How to Clean Curtains

Curtains should be cleaned often as they tend to accumulate dust and dirt. And with a variety of cleaning options available, there's no excuse for neglecting them.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Mild Soap Such As Dishwashing Liquid

Instructions

1. Take down your curtains and inspect the back side of the fabric for signs of sun-rotting by stretching and feeling. If the curtains are sun-rotted, don't bother cleaning them. Shop for new curtains instead.

2. Wash unlined curtains according to the instructions provided on the label.

3. Have lined curtains professionally dry-cleaned to prevent possibly ruining them.

4. Wash large curtains in your bathtub to prevent possible damage to your washing machine.

5. Boil rusty curtain rings in vinegar to rediscover their shine. Rub soap on old curtain rods to make them run smoothly again.

6. Toss your curtains into a dryer for a quick job. Add fabric softener to an air-dry setting and you've got fresh-smelling curtains in half an hour.

Tips & Warnings

• Dust your curtains frequently using a vacuum attachment. This way, you'll keep them clean without having to periodically take them down and put them back up. To keep a curtain from being sucked into the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, use the lowest setting and place a stiff piece of plastic screening between the nozzle and the curtain.