Windows are the first thing our eyes focus on when we enter a room. And if the window openings are decorated with curtains that have turned yellow or gray from time and improper washing, then the impressions of the owner of the apartment are not the best. How to properly wash tulle and curtains to restore their original whiteness?
What causes tulle to yellow?
Among all textile products, it is curtains and curtains that are subject to maximum contamination. After all, not only the dust in the room settles on them.
Through open windows and vents, mechanical and chemical composites contained in the street air enter the apartment. Curtains act as a kind of filter, trapping the smallest particles of dirt, exhaust gases, soot and smog, invisible to the human eye.
We should not forget that the sun's rays also play a huge role. Harmful ultraviolet radiation over time destroys the integrity of the textile fabric, reduces the brightness of the color (the fabric fades) and leads to yellowing of white curtains. This is what explains the intense yellowing of the tulle on the windows on the south side.
It’s good if the window openings in the apartment overlook a garden or park, then washing the curtains 3-4 times a year is enough. But if the windows overlook a busy highway, then the number of washes has to be doubled. But too frequent washing leads to the destruction of fabric fibers, the appearance of pills and creases. How to prevent unwanted consequences?
We wash curtains in a machine
Of course, just recently there was no talk of washing curtains in machines. Too intense, chaotic movement of water in activator-type washing machines is unacceptable for delicate viscose, synthetics, organza and muslin (thread curtains). Modern machines are equipped with the following functions:
- delicate wash;
- handwash;
- curtains
- silk;
- synthetics.
These modes are ideal for tulle and curtains. By choosing any of these options, you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the curtain fabric.
Temperature
Special attention should be paid to temperature conditions. If the curtains are manufactured at a large enterprise, then most likely they have a label with special symbols regarding the operation of this product. Typically, the manufacturer provides information about:
- washing;
- spin;
- dry cleaning;
- drying
All you have to do is follow the recommendations.
However, very often lambrequins and curtains are sewn to order in a studio, and, of course, there are no special tips for them. In this case, you should use a simple rule.
- organza – 30 °C;
- veil – 30 °C;
- nylon – from 40 to 60 °C;
- muslin – 30 °C;
- polyester – from 40 to 60 °C.
You just need to know what kind of fabric the tulle is made from.
Choosing a powder
Today, the range of detergents and cleaning products is amazing. On store shelves you can find:
- powder for tulle and curtains;
- shampoo or gel for a delicate regime;
- gentle powder for baby clothes;
- powder for synthetic fabrics.
Any of the listed products is perfect for curtains.
Step-by-step instructions for washing
- Give the curtain a good shake to remove any accumulated dust.
- Carefully fold the canvas and place it in a special bag. If you randomly crumple up the curtains and load them into the machine, there is a high probability that creases and folds will form on it, which will be very difficult to get rid of even with an iron.
- Pour curtain powder, gel or shampoo into the compartment. The principle “You can’t spoil porridge with oil” does not work here; add exactly as much as the instructions require. Otherwise, you will witness enchanting foaming. Foam will come out of all the cracks and holes, even from the powder loading compartment.
- Select a mode and turn it on. Be very careful when using the spin function. The best option is “no spin”. If such an option is not provided, give preference to the minimum number of revolutions.
Attention! Many automatic machines are equipped with a pre-soaking function. In this case, the drum is filled with warm water and rotates once every 5 minutes. Ideal for items that are too dirty.
- Remove the curtain from the machine and hang it carefully to drain excess liquid.
Typically, curtains do not require ironing, but if creases have formed during the process, then you cannot do without an iron.Vertical steaming is what you need, but you can also get by with regular ironing on a horizontal surface, setting it to the minimum temperature.
We wash tulle by hand
Due to certain circumstances, sometimes you have to return to hand washing. How to wash curtains by hand?
In this case, the same principles apply as for machine washing. Be sure to adhere to the recommended temperatures so as not to damage the textile fabric.
Don't neglect soaking. Of course, this will take extra time, but the result is worth it. In a few hours in warm water, the dirt particles will dissolve and separate from the fabric fibers. Remember to carefully fold the tulle several times before immersing it in the soapy solution to prevent unnecessary wrinkles.
After soaking, rinse the item in clean water several times, and then proceed to the main wash. All movements should be as neat and gentle as possible; do not knead, rub, or squeeze the curtains too intensely.
Rinse the curtains thoroughly and hang to dry.
If necessary, iron it and hang it in a permanent place.
To starch or not to starch, that is the question?
Of course, now few people starch bed linen and curtains. Gradually, this operation fades into oblivion, but in vain.
The starching layer protects the product from intense contamination, preventing particles of dust, soot and fat from being absorbed into the fabric fibers. In addition, starched curtains hold their shape and folds much better.
A special product can be found on sale. Or you can use the old, proven method and prepare it yourself at home.The result will be no worse, and the savings for your wallet will be noticeable.
Important! For white items, use only corn starch; potato starch can cause snow-white items to quickly turn yellow.
Cooking method:
- Dilute 5 tsp. starch in 200 ml of cold water.
- Boil 800 g of water and pour the prepared solution into it in a thin stream.
- Boil for 30 seconds.
- If lumps appear, grind through a sieve.
- Mix the solution with 4 liters of warm water and lower the curtains into it for a few minutes.
- Without twisting, remove the curtains and hang them to dry.
Blue in the fight against yellowness
Anyone who is familiar with the basics of colorism knows very well that in the color wheel, yellow shades are almost opposite blue colors. This means that yellowed curtains can be revived if you lightly turn them blue.
To do this, prepare a slightly bluish aqueous solution. Be sure to make sure that there are no undissolved blue crystals in it, because they can leave unaesthetic stains on white fabric.
Dip the washed curtains in blue water for a few minutes and then hang them to dry.
Ordinary potassium permanganate has similar properties, but remember that its solution should be slightly concentrated, without impurities of undissolved crystals.
Follow these recommendations and your curtains and curtains will serve you faithfully for many more years.
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