How to wash blackout curtains in a washing machine?

How to wash blackout curtains in a washing machine Blackout curtains are known for their light resistance. It is precisely due to the ability to guarantee complete isolation from sunlight, even in the morning and afternoon, that they have become so popular. Curtains create comfortable conditions for relaxation - even the brightest rays will not be able to disturb the sensitive sleep of a child or adult.

Like any home textile, curtains need regular cleaning. Let's figure out whether it is possible to wash blackout curtains in a washing machine, and how to properly dry and iron curtains of this type.

Let's study the features of the fabric

Blackout fabric was developed in Finland. This is a three-layer polyester material that can block bright sunlight, as well as street noise and cold. These are unique curtains that will be ideal for the bedroom, living room and children's rooms.

The popularity of blackout fabric is easy to explain:

very durable;
not subject to creasing;
blocks bright sunlight;
easy to care for;
hypoallergenic;
has soundproofing and heat-insulating properties;
has a long service life.

It is very important to clean blackout curtains regularly. Most blackout curtains tolerate both manual and automatic washing. If your curtain has an acrylic layer or has a metallic coating, you cannot put it in the washing machine. blackout curtains do not allow light to pass through

When purchasing products, be sure to read the label - it contains the manufacturer's care recommendations. The label indicates the permissible temperature conditions and the preferred washing option. If you clean the fabric according to all the rules, it will not lose its properties.

The outer layers of blackout curtains have a special structure that allows them to repel dust. Therefore, such curtains do not get dirty much.

It is enough to carry out a full wash of blackout curtains 1-2 times a year.

Is it permissible to use a machine?

The preferred method of caring for opaque curtains can be found on the packaging. Blackout curtains with a standard three-layer weave of fabric can usually be machine washed. It’s another matter if the material has a special coating or acrylic layer. Then the washing machine may damage the properties of the curtains.

If the manufacturer does not prohibit machine washing, you can safely throw the curtains into the drum. It is important to choose a good detergent. Gels for delicate fabrics, wool and silk are most suitable for blackout. It is better to refuse dry powder - stains may remain on the curtain.

The algorithm for automatically washing blackout curtains will be as follows:

remove the curtain;
disconnect all latches, hooks, and fasteners. Elements are washed separately in soapy water;
put the curtains in the drum;
pour cleaning agent into the powder receptacle;
select a delicate program;
make sure that the water heating temperature is 40°C (perhaps the manufacturer recommends a different temperature regime, then follow the information on the label);
set the minimum spin speed;
wait for the cycle to complete, remove the product from the machine;
hang the blackout curtains in the same place.

It is important to immediately remove the curtains from the machine and hang them up - otherwise the fabric will wrinkle and require additional smoothing.

You can completely turn off the automatic spin, but then you will have to prepare basins where the water from the curtains will drain.

Wash in the traditional way

An automatic washing machine helps you wash curtains quickly and easily. But sometimes hand cleaning is the only option for blackout fabric. For example, for curtains that contain special layers or coatings that do not allow the curtain to be loaded into the washing machine.

Washing curtains by hand is not difficult. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

while the curtain is still hanging on the curtain rod, vacuum it on both sides using a special nozzle;
remove the curtains;
disconnect the fasteners. Hooks and latches are washed separately in soapy water;
draw warm water (temperature 40°C, or another recommended by a specific manufacturer) into a large basin or bathtub;
add the required amount of detergent to the container, stir until completely dissolved;
soak the curtains in the solution for an hour;
wash curtains with creasing movements;
Rinse the curtains in clean water several times. You can water the sheet from the shower head;
hang the product over the bathtub so that excess water drains off;
secure the curtains to the cornice.

Do not forcefully wring out the multilayer material with your hands, twisting the fabric. It is better to wait until the water drains from the curtains on its own, and then hang them in a permanent place.

We clean curtains locally

Most blackout curtains have a simple design and can be pulled freely from the curtain, which makes it possible to wash them in a machine or by hand. You can clean the curtains directly on the curtain rod if there are difficulties in removing the curtains or there is small, local contamination.

Without unfastening the curtain from the curtain, the blackout fabric can be cleaned: clean curtains without removing them from the curtain rod

vacuum cleaner;
manual or stationary steam generator;
sponge soaked in soapy water.

You can use a vacuum cleaner to perform dry cleaning by removing dust from the material. The steam generator will not only remove stains, but also quickly straighten the fabric. It is advisable to combine these two devices. Then there will be no dirt either outside or inside the fibers.

When using a steam cleaner for the first time, test its effect on an inconspicuous area of the blackout.

You can “wash out” local stains on the curtains with a soap solution:

fill a basin with 5 liters of warm water;
add 2 tablespoons of washing gel to the container;
mix the solution, avoiding foaming;
Dip a soft sponge into soapy water and wring out the foam;
Wipe the curtain by weight. You should move from top to bottom.

When cleaning opaque curtains this way, there is a possibility that soap stains will remain on the fabric. They will become visible after the curtains dry. You will have to separately remove the whitish spots with a napkin soaked in clean water.

Drying the curtain

There is no need to adhere to any special techniques when drying curtains. Blackout curtains can be dried by simply securing them over the bathtub or hanging them on the curtain rod. In the latter case, it is necessary to place containers under the curtains where the water will drain.

Experts do not recommend:

speed up drying using electrical appliances (heaters, hair dryers);
throw the curtain over the rope - this will leave a deep crease on the canvas;
dry the curtains in the bright sun.

It is best to let the curtains dry naturally. You can first leave the curtains hanging over the bathtub until the main water drains, and then secure it to the curtain rod for final drying.

Should I use an iron or steamer?

There is no need to iron blackout curtains.If you take them out of the machine in time and dry them properly, the fabric will straighten out on its own, under its own weight. The required shape will be achieved without additional processing with an iron or steam generator.

If creases appear, they can be removed with an iron. You need to set the minimum heating temperature for the sole, prepare gauze or a special fabric through which to iron the curtain. treat with a steamer

It will be easier to deal with bruises when using a steam generator. The curtain can be processed and straightened without even removing it from the curtain rod.

Caring for this type of curtains

If you follow the recommendations of experts, you can maintain the attractive appearance of opaque curtains and their performance properties for a long time. We are talking about the following tips:

Carry out regular dry cleaning of the curtains - once every 2 weeks, clean the dust from the curtains with a vacuum cleaner. Then washing will be required once every six months or a year;
do not twist the blackout fabric when spinning;
when choosing a cleaning method, strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations;
be sure to remove the removable decor from the curtains before washing;
If you are unsure about the permissibility of machine cleaning (if the label is lost), it is better to wash the curtain by hand.

It is important to rinse the curtains well, otherwise streaks may appear on the canvas. Blackout curtains with a complex design, where several materials and types of decor are involved, are best left to dry cleaning specialists.