Training your Curtains

Why?

New curtains can appear flared after hanging. Training helps them fall gracefully and hang evenly, giving a polished, tailored look that will last for years. Even just a few days of training, but ideally up to a week can make a big difference

How?

Start by folding your curtains neatly along the pleats at the top. Run your hands down each fold to smooth them, then secure the folds with ribbon, tying at the top, middle, and bottom. This will allow them to “set” into shape.

Caring for your Curtains

Over time, curtains can collect dust, grow mildew and become marked by dirty hands, so it is essential that regular cleaning of your curtains takes place. The following tips apply to most curtains,  however some fabrics will have specific cleaning instructions so you should always follow those first. It’s important to be aware of the potential for a small amount of shrinkage – depending on your curtain fabric. We do recommend professional dry cleaning in most cases.

Cleaning

Begin by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove surface dust and dirt. Start at the top of the curtains and work your way down, paying attention to folds and pleats where dust can accumulate. All curtain fabrics have different care requirements and instructions for the fabric. Following these is important as they allow for protection of the fabric ensuring longevity.

If those instructions indicate you can machine wash, the safest option is to use a cold wash on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent. We highly recommend hand washing your curtains as this will protect any delicate fabrics and pleats. Some curtains may have decorative embellishments that can be damaged by machine washing even if the fabric itself is machine washable. If in doubt, always opt to wash them by hand.

Ensure you have checked for colour fastness before washing by testing a small area on the back of the hem, and don’t forget to remove any curtain hooks or hardware before washing. For delicate or sheer fabrics, wash gently by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Lightly swish the fabric in the water, and avoid wringing or twisting it at any time, including during drying, to prevent damage.

During Cleaning

Due to the amount of fabric you are cleaning, a bathtub can be an ideal location for hand
washing. Using a mild detergent gently wash the fabric without soaking, rubbing or
wringing. Bleach is a no-no and should not be used at any stage of the process. Bleach will generally breakdown the fabric.

After Cleaning

To dry your curtains, best practice is to hang them by their hooks in the shade on a robust line. At no point should you put your curtains in the dryer, use pegs or hang them over anything, as the fabric can mark. Once dry (and if the fabric allows), you may iron your curtains on the fabric side on a cool setting or simply hang them back in place. The weight of the curtains will naturally assist to reduce creasing.

Cleaning Different Curtain Types

Lined Curtains

We recommend dry-cleaning (P30) lined curtains with a dry cleaner who specialises in curtain fabrics. If you do wash your lined curtains yourself, be aware you are washing 2 different fabrics and care will be required according to the construction of the fabrics.

Unlined Curtains

Unlined curtains are typically low-maintenance. Before washing, check the cleaning label or gently hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains are often made of lighter weight fabrics so they are easier to take down and hand-wash in cold water, however treat them delicately as some constructions can easily pull or tear.

Thermal Curtains

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust and loose dirt from both sides of the curtain. Be especially gentle on the thermal backing to avoid damage. Hand-wash thermal backed curtains in cold water, taking care not to let the thermal coating stick to itself. Don’t rub or wring the curtains as you wash them and avoid using pegs on the thermal back when drying. Never apply heat to the thermal backing as it could melt.

Caring for your Blinds

Roller Blinds/Honeycomb Blinds

Chain operated blinds should be operated with the control chain held straight below the top unit. Any attempt to pull the chain at an angle may result in fraying the edge of the fabric and possibly jamming the operating mechanism.

To remove any unwanted dirt/dust, you can use a vacuum with a brush attachment, duster or soft cloth. Wipe the fabric clean with a damp cloth or soapy water where there are greasy marks. Any chemicals other than neutral soap is not recommended and may result in damage to the blind. Allow to dry before rolling up. For hard-to-reach dust inside the honeycomb cells, use a can of compressed air to blow out debris without damaging the structure.

Venetian Blinds/Shutters

The best way to remove any dust is to open slats and run a microfiber cloth or feather duster along each slat individually. For heavier buildup, use a damp (not wet) cloth to wipe each slat individually.
Be sure to wring out excess water from the cloth and avoid leaving the slats damp, as moisture can cause damage or warping, particularly on wooden or faux wood (PVC) finishes.

General Maintenance of Blinds

On windy days, close windows, or draw blinds away from opening to prevent damage. When opening a window behind a blind, always raise the blind first – do not push hands through or past the blind as this is likely to damage the blind.

Needing some more guidance on how to best care for your window furnishings? Have a chat to the team at your local Guthrie Bowron store. Find your local store here.