Curtains do not only beautify our homes. They also perform so many other functions that they often get so filthy and even damaged after some time. Curtains often dictate the overall atmosphere of the room. They turn an ordinary room into anything we need it to be. Curtains serve as a barrier between the house and the outside.

Their pretty fabrics trap much of the dirt that’s supposed to come into the house through the window. They’re the perfect place for dust to settle. That is why getting them cleaned is something nobody should ever neglect doing. However, a lot of people just hate cleaning curtains, especially if they’re made of heavy materials. So to help you get the job done efficiently, here are five ways of cleaning curtains. Read on and consider which works for you best:

1. Dust or vacuum curtains regularly.

Curtains are hard to wash. But more importantly, they should not be washed in a weekly basis or it’s going to be ruined sooner than it should be. The best thing you can do is to dust or vacuum it regularly and make sure dirt doesn’t accumulate in it. You will be amazed to learn how much dirt a simple feather duster or a damp cloth can remove off your curtain. You may also use a lint brush to remove the grime embedded in the fabric. A static duster and a vacuum cleaner will help a lot too.

When doing this, make sure you’re cleaning both sides of the curtain. Also, give special attention to hems and folds, areas where most of the dirt gets accumulated.

2. Steam clean your curtains for ease.

With the availability of handheld steam cleaners nowadays, the job of cleaning heavy curtains has become easier. Just a reminder: Always make sure your curtains can be safely steam cleaned without damaging them. You may check the manufacturer’s label to see if a curtain can be steam cleaned or not. If the information is not available, check if the label says it can be machine washed. It should be safe to steam clean those curtains which are machine washable.

Steam cleaning your curtains shouldn’t be hard to do. Just follow the directions included in your steam cleaner manual. When steam cleaning your curtain, make sure your windows are open to let the steam escape the room.

3. Machine wash your curtains when needed.

A lot of curtains can be damaged when washed in the washing machine too often. Even if you’re curtain label says it is machine washable, you should still be wary of using the machine too often because your curtain’s materials might have been weakened by too much sun exposure and other factors. So when you’re sure that your curtains are machine washable, make sure you stick to the delicate cycle. For those curtains needing extra cleaning efforts, you may wash them in warm water. Otherwise, always wash your curtains in cold water to keep them from shrinking. When drying them, avoid applying heat on them to make them last longer.

4. Dry clean specific types of curtains.

Some curtains are not washable. If your curtain’s label says “dry clean only,” it is important that you do not wash them in water. To make sure you’re on the safe side, look for a reliable local dry cleaner which people you know would highly recommend.

Sisterly advice: Love your curtains by keeping them cleaned regularly and gently.