Can I wash blackout curtains? Yes, Blackout curtains are expected to block light, so of course, they will get dirty. This is the reason why many people wonder if they can or cannot wash blackout curtains in a washing machine. However, the main question becomes how to clean blackout curtains without ruining them by causing shrinkage or color bleeding. First, it’s important to understand what makes black-out curtain fabrics special and then learn how to care for these types of curtains properly.
Blackout Curtains Materials
The biggest difference between blackout curtains and regular ones (like in your living room) is that blackout ones use an extra layer of fabric that prevents any possible light from coming in or going out. Several different materials are used when making this type of curtains, but the main ones are polyester and cotton.
Polyester Curtains
The first thing to know about a polyester blackout fabric is that it’s a synthetic material that makes it extremely easy to clean. This can be done by using one of the most common methods: washing a washing machine regularly using cold water and detergent. In addition, adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your final rinse helps eliminate any possible detergent residue from showing up on your curtains after they dry out. It also kills almost all bacteria or mold that may have been building up while you were not cleaning them for some time. However, this option does not mean polyester materials are completely indestructible, and you should never put them in the dryer.
Cotton Curtains
These curtains are much more delicate than polyester ones, and they can shrink or bleed color if washed improperly. Using a washing machine to clean them is possible but only on specific settings with proper temperature, agitation, and spin settings. Taking your time to find the right combination will ensure that your cotton curtains remain intact after their next cleaning session. If you choose not to use a washing machine, then hand-washing is recommended but make sure that you don’t over-soak the curtains because this could cause color bleeding as well as shrinking when drying them out again.
Hand Washing Options
The best way to wash blackout curtains at home by yourself is either them in cold water using regular detergent or, if the curtains are extremely dirty, you may want to use Woolite. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard when cleaning them because this could damage the texture of the fabric and cause color bleeding. In addition, make sure that your curtains are completely rinsed from all detergents or soap because these can leave a residue on the curtains after they dry out, making them less effective at blocking light.
Drying Curtains
After washing blackout curtains properly using one of the recommended methods, it’s important that you take the time to drip-dry them instead of throwing them in a dryer that can damage their delicate fabrics. If you still have a washing machine with a spin cycle, then set it up for extra spin dry to extract as much water from the curtains before hanging them up to drip dry. This will help prevent any color bleeding or shrinking that can happen if you don’t extract some of the water out while they’re still wet. It may take a while for your blackout curtains to dry out after washing, and it’s worth taking this time to make sure they remain undamaged and in great working condition for when you’ll need them next.
Blackout curtains are made to block out light. If you think you can wash blackout curtains, or need to know how to wash blackout curtains, then read on!
Washing Steps
- Put the blackout curtain in the washing machine with other black clothing only and use cold water. Add 600ml of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will help remove any soap residue that may remain after washing.
- Wash your black fabric blinds in a normal setting with mild detergent to get rid of dirt and dust build-up. Wash without fabric softener for maximum efficiency – this can affect their ability to absorb light again when dry. Launder them normally, but do not put them in the dryer until you are sure they have absorbed as much light as possible.
- Shake the curtains to remove any dust from their surface. You can do this outside or over a large garbage bin with a lid that will fully close. Keep your face and body covered with an air-filtration mask and gloves for safety’s sake.
- Hang the blackout curtains up to dry in a well-ventilated room rather than in direct sunlight – this could damage them further due to excess heat exposure. The best way is to hang them vertically so they drip dry away from fabrics and carpets beneath them, protecting those materials from getting wet accidentally.
- Fluff the blackout curtains by hand when they are almost dry, which should be about two hours after washing. Take care not to put too much pressure on the outside of the fabric when hands are inside, in case you push any remaining dirt into it.
- Shake out your blackout curtains to remove excess water before putting them in the dryer at a low temperature, around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius. Set it for about 30 minutes, check them – if they are not yet dry, leave it another 15 minutes and check again. Repeat this process until they are fully dried out. Taking too long could result in mildew forming on their surface and ruining them for good.
- Hang the curtains up again after removing from the washing machine and squeezing any excess moisture back into the machine with your hands. Use clothespins to fix them to a drying rack close to where you will put them back. Leave the curtains to drip for a few hours before putting them up again – if you don’t, they may leave water spots on walls and furniture beneath.
- Put your blackout curtains back up once fully dried out, and check that their light absorption ability has returned by shining a flashlight behind them – if you can see the light go through then move them away from other fabrics, but if you can still block it out then put them back up immediately.
You are now done washing your blackout curtains without ruining their ability to stop outside light from entering your home or room!
