Do I Need To Clean New Curtains? Curtains are a great way to add color and decoration to a room, but they also have an important practical function. While nothing beats the crisp look of clean white curtains that frame a window, creating a welcoming atmosphere in a living or family room, it is not necessary to clean new curtains before hanging them.
However, it may be helpful to keep the following information in mind when deciding if one should wash new curtains.
New drapes should never be washed before being hung as this can permanently damage both their appearance and function. In addition, laundering any fabric will remove some of its fibers along with allergen barriers; however, there is no need for concern since these chemicals fade over time during normal use.
For new curtains that are not made with dobby or embroidery, there is no need to throw them into the wash before using them. Such curtains can be used as they are once they arrive since laundering will not damage the fibers.
Even if curtains contain some form of decoration (like ruffles), it is safe to wait until they become soiled before cleaning them for the first time.
Even people who invest in high-quality drapes should avoid washing new curtains at home because this may cause unnecessary shrinkage and color bleeding. Additionally, any alterations made by hand on store-bought window coverings will be lost once they are washed.
People who order window samples before making a final purchase should avoid washing these drapes because this can damage or destroy them. Such sample curtains are even more likely to bleed, shrink, and lose their vibrancy when cleaned at home for the first time.
When it comes to dyed curtains, new drapes may not be able to stand up well against water due to any chemicals used during dyeing. This is especially true if they are color-fast (able to withstand repeated washings without significant color loss). Thus, one’s best bet is to use non-toxic commercial cleaners or plain hot water to remove stains or spills.
Curtains usually come with a generous plastic covering, which acts as an added layer of protection while it’s hanging in the store. This material helps ensure that no dirt or stains get on the fabric during transport and storage. The chemicals used for manufacturing may emit odors such as a chemical or new plastic smell.
This is why it’s best to leave the curtains hanging in the plastic so they can air out for a few days before you bring them into your home. Before you decide to clean your curtains, let’s take a look at some guidelines you should follow when taking care of them:
You can also use tension rods across the wall to hang them up, just be sure it is wide enough for both panels. If there are any folds still present after spreading them out, smooth these down using your hand or iron set on steam (no heat). Also, make sure there are no creases across the fabric as this can cause permanent damage.
They should be roughly 1-2 inches apart from each other. Position the panels so that they are hanging evenly with no sagging or bunching and pin if necessary.
So make sure there are no cracks in the window frame that let in too much or not enough light. You will need to place some cardboard behind any curtains which do not have a backing to help block out more light. This will keep them from fading quickly.
You can do this by stitching a small patch to the back of your panel, slipping it inside, and then trying it out.
When not in use, always hang your curtains properly so they are ready for their next use; try folding them up on a shelf or in a tall basket to keep them organized while not in use. Cleaning these new drapes will ensure that they stay like new for longer.
Since you cannot wash them right away (they may shrink), the best thing to do is spot clean using an upholstery cleaner or warm water with some detergent added into it. You may need to do more than one application if the stains are really bad, but make sure you completely dry them before hanging back up.
It’s best to use distilled water for this process as well since it has fewer minerals that can build up over time and damage the fabric. If you do decide to throw your curtains in the washer (following all safety precautions), make sure they are only placed inside a mesh bag with zippers or ties to keep them together.
This helps prevent snagging on other clothing items while washing and protects the delicate fabric from harsher treatments like bleach or harsh soap which may be left behind in your load.
You should never worry about placing these new drapes into the dryer if you used detergent instead of just water; however, if you used any chemicals then you must dry clean only to ensure that these do not mix with your chemicals and cause any damage.
Curtains are typically made out of different fabrics, which can vary in quality; therefore, it is safe for new drapes that have not been embroidered or dobby to be used as they arrive after hanging them up. Waiting until the first time a curtain becomes soiled is a good idea since this process will cause some fading and loss of allergens over time.
Those who buy curtains from a store should avoid at-home cleaning since this might shrink them or cause color bleeding. Samples should also be prevented from being washed at home as any alterations done by hand would fade away as well as potentially causing colors to run if fabric is colorfast.
In conclusion, those who want clean curtains should leave this task to professional curtain or upholstery cleaners.
