How to Dry Clean Curtains at Home

11 February 2023
Est. Reading: 3 minutes
What's in This Guide?
Cleaning Items You'll Need.
[Method 1] Vacuum Cleaner & Attachments
[Method 1] Protective rubber gloves
[Method 1] A bucket
[Method 1] Dry cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol
[Method 1] Cotton or microfiber towel
[Method 2] Wet and dry vacuum cleaner
[Method 2] Protective rubber gloves
[Method 2] A bucket with 5 litres of water
[Method 2] 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dishwashing soap
[Method 2] A dry microfiber towel

Introduction

This is for folks who enjoy saving money and cleaning their own curtains at home. In this tutorial we will show you how to clean your curtains at home using two methods:

  1. Dry cleaning method
  2. Low moisture washing method

The best part about these techniques is that you don't have to take the curtains down. Though, depending on how high the curtains are, you may need a stepladder to reach the highest parts.

Method One: The Dry Cleaning Method

Did you know that when you've finished vacuuming, you've completed 95% of the task. You may wonder how this is possible...

To put it simply, 95% of the dirt on your curtains is dust. As a result, a thorough vacuuming removes most of the dirt.

Curtains act as an air filter in the room, with most dust settling on the curtain's face. There are, however, three exceptions:

  1. If you have an open fireplace.
  2. If anyone smokes in the house.
  3. If you spill something on the curtain. In that situation, you'll need a wet vacuum and cleaning solution to remove the stains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Vacuum Your Curtains
Vacuum your curtains with the HEPA filter vacuum. This agitates the curtain fibres, loosening dust and grime.

It filters down to 0.3 microns, that is the size of dust mite poop. A frequent cause of most household allergies. It eliminates the source of the problem. Which is especially significant if you have asthma or house dust allergies.

If you do not have a HEPA filter vacuum, a regular vacuum will do. To agitate the fibres, you'll need a brush attachment with a medium stiff brush.

Always clean both the front and back of the curtains, the back is not dry-cleaned because it is not visible.

This process will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes for each curtain drop.

Step Two: 2Mix the Dry-Cleaning Solvent
Using your rubber gloves, mix a litre of dry-cleaning solvent in a bucket. This can be rubbing alcohol, or a dry-cleaning solvent.

Step Three: Apply the Solvent
Dip a microfibre mitt (or cotton towel) into the solution. Wring it out well so that it is barely moist.

Wipe the curtain down with the side of the cloth being changed every square foot. Once both sides are used, dip it in your bucket and repeat the process

Note: If the solvent becomes contaminated, it may be necessary to replace it with a clean solution.

To remove stains, wet your mitt in the solution and wipe it over the affected area until it lifts.

The dry-cleaning process is straightforward; however, it is less successful with water-soluble soiling.

The low moisture clean, on the other hand, will do this, that is water cleans water.

Method Two: The Low-Moisture Cleaning Method

The low moisture method is better for a deeper clean, especially for water-soluble soiling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Vacuum the Curtains
Using the HEPA filter vacuum (non-HEPA will work too), give the front and back of the curtains a thorough clean using a brush attachment with a medium stiff brush.

This process will take about 15 minutes per curtain drop, which is about 20 to 30 minutes to vacuum a pair of curtains.

Step Two: Prepare the Dishwashing Solvent

Mix 5 litres of water with 5 ml of dishwashing soap in a bucket.

Step Three: Low Moisture Clean

Dip a microfibre mitt (or cotton towel) into the solution. Wring it out well so that it is just wet with the solvent. It is critical not to saturate your curtain.

Wipe the curtain down with the side of the cloth being changed every square foot. Once both sides are used, dip it in your bucket and repeat the process.

If the solvent becomes filthy, you may need to replace it with a clean mix.

Step Four: Repeat if Necessary

You can repeat the technique if you feel the curtains require further cleaning.

Did you know...?
Curtain fabric is typically the same as sofa fabric. As a result, this technique will also work to clean upholstery.

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