How to wash linen curtains?
With their natural fall, their sublime nuances and their exceptional authenticity, the washed linen curtains are real charming assets for your interior. However, it is necessary from time to time to clean them properly. So, how to wash linen in the machine or by hand? At what temperature should you wash linen? Merci answers all your questions.
Washed linen: an ideal fiber for curtains!
With its slightly wrinkled appearance, its authentic and beautiful character, and its indisputable elegance, the washed linen is a widely appreciated fabric for household linen: from curtains to bed sets.
It is, moreover, a particularly resistant textile, which has the immense advantage of becoming more beautiful over time. The washed linen then becomes more and more smooth, patinated and soft over time... On the condition that this care ritual is carried out by respecting a few precise steps!
Rest assured, machine washing linen is very easy to do. In addition, there is no point in cleaning your washed linen curtains too often. You can easily preserve their beauty by only choosing to wash your curtains two to three times a year, at most. Between two washes, do not hesitate to vacuum their fabric regularly, in order to preserve all its beauty.
Step 1: Preparing to wash the curtains
When you take down your curtains, take the opportunity to also remove the rod as well as the hanging method you have selected. You can take advantage of the time needed for machine washing linen to clean these small items on your own.
You should then consult the label of your curtains: the latter may contain useful information on the recommended linen washing temperature or on the most suitable washing cycle. You will also learn whether or not you should completely avoid using the dryer!
This is also the ideal time to check the general condition of your curtains, and look for the presence of small stains that may require the use of a specific detergent.
Our advice: in the event of stains, do not use an aggressive product. The washed linen of your curtains, even if it is resistant to wear, remains a delicate material. We then recommend that you rub the stains with an ox gall soap that has been moistened beforehand, then proceed directly to the step of washing your curtains.
This is also the ideal time to detect - and repair - any small tears present in the fabric. In the drum of your washing machine, these small holes may become larger. It is therefore preferable to repair them beforehand!
Step 2: How to wash linen?
For this step, we advise you to wash your curtains directly in the machine: this will ensure impeccable cleaning without effort.
However, there are a few rules to follow regarding machine washing linen:
- If possible, use a product specifically designed for cleaning delicate fibers, or at least a mild detergent.
- The temperature for washing linen should never exceed 40 degrees Celsius, otherwise you risk damaging your curtains.
- Choose a long and gentle cycle, so that your washed linen curtains are perfectly cleaned, without their fiber being damaged.
- Do not use fabric softener, anti-fading wipes or bleaching agents.
If your linen curtains are particularly thin and fragile, you can place them in a cleaning net before placing them in the machine. This will preserve the delicate character of the washed linen of your curtains.
Step 3: how to properly dry the washed linen for your curtains?
There are two possible methods for drying your linen curtains: using your dryer or drying in the open air.
Firstly, we recommend that you take your linen curtains out of the washing machine as soon as the cleaning cycle ends. This will prevent the linen from trapping the smell of humidity while reducing the risk of creases that are difficult to remove later.
You can then place your curtains on a large drying rack, which will encourage gentle drying that is respectful of the washed linen fibers. This will also allow drying flat, perfect for preventing wrinkles and ensuring even drying.
However, avoid exposing the washed linen of your curtains directly to the sun to avoid any risk of discoloration. By drying in the open air, you ensure that you preserve as much as possible the very special aesthetic of your washed linen curtains!
If this technique seems long and tedious to you, you can use tumble drying. In this case, you should definitely choose a gentle drying cycle. Do not wait until your curtains are completely dry to remove them from the machine. They will retain their beautiful softness much better if you stop the drying cycle while your fabric is still slightly damp. Then finish air drying.
Step 4: Ironing your curtains
This step is optional, as some people like the slightly, naturally wrinkled look of washed linen in their curtains. If this is your case, there is no need to iron your fabric: you just need to hang your curtains again in their place, and enjoy their fully regained shine!
Some people, however, prefer the smooth, silky look of freshly cleaned and ironed linen curtains. In this case, it is preferable to opt for ironing with a steam generator. This technique is ideal for smoothing linen fibers without taking the risk of damaging it. Reduce steam temperature to minimum. If possible, avoid using an iron, the excessively high temperature of which poses a risk to the washed linen of your curtains.
You are now perfectly informed to take care of your magnificent linen curtains. By following these steps, you will easily obtain perfectly cleaned washed linen curtains, the beauty of which you will be able to observe for many years to come.
