Is It Better To Steam Clean or Dry Clean Curtains?
It really comes to the preference of a person when it comes to cleaning curtains with a steam cleaner or taking them to dry cleaning.
A steam cleaner is a very useful machine that can be used in many other parts of your home as well as your car. Steam cleaning is also proven to kill up to 99.99% of the bacteria from the surface it is cleaning. Using a handheld steam cleaner will help clean curtains with ease and you can let the curtains dry in fresh air while still hanging.
Dry cleaning curtains might be a good way to clean curtains for someone who would rather pay to do a job. It will take longer because the dry cleaning process is not long, but the wait for the company to let you know the curtains are ready can take a while.
Why steam cleaner the best cleaning method to clean your curtains and blinds
Did you know that steam cleaning is an eco-friendly way to sanitize and deodorize surfaces? It requires minimal or no additional detergents or agents, making it a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. Plus, steam cleaning has the added benefit of eliminating over 99% of bacteria, viruses, germs, and other harmful pathogens.
Best steam cleaners for your house
We have collected the top rated for home use that can be used for many purposes so that you get a bang for your buck.
Fortador portable steam cleaner
Fortador has been the leading manufacturer of commercial steam cleaners and has now come out with a steam cleaner that can be used for your house.
The 16.5 lb machine comes with one 15 ft hose long attachment and a range of attachments including a steam mop.
The Volt MINI, like other Fortador steamers, has a boiler that heats up quickly, taking only five minutes to produce steam. But unlike other small commercial portable steamers, the Volt MINI operates at high pressure and high temperatures, providing you with a powerful steam output of 101.5 psi and a maximum temperature of 338 degrees Fahrenheit. Its high-strength AISI 304 stainless steel construction ensures its durability.
Bissell powerfresh slim steam mop
For those residing in smaller spaces, the Bissell steam mop is an ideal cleaning tool that can be conveniently stored away in any closet.
Equipped with a wide range of tools, this mop is versatile enough to deep clean various surfaces including floors, stovetops, and bathtubs. It is not only versatile but also affordable.
However, if you live in a larger home, it is important to note that the water tank is relatively small, so it may not be suitable for your needs.
How to clean curtains wash dirty drapes and curtains with a steam cleaner
To start off, you are going to get off any dust that might have collected on the drapes with a vacuum cleaner.
Then, you can use a soft brush attachment on your steam cleaner to start deep cleaning. Do not pull too hard on the drapes, make sure there is enough tension to keep the clean drapes straight down. If it is too complicated, you can remove the drapes and put them on a flat surface.
Lastly, for spot cleaning, use a gentle detergent to go over the stubborn stains that might have not yet come off.
How to clean blinds by steam cleaning
If you are an owner of traditional plastic or vinyl blinds, wiping them with a wet cloth is not always the best way to do it. Here is when steam cleaning is going to help you get them to a condition you have not seen before.
To start off, wipe the blinds with a dry cloth to get remove dust.
Then, begin steam cleaning the blinds one by one, wiping off any excess water with a dry cloth.
Removing nicotine stains and smell from your blinds
To further remove stains or any unpleasant odors from fabric blinds, try using baking soda. Take the blinds off and lay them flat on the floor. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over them and let it sit for at least an hour. If possible, leave it overnight. Then, gently brush or use a vacuum cleaner to remove the powder off and reattach the blinds. This should effectively eliminate any unwanted smells.
How to clean curtains without taking them down
It is most often our method and this way is good if you are in trouble or the window is simply not very dingy despite you keeping it clean - good luck. Clean it naturally and quickly.
How often should you wash curtains?
If you live in dusty areas then you must clean your curtains every six to eight months and if you live on the coast then in seven or 12 months. In all other regions, the curtains should be washed once a year.
How to Clean Curtains While Hanging
The simplest approach to cleaning your curtains without taking them down is to vacuum them as frequently as possible. Remove loose debris, dust, and even pet hair using your vacuum cleaner. The gentle brush attachment is ideal for gently vacuuming top to bottom hanging drapes.
Clean in the washing machine
Another cleaning method that might be the most common for people is putting curtain cleaning is machine washing. Direct sunlight can damage
Use a mild detergent, gentle cycle, and warm water for light colored curtains. For dark colored curtains, wash in cool water.
To dry them, try to air dry them on a flat surface or let the curtains dry on no heat setting in your dryer.
Hand washing curtains
You can hand wash your sheer curtains as well as curtains made out of cotton, nylon, polyester, lace, and silk.
To easily soak your curtains, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm or cool water. Add a few drops of liquid, dish soap, or laundry detergent and swish the mixture to create suds.
To clean the curtains, immerse them in soapy water and gently swirl the fabric to loosen up any dirt. Dispose the curtain fabric of the soapy water and refill the bucket with fresh water at a comfortable temperature. Rinse the curtains in the clean water until all the suds have disappeared.
To remove excess water from your curtain panel lay it flat on a clean, thick, and dry white towel (or one that matches the color of the curtains). Then, gently roll up the towel in a loose manner.
After the panels have been thoroughly wrung out, allow them to air dry until they are just slightly damp. At this point, you can hang them up to finish drying. It is best to avoid placing the curtains back on the window until they are completely dry. You can use a drying rack or simply hang them on a bathtub curtain rod. Avoid hanging them near a heat source as this may cause the fabric to shrink or become damaged.
To remove wrinkles from curtains, it's best to iron them on a low setting while they're slightly damp. But be sure to use a pressing cloth, like a thin towel or piece of fabric, to protect the curtains from direct heat.
FAQ
Which Steam Cleaner is Best For Curtains?
Then you should use a hand steamer for curtain cleaning. Other factors should be considered before purchasing or leasing a property. For example, you need the longest hose to reach your blinds from the nearest power supply. Similar to other products, the steam settings should suit different fabrics and styles. Also, consider weight since these are handheld devices. You must use the lighter weight to avoid fatigue while using it. In addition, it won't affect things like power costs and water consumption.
Can you wash curtains that say dry clean only?
Yes, you may but be careful about this. Then wash them with cold water or regular water using your hands or using the machines. To dry delicate curtains, just hang these in the sun but not directly. Avoid washing them in the dryer because this will deteriorate the curtains' fabric.
Can You Steam Clean Blackout Curtains?
Yes, all blackout curtains are safe to steam clean.