Curtains can be quite tricky to clean because Dubai homes face dust and sand daily. No matter how keenly you clean, there are always dust particles roaming around. To avoid this, preventive measures are as important as the cleaning methods. If you are still unsure about how to clean your curtains for better durability and longevity, this guide is for you. This comprehensive guide by Lush Loom provides details about the easiest ways to clean your curtains. 12 to be exact. Moreover, we would also talk about the maintenance tips that would serve you in the long run.
Why Window Curtains Need Extra Care In Dubai?
- On average, Dubai faces 8-10 extreme sandstorms in a year. (UAE National Center of Meteorology). Each of these storms lasts for 1-5 days and brings many foreign particles with it. The high wind speed of approximately 30-40 Km/hr allows the desert sand to accumulate in your Dubai curtains.
- The outdoor particulate matter PM10 concentration in Dubai is around 150–300 µg/m³. However, the safe concentration is about 50 µg/m³ (WHO). That’s why it is necessary to clean your curtains regularly to prevent the accumulation of several grams of dust (curtains act as an air filter for your room).
- You should also clean or vacuum your drapes regularly because it reduces your exposure to toxic particles you might otherwise inhale. A 2023 Dubai study on household dust found aluminum, zinc, copper, chromium, and lead in high concentrations.
- In Dubai, 90% of homes have air conditioning that promotes condensation near windows, creating a growth-friendly surface for mold on curtains. Daily dusting & airing prevents spores from accumulating and spreading into the air you breathe. (Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE & MDPI Research)
Curtain Cleaning — DIY Machine & Hand Washing Process
Here, you would find the general guidelines about curtain cleaning and maintenance. Always check for manufacturer’s labels. For example, machine washable, hand-washable, or only professional cleaning. Some curtains might also have a label about only being dry-cleaned.
Use gentle and environmentally friendly cleaners to clean curtains. This would prevent the fading of the curtains and also protect the structural integrity of the curtain fibers.
Tools You Would Need For Cleaning
Let’s discuss the tools that are essential for DIY curtain cleaning.
- Vacuum Cleaner (with different brush attachment)
- Hand Held Steam Cleaner
- Soft Microfiber Cloth
- Mild And Gentle Curtain Cleaners
- Bicarbonate Powder and Dry Shampoo
- Lint Rollers
- Hand Brush (Soft Bristled)
- Silicone-Based Lubricants
Quick Refresh VS Deep Cleaning — Which Cleaning Should Be Done When?
- Quick Refresh
A quick refresh for curtains is mostly done every month. Refresh your curtains if you feel they look a little dusty and have absorbed cooking aromas. For this, vacuum the curtains and deodorize them with fabric deodorants.
- Deep Cleaning
A deep cleanse for curtains becomes necessary when the curtains are visibly dirty, have stains on them, and show clumps of pet hair.
Official Cleaning Guidelines And Indoor Air Quality
Now, let’s talk about the official guidelines about curtain cleaning and maintenance provided by Dubai Municipality.
- Clean the curtain fabrics to maintain their fiber’s strength.
- Clean the AC filters monthly so that they won’t circulate the dust.
- Seek professional help to restore your curtains at least once a year.
Cleaning Curtains Without Removing- 12 Most Effective Ways
Below, you’ll find a complete 12-step guide to maintaining your curtains by yourself.
1. Vacuuming On The Spot
Vacuum your curtains daily to get rid of the loose dirt and dust. This would make the deep cleaning easier for you. Vacuuming the curtains with a soft-bristled brush would take out all the dirt without damaging the fabric.
2. Steam Cleaning
Use a hand steamer or a portable one to steam clean your curtains. Steam cleaning rids the curtains of any light stains, wrinkles, and a messy look. It gives them a clean and tailored look.
3. Spot Cleaning With Soaps
If you find a stain on your curtains, you can clean it with just a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Use a sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the stain and scrub the stain off the curtains. Dry the curtain completely after rinsing with clean water.
4. Deodorizing Curtains For Freshness
Some special textile deodorants help keep away the musty smells from fabrics. Use those deodorants to make your curtains smell daisy-fresh and clean.
5. Eliminating Bad Odours With Baking Soda
If you want a more eco-friendly solution, go for a natural deodorant made from bicarbonate powder. Sprinkle this powder on the curtains and dust it off after a few minutes.
6. Air Purifier And AC Filter Maintenance
Clean the AC filters at least twice a month if they’re running continuously. This would prevent the circulation of dust particles indoors and keep the air clean.
7. Gentle Wiping With A Microfiber Cloth
You can also use a soft cloth to wipe off the layer of dirt and debris from the curtains.
8. Professional Cleaning Sprays
Professional fabric cleaners are readily available for use in household cleanings. Spray the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, scrub the surface with a soft cloth.
9. Lint Rollers For Pet Hair
Pet hair can stick to almost every fabric. Use a lint roller to rid the curtains of the hair. This hair makes the curtains look messy and unkempt.
10. Dry Shampooing Your Curtains For Durability
This is the easiest form of curtain cleaning. Apply a curtain safe, fabric dry shampoo on the stain. Leave it overnight and then vacuum the next day.
11. Sunlight Refresh
Fully open the curtains early in the morning or just before sunset. This mild heat would deodorize and clean the curtains. Avoid midday harsh heat.
12. Regular Dusting Of Loose Dirt
Regularly dusting the curtains would make your life easier than you think. If you dust the loose dirt off every day, you won’t need a deep cleaning for at least a year.
Special Cleaning For Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains are the most delicate curtains and need gentle care and maintenance.
Gentle Cleaning To Preserve Transparency
Spray a gentle curtain cleaner and scrub the surface with a soft napkin. Don’t use any kind of brush. It can snag the sheer curtains. You can hand-wash the curtains in case of stains.
Anti-Yellowing Treatments To Prevent Fading
Sheer fabrics can turn yellow more than normal curtains. Use a few drops of synthetic vinegar in the cleaning solution while cleaning. This would restore the shine of the transparent curtains.
Cleaning Blackout Curtains — Tips & Tricks
Spot Cleaning While Preserving The Backing
Blackout curtains have a rubber backing for thermoregulation. Always dab the stain and never rub, because it can crack the reinforced rubber backing.
Protecting Blackout Lining From Cracking In High Heat
Keep these curtains slightly away from the direct sunlight so they don’t develop cracks in their blackout lining.
Maintenance & Care — Curtains, Hardware, And Tracks!
- Cover your vacuum nozzle with a pillowcase for a soft & friendly curtain cleaning.
- Shake your curtains gently before cleaning to reveal the hidden dust.
- Use air purifiers near the windows. They won’t let the dust enter and contaminate the curtains.
- Use curtain ties to prevent excessive flutering and tensile strain on the curtains.
- Cleaning the tracks with a damp cloth would help maintain tidiness.
- Lubricate the gliders and the hooks with a silicone lubricant. Silicone would prevent rust.
- Keep the curtains off the floor so that they don’t absorb dust or moisture.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stains before cleaning for odour elimination.
When To Consider Professional Help — Cost & Benefits
There are some instances where professional curtain cleaning becomes vital. For example, if your curtains are luxury, hand-woven, or heavyweight, it is better to leave their cleaning up to the experts.
Expert companies in Dubai that offer curtain cleaning services pick up your curtains from your doorstep and deliver fresh, clean, and stunning curtains right back at your doorstep. Most of the companies offer these services starting from AED 45 – 70 for dry cleaning and AED 30 – 47 for curtain washing. This includes stain-cleaning, eliminating odours, and steam ironing for a sleek and crisp look.
A Quick Recap!
And it’s a wrap about the curtain care and maintenance. We have now talked about all the DIY and safe ways to clean the curtains. We have provided the list of tools that you’re going to need for a thorough cleaning. Follow this guide to make your curtains durable and last longer. We have also provided you with research-backed guidelines about the curtain care and maintenance after conducting deep research.
