrence of attacks and symptoms.
If you smoke a lot, your curtains should also be washed monthly as the chemicals found in cigarettes will cling to curtains and can cause them to turn yellow and take on a strong smell of smoke.
If your curtains can be washed with machines (you’ll find this in the fabric care label), you can easily get rid of the dirt with a gentle wash cycle. Curtains that are made of silk, linen or other sensitive fabrics shouldn’t be washed with clothes. After your wash, make sure to sun dry the curtain to avoid any incidence of dampness. You can also iron it before you hang it back up to get rid of wrinkles and squeezes.
Soak your curtain in hot water for about an hour before washing it by hand. You can use regular detergent or liquid soap. It is not advisable to use bleach on your curtains except if they are badly stained. Sun dry your curtains and iron as usual to remove squeezes and creases
Curtains can be very sensitive to mechanical action, temperature changes and chemicals, so using harsh cleaning materials like bleach on them can cause them to weaken and eventually tear.
