Once hung on the window your net curtains are likely to sit there for a while. Inevitably they are going to gather dust and this quickly becomes grimy, discoloring your beautiful sheer curtains.
Of course, it is easy to wash a net curtain, you may think. Indeed it is easier than washing, a roman blind for instance Just put it in the washing machine or even handwash. However it is very difficult to remove stains at the low temperatures needed to wash the delicate fibres of your net curtains.
There are in fact many ways to freshen up and rejuvenate your curtains. The methods will probably surprise you.
Washing machine
Not so surprising a tool for washing perhaps but if you wash your net curtains on a cool wash with no soap powder you will first remove the dust. Now make sure that you wash again using your favorite whites washing powder but add a towel to the machine to ensure that the net curtain fabric is well agitated and the cleaning process works well.
Optical Whiteners and Stain Removers
Products exist on the market to gently bleach and freshen your net curtains. Soak your fabric in this and leave for a few hours before putting them in the washing machine. Vanish is a famous pre wash brand great for net curtains and any kind of heavy staining. For optical whitening, soak in Glo white.
Stardrops Fabric Stain Cleaner comes in a powder from and works in water solution. It comes highly recommend for the gentle removal of deep stained net curtains. Napisan, designed for cleaning dirty terry towelling nappies is one other solution to your grimy net curtain problem.
It’s good to know all the solutions as you might have one of them sitting in your kitchen cupboard already, so no need to shop!
Denture Tablets
Some recommend a bath with a few denture tablets, others say one denture tablet in a bowl, either way this surprising ingredient is the preferred pre wash for many peoples net curtains. Soak overnight and then wash as normal. Then, prepared to be dazzled!
Lemon Juice
If you are looking for an eco solution a real home grown answer is the juice of two lemons. Firstly, they lift the dirt from the fabric of the net curtain. Secondly they are a wonderful mild and 100 per cent natural form of bleach. So your curtains will end up deep cleaned, dazzling white and lemon fresh. What is more this is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly solution of all and can be used to clean your bedroom furniture as well!
There may be some more solutions so the next time you buy net curtains, dont forget to ask the experts!