How to care for curtains and blinds – 4 easy tips

Cleaning and maintaining curtains is important, yet often overlooked. Regular and proper cleaning not only prolongs the life of your curtains but also helps keep your indoor air fresh. Read on to learn how – and how often – to clean your curtains and blinds.

1. Remove dust and stains

Like other textiles, curtains easily collect dust, which can damage the fabric fibres and affect indoor air quality. The most important step in curtain care is removing dust. Light curtains can be aired and shaken out regularly – for example, when cleaning windows. Thicker curtains benefit from occasional vacuuming. Use a vacuum cleaner with a fabric nozzle and reduce the suction power to avoid damaging the fabric.

If you spot a stain or splash on the curtain, try spot-cleaning it with a lint-free cloth dampened with stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar.

A steam cleaner is also a great chemical-free way to clean and refresh your curtains. However, always make sure the cleaning method or product is suitable for the curtain material.

2. Wash infrequently

Sometimes your curtains need a more thorough clean. How often this is necessary depends on how much dirt they are exposed to. If there’s no visible dirt, washing once a year is usually enough.

Most fabric curtains can be washed at home, as long as you follow the care label instructions provided with ready-made curtains or fabric.

Remember to remove any curtain weights before putting them in the machine.

Use a mild detergent and choose a gentle hand-wash cycle. Avoid strong spinning, which may damage the fabric or cause it to lose its shape.

In some cases, it’s best to leave curtain washing to professionals. Large, valuable, or delicate curtains – especially those made from silk or wool – should be taken to a dry cleaner for chemical or dry cleaning.

3. Dry and iron properly

To prevent wrinkles and streaks, dry your curtains as straight as possible. Lightweight curtains can be hung back up on the window while still damp. Heavier curtains, on the other hand, may stretch or lose shape when wet, so it’s best to lay them flat to dry, for example, draped over drying racks.

If your curtains need ironing after washing, it’s easiest when they’re still slightly damp. Always adjust the iron’s temperature to suit the fabric and use steam with care to avoid damage. For the most delicate materials, use a pressing cloth for protection.

4. Clean blinds regularly

Cleaning venetian blinds may not be a favourite chore, but it becomes much easier when done before dirt builds up.

Light dust can be easily removed by closing the blinds and vacuuming them along the direction of the slats, from top to bottom.

Alternatively, you can wipe the slats with a dry microfibre cloth. Remember to clean both sides of the blinds.

If the dirt has already stuck to the surface, start by removing loose dust, then wipe the slats with a mix of dishwashing liquid and water. Instead of a cloth, consider using a cotton glove – your fingers can reach even the smallest gaps, resulting in a cleaner finish.

If you have wooden or bamboo blinds, use as little water as possible and choose a wood-friendly cleaning product. This prevents swelling or discolouration caused by moisture. Also remember to wipe down the blind cords while cleaning.

Roller blinds should also be cleaned regularly by vacuuming or wiping them with a dry microfibre cloth.

Who is responsible for blinds in a rental home?

Cleaning the blinds is part of proper home care in a rental property, and it is always the resident’s responsibility. However, if you notice a fault in the blinds, who is responsible for repairs depends on who installed them. If the blinds were installed by your housing provider, they are responsible for repairs. If you installed the blinds yourself, maintenance and repairs are your own responsibility.

As a SATOhome resident, you can easily report faulty blinds through OmaSATO.

Sources: Eurokangas, Kotiliesi, Kotiliesi, SOL

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