Velvet curtains have long been considered the epitome of luxury for centuries. The smoothness and shine of the fabric have enabled it to add a distinct charm to homes all over the world. So, what’s the scoop on keeping it clean?
Keep reading this comprehensive guide on how to clean velvet curtains to gain a better perspective on how you can wash your fabrics safely and avoid any damage.
Let’s Discover the Different Types of Velvets!
Known for it’s smooth and extravagant texture, velvet fabrics are a must use in many households. But maintaining it can be somewhat of a hassle. Due to it’s premier quality and outstanding appearance, velvet curtains might require special care.
But to get a grasp of how to clean these curtains, it’s essential to understand how many variations of them are there. Velvet curtains come in three types:
Velour Velvets: This type offers a more contemporary and modern look with it’s crisp folds and solid designs.
Crushed Velvets: With a wrinkled and creased appearance, these help create depth and dimension for your space.
Panne Velvets: Widely regarded as the most eminent type of velvet curtain, these have that trademark shiny appearance that people usually associate with velvet fabrics. They’re the ones you’d typically see at theaters or on stages.
Can You Dry Clean Velvet Curtains Or Wash Them in a Washing Machine?
Although throwing your velvet curtains in a washing machine seems like a brilliant and practical idea, you must take a few factors into consideration first.
If you’re dealing with polyester or crushed velvet curtains, feel free to use the washing machine on it’s gentlest settings. Always check the care labels beforehand and make sure to use cold water to avoid putting your curtains at risk of getting burned.
Pure velvet, however, should be dry-cleaned. When taking it to your dry cleaners, don’t forget to give them a list of some notable features about the curtains so that your dry cleaners don’t inadvertently cause them any harm.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Hand Washing Velvet Curtains
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
Dish Soap
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Gentle Detergent
Lukewarm Water
Canvas Storage Bags
Butter Knife
Cloth Hangers
Now, it’s time to start washing your velvet curtains manually!
Vacuum Off Any Dirt
Before deep cleaning your curtains, it’s crucial to get rid of any loose dirt first. Grab your vacuum, turn it on, and run it over the material as assiduously as possible. Once you’re done, give it a slight jerk and dust off any excess dirt from areas you might have missed.
If you don’t have a vacuum, you could brush your velvet curtains instead too. Simply get a soft-bristled brush and go over the entire surface area of the fabric with long, deliberate strokes.
Test Your Fabric for Colorfastness
It’s very likely that your curtain might begin to lose its color once you start washing it. That’s where colorfastness comes in. Dampen a portion of your curtain slightly and try dabbing it up with a white cloth.
If it begins to faintly lose color, it’s probable that your curtains won’t be able to handle a proper washing wherein dry cleaning is the ideal option. If it doesn’t, you’re all set to proceed to the next step.
Spot Clean Any Stained Area On Your Curtains
To prevent stains from seeping into the material and becoming more stubborn, it’s crucial to get rid of them as soon as they happen.
Using a butter knife or the blunt end of any other one, start removing the solids. After you’ve done this, take a clean cloth and begin blotting the stained area.
To extract this from your material, use a mixture of one cup of warm water and 1-2 cups of mild detergent or dish soap and gently rub it over the stain. Let it sit for a while, and rinse it off once you’re certain that it’s worked its magic.
Submerge & Agitate The Fabric In Warm, Soapy Water
Now that you’ve finished preparing the mattress, it’s time to wash it. First, fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water and add in some mild detergent as required.
Then, swirl it around to create suds. Once you have prepared a bubbly bath for your fabrics, carefully submerge the curtains in the soapy water.
Agitate the fabric gently and meticulously, ensuring that you get to every portion of it.
Rinse The Curtains
Drain the soapy water completely, fill it up with some fresh lukewarm water, and rinse off the soapy residue from the curtains. The key is to make sure that not a single bit of lather gets left behind.
Air Dry Your Curtains
Finally, it’s time to dry them up so that you can start using them once again. Wring out any excess water until it stops dripping. You can either lay it out on a flat surface under a ceiling fan or hang it on a clothesline or curtain rod.
Keep an eye on your curtains, and once they’re fully dry, hang them on one of your room’s curtain rods to add some necessary texture and visual appeal.
Store Them Properly
If you plan on storing your curtains during the off-season, consider using coat hangers.
If your drapes are too large, fold them up and place them inside a storage bag instead. This will prevent them from catching dirt and keep them safe until their next usage.
Take Care of Your Velvet Curtains & Enjoy The Texture They Add to Your Space
That brings me to the conclusion of this succinct guide to caring for velvet curtains and keeping them looking crisp and ready to transform your space into a delightfully luxurious haven. The delicate fabric can sometimes be a nightmare to deal with. Picking a cleaning method that’s too vigorous or rough for the material will instantly negate all of your efforts to keep them looking their best.
Ultimately, it’s imperative to clean your curtains regularly and avoid damaging the fabric. Once you’ve paid heed to all of the tips and methods I’ve mentioned in this guide, you’ll realize that washing velvet curtains isn’t as hard as you’d anticipated. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and add a bit of pizzazz to your living space with your velvets!
