Net curtains are not only useful as window coverings, but can also let sunlight into the house. Dirt and dust will stick to the curtains over time and make the curtains look dirty and smell bad. Proper cleaning of net curtains can help keep them in good condition.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Handling Curtains Before Washing
Step 1. Handle the curtains to remove all dust and dirt before cleaning
Removing dust and dirt before cleaning the curtains can help keep the curtains as white as possible. A lot of dust and dirt can stick to the net curtains over time, so it is very important to handle them before washing them.
Step 2. Lower the curtains
Lower the curtain rod from the wall and remove the curtain net from one side of the curtain rod.
Step 3. Prepare a bucket or tub
You will need to soak the net curtains before washing. To soak the curtains, you need to prepare a basin. You can also use a tub with a stopper if that's easier.
Step 4. Prepare the vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda are powerful natural cleaners that can make curtains look white and bright. For maximum cleaning, you need to use both types of cleaners, but only one of them can be used.
- Don't use vinegar and baking soda at the same time as they can block each other. One is acidic and the other is basic, so mixing the two will result in a chemical reaction that reduces the cleaning ability of these chemicals.
- Vinegar is great for removing odors and brightening the whites of the net curtains again. The vinegar will also remove the fungus.
- Baking soda is great for removing mildew, it can also remove bad odors and help whiten curtains.
Step 5. Pour lukewarm water into a bucket or basin
Pour lukewarm water into the bucket or basin that will be used for soaking. You need enough water so that the net curtains are completely submerged.
Step 6. Add 250 ml of vinegar to the basin
Add 250 ml of vinegar to the basin. This will create a vinegar bath for the net curtains. If the smell of vinegar bothers you, add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to freshen up the smell. A squeeze of lemon will also help clean the curtains.
Vinegar should not be used on curtains made of linen as it can catch fire. Most inexpensive modern mesh curtains are made of polyester but if you're not sure if yours are linen or not, skip this step
Step 7. Put the net curtains in the basin and stir gently
Place the net curtains in the vinegar bath and stir gently so that the water and vinegar are thoroughly mixed and soak the curtains.
Step 8. Soak the net curtains for at least an hour
Soak the net curtains for an hour or overnight so that they are completely submerged. This will remove dust and dirt as well as deodorize the curtains.
Step 9. Drain and soak again in baking soda for an hour
If you want to clean the curtains to the maximum or if the curtains are very dirty, then you will need to make another bath. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add 250 grams of baking soda. Soak the curtains for an hour or overnight. Baking soda will work to lift curtains stains and remove dirt or odors that remain.
Step 10. Treat any stains left on the curtains
Make a paste using four tablespoons of baking soda and 62 ml of water. Apply this paste on the curtains and rub it on the stain. After applying baking soda to the stain, apply a small amount of undiluted vinegar to the stain.
You can also use a commercial stain remover to apply it to the stain. Some mesh curtain manufacturers recommend certain stain removers
Part 2 of 2: Washing the Curtains
Step 1. Wash the curtains after handling them beforehand
The curtains have been cleaned of previously treated dirt, dust and stains, now you can wash the curtains. Most curtains can be washed in a regular washing machine with a delicate cycle, especially if the curtains are made of cotton or polyester. Most mesh curtains are made of polyester.
If the curtains are very delicate, you will need to wash them by hand. Very fine curtains include antique curtains or those that can be damaged in the washing machine. This also includes net curtains made of wool or silk, which must be hand washed. Wash the curtains by hand by placing them in a basin of cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent or dish soap. Stir the water slowly so the soap is completely dissolved. Instead of squeezing these silky curtains, just hang them outside while they're still wet and let them dry. This will prevent the appearance of tangles. Silk curtains cannot be hung to dry because they can turn yellow. It is better to roll up a towel on a mesh curtain to remove excess water and then iron it on low heat to dry
Step 2. Prepare the laundry soap of your choice
Any laundry soap will work, but a dish soap made specifically for net curtains will work better. For example, you can use laundry soap made for delicate fabrics or white fabrics.
If you don't have a special laundry soap, that's okay. Since you've handled and soaked the curtains beforehand, the stains on the curtains are gone and your laundry detergent of choice doesn't have much of an impact
Step 3. Put the curtains in the washing machine
Put the curtains in the washing machine. If the curtains are very delicate, you will need to wash them by hand and the curtains will need to be placed in a basin of cold water.
Step 4. Put in a white towel or white clothes
You need to increase the load when washing the curtains. This will help balance the load to optimize the washing machine, as well as will help spin/stir the laundry efficiently, for a better wash.
Step 5. Start the washing machine on a gentle wash cycle with the laundry detergent of your choice
Start the washing machine using warm or cold water with a gentle wash cycle. Put the normal amount of laundry soap in the washing machine.
- If you have a top loader washing machine (a washing machine that opens from the top), then you must add the laundry soap after the water is added first.
- If you want, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the wash to help the machine work.
Step 6. Add fabric softener and vinegar to the rinse cycle
Put your fabric softener of choice into the rinse cycle. Incorporating two tablespoons of vinegar into the rinse cycle will help the curtains to become very soft.
- Lift the curtains before squeezing or squeeze them on a very low setting to prevent them from creasing.
- Do not use vinegar for linen curtains as it can catch fire.
Step 7. Dry the net curtains and allow the water to drain and the curtains to dry
Be careful not to dry the curtains using the tumble-dry process (stirring in the washing machine to wring clothes), as they may shrink. Dry the curtains outside to dry before putting them back on the windows. Alternatively, you can install damp curtains and let them dry on their own while they are installed.
It is difficult to iron the curtains without damaging them. So, don't let the tangles appear, by immediately drying it while it's still wet or damp
Tips
- If net curtains are recommended to be dry-cleaned chemically (dry-clean), you can also try cleaning them yourself at home. Use a vacuum cleaner or brush carefully to remove dust and dirt on the curtains. Then, you can hang the curtains over a basin of boiling water mixed with 250 ml of vinegar. The steam will help remove odors from the net curtains.
- Bleach can also be used on the curtains if you prefer. However, vinegar is good enough to remove stains and won't harm the environment, so vinegar is recommended over bleach.
- If you are worried about the curtains, try first by washing the curtains a little, namely at an angle to make sure the curtains are not damaged in the washing process.
Warning
- If in doubt about the strength of the net curtain or the material of the net curtain, you should wash it by hand. Better yet, take the curtains to a professional washing service. This also applies to old and/or valuable net curtains.
- If the net curtains come with a care label, follow the specified instructions. This is because some materials are not allowed to be washed normally but are chemically washed dry. There are also curtains that are delicate and must be washed manually or in cold water.
