Sheer curtains are a light and breezy option beloved across Australia. They allow us to enjoy our outside views while still maintaining some privacy indoors. But because of their transparency and light colours, dirt and stains tend to stand out on them fairly easily.
Curtains may not seem like the easiest things to keep clean, but there are several steps you can take to keep your sheers looking their best, all without taking them off the rail or track they’re hanging from. No matter if your sheer curtains are dusty, dirty or stained, we have the methods you can use to restore them.
Keep your sheers pristine with any of these cleaning tips!
Sheer curtains tend to be made from light and breathable fabrics, with natural and synthetic options like linen, polyester and cotton all available, as well as blends. Here is what you need to know about these types of sheer curtain fabrics:
By blending two of these fabric types together, you can enjoy sheer curtains that are stronger, softer and more durable than single materials alone. Polyester/linen or polyester/cotton blends are the most popular, combining the strength and wrinkle resistance of polyester with the softness and natural look of linen or cotton.
It’s important you know what your sheers are made from, as not only does it dictate how they need to be cleaned, but it can also affect how well they function in certain rooms. Some fabrics will function better under direct sunlight, while others may be able to better resist the effects of humidity. Make sure to choose the best material option, depending on whether you want your sheer curtains to hang in your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, or dining room!
Here are a few easy things you can do to keep your sheer curtains clean and beautiful without even having to take them off their track or rail.
If it’s just dust or a bit of loose dirt that you need to get off your sheer curtains, then a light vacuum may be all you need to do. Using a delicates or brush attachment for your vacuum before you begin, as if you just use the hose on its own or with a stronger head, you may find your delicate sheers get sucked into the vacuum and shredded to pieces!
Start by giving your sheers a light shake to dislodge any loose dust. Then, hold the bottom of the sheers tightly with one hand to pull them taut. Then set your vacuum to its lowest setting and slide it gently down the curtains from top to bottom to suck away all the loose dirt and dust.
If you have spilled a few droplets of your drink onto your curtains, or your dirty dog has rushed past and left some residue behind, then a quick spot clean may be all you need to restore them.
Before applying any cleaning solutions, dab at the stain with a clean paper towel or a cloth to blot away as much of it as you can–do not wipe or scrub, as this can force the stain further into the fabric.
Apply a mild detergent mixed with water to another clean cloth and dab at what remains to lift the stain. Once all the stain has lifted, leave the curtain spread apart to help it dry. If you have sfold sheers or pleated sheers, separate the folds so the water doesn’t transfer to other parts of the curtain.
Both of these cleaning methods can be done without ever having to take down your sheer curtains. We also recommend that you give your curtains a light dusting every now and then to keep them clean. If you have windows that can be opened, allowing your sheers to get some fresh air every now and then will also help keep the material smelling good and prevent any musty aromas from forming.
By giving them a dust and a freshen up frequently, you can prevent your sheer curtains from becoming discoloured over time, which, if you aren’t paying attention, may happen without you realising!
While we’d all love to be able to completely clean our curtains while keeping them on their track or rail, sometimes the stain caused will need you to put in a little more elbow grease.
Here are two of the main ways we encourage customers to wash their sheer curtains if needed.
If your sheer curtains are made from linen or are a little old and fragile, then it’s best you handwash them to keep them in one piece. Your sheers should come with guidelines on how to wash them from their manufacturer, but here are some general guidelines you can follow:
Try not to hang your sheers in direct sunlight, as they may cause them to become discoloured or weakened due to damage from UV rays.
Melbourne’s choice for quality blinds and expert installs.
If your sheer curtains are made from a more durable fabric like polyester, then you may be able to pop them into your washing machine. Before beginning, make sure your machine has a gentle or delicate setting you can use, as well as the ability to alter the water temperature and add extra rinse cycles.
You’ll want to wash your sheers in a mostly empty machine (so they have room to move) on a delicate cycle set to cool water with two or three extra rinse cycles and no spin drying at the end! Rather, just like for the hand-washing method, roll them up in a towel to remove most of the water, then line dry to finish.
Dislike the effort of having to pull your curtains open and shut? Invest in motorised curtains from Alfresco Blinds and enjoy the ultimate convenience at the touch of a button!
Sheer curtains, if cleaned regularly, can be a stunning addition to any room in your home or office space. Their ability to let in diffused light can give rooms a romantic, dreamy glow that is easy on the eyes and perfect for homes with all types of decor.
If you want to look into purchasing these types of curtains for your home, Alfresco Blinds is here to help! Our range of high-quality sheer blinds and curtains makes it easy to find the right type of sheer window coverings for your property–whether you want elegant sfold sheers or sleek sheer roller blinds, you can find them here, in the perfect size and colour.
If you have questions about cleaning, installing or choosing sheer curtains, please use our online form to get in touch with us. You can also call our team on 1300 735 077 or send us an email at info@alfrescoblindsco.com.au.
If you need other types of curtains in Melbourne, you can also find thick and muffling theatre curtains, elegant wave fold and sfold sheers and premium-level curtains and drapes in our stock.
