How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Curtains?

It’s the household item we don’t pay much attention to when it comes to cleaning. We don’t regularly use them like we do almost everything else in our homes – like the floor and surfaces, so thinking of them as getting dirty is not something that comes to mind. However, we’re about to change that perspective for you…

Why should you be cleaning your curtains?

They are the biggest dust magnets in your home, especially if you have fabric curtains. Curtains act like a makeshift air filter in whatever room they’re in, trapping small particles, debris, and even things like pet hair, in the folds of the fabric and even more so when a window is open. Not only that, but over time, they absorb moisture and odours.

If you live in an area that has regular rainfall or is particularly cold all the time, it can make mould form on your curtains. Que a shudder! No one wants that hanging around, so regular cleaning can stop this from forming.

Really, curtains trap everything. From dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, pet hair, and mould, one or more of these things could be hanging out on them! It’s enough to make you want to clean them straight away.

How often should you be cleaning your curtains?

Now, the above reasons why might be making you want to clean them as much as you can, like weekly (or maybe even daily?), but you don’t need to wash them that often. So, just how often should they be getting cleaned?

It all depends on individual factors – like where you live, if you smoke, or if you have any pets. General rule of thumb is to wash your curtains once a month and that should do the trick. However, some suggest every 3 – 6 months, but after finding out just how much dirt can accumulate on them, perhaps once a month may be more appealing to you.

How do you clean curtains?

In-between big cleans (which we’ll come onto next), you can use the upholstery attachment on your hoovers to clean your curtains, if they are particularly hefty ones. If they’re lightweight, a good shake will be more than fine.

You can, when doing the big clean, use the washing machine to clean your curtains. Though you must make sure that you use a gentle cycle, with lukewarm water, and a mild detergent for the best results.

If you really want to get in there and see the thoroughness of the clean yourself, you can fill a bucket or a bath with lukewarm water and a scoop of your favourite detergent. Then, once the detergent is dissolved, you can soak your curtains in the water for however long you see fit.

Once they’re dry, they’ll be good as new and smelling better than ever!

Loved to learn more?  read about 15 Ways To Clean Your House Fast! Happy Cleaning