How to Wash Polyester Curtains? | Easiest Way

Curtains are an exclusive type of fabric. It requires extra care. Like other pieces of furniture, you cannot vacuum them easily. Instead, you have to ensure proper maintenance, and washing is a vital part of that. At the same time, you need to be careful as curtains are delicate and sensitive to water damage!

Then how often should you wash curtains? In which ways can you do it?

Haha. No worries. We are not going to ask you. Rather, we will be dealing with several affairs in this regard. Are you ready to jump down right?

Okay, here we go!

Things You Should Do Before Washing Polyester Curtains

We will describe a lot regarding the know-how. But it would be best to state the things that you should ensure before washing. Please go through the points below!

• Get the curtains off the windows. It will help prevent tears and snags.
• Store your curtain rod in a safe place.
• Are they contaminated with pet hair, food residue, or any other stain? Then it is urgent to pretreat the curtains before washing. It will prevent any further damage to your fabric. Also, you will be able to lift the stains easily.
• During the cleaning process, ensure that the curtains are dry. Only then you can wash them. It will save your curtains from any stretching or shrinking.
• Are you going to deal with a new set of polyester curtains? Then it would help if you wash them immediately after buying. Otherwise, if you let the dirt build up over time, you will find it so tough to remove later on!

How to Wash Polyester Curtains

Look, we hang our curtains. Things are very normal like they will collect airborne dust and dirt, absorb lingering odors, etc. In that case, they will lack a proper impression. Then there is no other way than washing.

So here in this post, we will provide you with three different ways of washing curtains. Cool enough? Alright, now let us name the equipment and stuff you will need in these operations.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

• Washing machine
• Iron
• Sink or basin
• Clothes dryer or clothesline
• Steamer with drape/fabric tool
• White cloth or paper towel
• Laundry detergent
• Color catcher sheet (optional)
• Thin white towel or cloth (optional for ironing)
• Liquid dishwashing detergent
• Mesh laundry bags or pillowcases (optional)
• A sock or other tie (optional)
• Thick white towels for hand-washing

Now, please follow the points below!

How to Hand-Wash Curtains

Hand-wash is indeed a safe approach for all sorts of fabrics. No matter if your curtains are of nylon, polyester, cotton, laces, or silks, you can wash them. Now, allow us to show you the steps for this!

Fill Sink or Basin with Water

Before all, have some cool or lukewarm water. Then fill your basin or sink with it. Now, immerse your curtains therein.

Apply Detergent

You can either use laundry detergent or liquid dish detergent. Just add a few drops of it in the basin. And to create suds, swish the detergent around in the water.

Add Curtains

Then drown the curtains in the sudsy mixture. This time, you need to loosen up the dirt attached to them. So it would help if you employed your hand to swish the fabric around in the water.

Rinse the Curtains

Now pour the soapy water out of the basin. Get some clean lukewarm or cool water this time. Agitate the curtains in the water. It will help loosen the suds. And until they totally go away, continue rinsing the curtains in clear water.

Squeeze Excess Water

Manage a dry, thick, clean towel, and let the color of the towel match that of the curtains. Lay out every curtain panel flat on that. Then roll up the towel to remove the extra water from the curtain panel. Please do it loosely and gently.

Hang to Dry

The previous step will provide you with damp curtains. Now hang them up. Remember, it is urgent to hang them from a bathtub curtain rod or over a drying rack instead of a window back. And yes, avoid a heat source. Otherwise, they are sure to shrink!

Iron in Need

Iron them if you find wrinkles. After all, impression matters. However, there is also a condition. You have to iron them on a low setting and when they are slightly damp.

Else, it is necessary to buffer the curtains from the iron’s direct heat. Better use a pressing cloth. For example, a thin towel will suffice.

How to Machine-Wash Curtains

You may prioritize machine wash for your curtain set. It can be nylon, cotton, or polyester, no issues! Else, you can machine wash your lace curtains, provided that they will have to be in a mesh bag. Also, you may feel free to wash synthetic and lined blackout curtains in a washing machine. Just don’t forget to check the label before that!

Anyways, here we go for the steps you will need to follow in this regard!

Spot Test Your Curtains

Remove your confusion. Look at the label to see whether the fabric type allows you to wash them in a washing machine. Then go for spot testing. It will help you become sure about the colorfastness of your curtains.

For this, choose a small dirty corner of your curtain. Prepare a solution of water and liquid dish soap or liquid laundry detergent. Now, press a paper towel on the spot. See whether the color remains or not.

If you can still see the color on the paper towel, you may attempt to machine wash. Otherwise, dare not, please! And remember, if they are able to endure a wash in your washing machine, choose the delicate cycle along with cold water for that.

Aside from this, there might be a case of fabric dye bleeding while washing colored curtains in your machine. Then you need to add a color catcher dye trapping sheet to tackle that. And dare not to wash the curtains with any other clothing articles.

Take Out All the Hardware

Hey, this is also crucial! Your next task would be removing all the hardware such as curtain rings, pins, hooks, and clips from your curtains. Only then you can throw your curtains in the washing machine.

However, there is no problem with machine-washing curtains along with grommets. You merely need to select the delicate wash cycle in that respect.

Place Delicates in a Mesh Bag

It is time to use your mesh bag. Before putting the delicate lace in your washing machine, place it into your mesh bag. It will save your stuff from fraying and other damages!

Also, it would help if you put your delicate curtains inside an old pillowcase. Let the curtain color match it. Then knot it with a sacrificial knee sock tightly so that it cannot lose its color.

Select Cold Water

Washing curtains in cold water is not optional. Instead, it is a need for most washable curtains. Along with that, only a small amount of laundry detergent will suffice.

Iron in Need

You may don’t need to iron them. However, if it is necessary, you need to ensure protection. How?

Employ a thin t-shirt or towel between the curtains first. Then move toward ironing.

Replace Hardware and Rehang

Afterward, put on the curtain hardware. Please do it carefully so that nothing gets missing. Then hang the curtains again.

How to Steam Clean Your Curtains

Often, we see our curtains do not fit into our dryer or washer. At the same time, they are too large to hand wash. Then what to do?

Well, in such a situation, you can rely on steam cleaning. However, there is a condition. You can only steam clean the machine-washable curtains.

And there is another caution. You cannot steam clean any water-resistant outdoor curtains such as velvet curtains. You can only spot clean or rely on a cleaning expert.

You need to follow some steps to steam clean your curtains. These are as follows!

Check the Label First

Before all, be sure whether you can apply steam to the curtains or not. Only if it says yes, you may proceed.

Prepare the Steamer

Go through the instructions of that model. Following that, fill the steamer’s tank with water. Please refrain from overfilling. After plugging the steamer, let some minutes go. It will heat up the steamer better.

Set the Nozzle and Go for a Test

After preparing the water, set the correct nozzle according to the instructions. Also, you need to have a test for discoloration. Employ the nozzle on a discreet portion of your curtains. Grip the nozzle further away from your curtain if its fabric gets too saturated with steam.

Fasten a Drape or Fabric Tool

You have to place the right tool onto the hose at this stage. Brush the curtain fabric from top to bottom gently. While you suck the curtain dirt, hold the hose upright.

Refrain from pressing the curtain into the window while brushing with a steamer tool. Merely a light touch is enough.

Repeat the Process on the Back Part

Now, it’s time to apply the same brushing on the back portion of the curtain. Yes, use the same drape or fabric tool.

Dry the Curtains

Have you steamed both sides of the curtain panel? Okay, now hang them to air dry. What to do if there is further dirt on them?

Well, you need to repeat the process. That’s it!

Tips to Keeping Your Curtains Clean Longer

Conquering a land is less challenging than keeping its sovereignty intact. Similarly, only washing cannot be sufficient for a user. At the same time, you need to maintain some things to keep it clean for a long. How?

Here are the tactics. Please get them one by one!

• Before washing by machine, soak the curtains in a basin with oxygen bleach. It will refresh all the curtain panels.
• During the vacuum process, lay them flat on the floor. or, you can do it on a bed. It ensures better traction.
• Apart from washing curtains, it is urgent to clean the adjacent windows, grilles, window blinds, and windowsills. Otherwise, you cannot keep your curtain clean for long! Specifically, the window glass dirt quickly transfers onto curtains.
• The dust and cobwebs from ceilings and cornices are also common. Particularly, if you have ceilings with a popcorn finish, you are a big sufferer. Employ an extendable duster to remove them regularly.

What to Do When Curtains Are Not Wash-Worthy?

We hang some of our curtains too high. They are difficult to reach. Even the curtains hung by rods and hardware are tough to wash or clean!

No problem, if you see your curtains are not machine washable. In that case, all you need to do is- vacuum the curtains and apply a fabric-deodorizing spray to them. Please don’t think of using the vacuum attachment. It may leave marks on your curtains.

Else, put a nylon stocking over the end. Fasten it with a rubber band. It will help avoid sucking the fabric into the nozzle of a vacuum that is void of any reduced-suction setting.

Also, the chances are high that your pets will leave fur on the floor-reaching curtains. So it would help if you used strips of packing tape or a lint roller to remove that.

Advantages of Washing Polyester Curtains

• Your curtains will look vibrant.
• You will get an odor-free home interior.
• Curtains will be flexible instead of crinkled.
• No health issues as there will be no dirt, grime, and allergens.
• You will ensure brighter color.

Washing Guidelines for 100% Polyester Curtains

Hey, dealing with a 100% polyester curtain is a bit different. So we thought it would help if we discussed this separately. Like your clothing articles, it accumulates stains and odors. Therefore, it becomes a must to wash them as soon as possible.

Before all, like any other fabric, checking the curtain label is very urgent. In need, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional cleaning expert. Especially, dare not to wash if it says “dry clean only”!

It will be wise to weigh the curtains before you wash them. By this, you will come to know whether you need to draw them back into shape. And during the wash, you better resist rips by removing the hooks that are sewn into the hems.

In need, you can apply a commercial stain treatment to the curtains too.

No doubt, you will find polyester curtains superbly long-lasting, fast-drying, and stain-resistant as synthetic, petroleum-derived fabric. Nonetheless, you should not ignore using mild laundry detergent while washing a 100% percent polyester curtain.

Also, you should ensure a cool to warm water setting for that. And for drying, always prefer a low heat setting.

When you attempt to iron, remember two things carefully. You need to – iron on the reverse side while damp and

use a low setting

And it would help best if you used a fabric softener in the washing machine. Or, you may also use a dryer sheet, no issues!

Difference Between Curtains and Drapes

Often, we get confused and fail to distinguish between curtains and drapes. But no more. Let us get rid of this!

Draperies are floor length. Are they made of heavier fabric and lined? Then you had better contact a professional cleaning expert instead of washing. However, a number of draperies of polyester are worthy of machine wash.

On the other hand, if your windows stuff includes shorter panels ending at the windowsill bottom, they are curtains. And particularly manufacturers use lighter fabrics for shorter curtains. You can easily wash them at home!

How to Wash Polyester Sheers

If you want to prevent any permanent discoloration, you have to wash your sheer polyester curtains regularly. However, you will need to do it gently.

You need to follow some steps. These are as follows!

• Ensure that the washer load of the sheer polyester curtains will not be more than halfway.
• Have some cold water and take around five minutes to presoak them.
• Apply a mild detergent in a gentle setting. It should not take more than two to three minutes.
• Get two terry-cloth towels to dry them. Do it in a no-heat setting.
• Then while they are slightly damp, hang and reshape them.

Recommended Detergents

Tide

It is indeed a reliable detergent. A number of people prefer this. You can apply this to a variety of fabrics. Else, you are free to use any concentration. It can be regular or high efficiency to meet your need. 

Dish Soap

You may prefer hand washing, and you need to be careful in this regard. If you want a skin-friendly detergent, the dish soap is for you! People who have sensitive skin or allergies will get it very safely.

Woolite

Here is another good option for those who have sensitive skin. Likewise, it is workable on most fabrics. You may treat this as highly reliable as people have been using this for years!

However, it has a con as well. It can compel your curtains to bleed. So you will have to wait 24 hours before you rewash the curtains!

How To Clean Curtains

We frequently open and shut our curtains to have some cool breeze and sunshine. Therefore, our curtains get dust and other debris. It not only makes them look dirty but also creates a bad odor.

So in this part, we will tell you the tactics to clean curtains. Grab them downright! You will learn them depending on the curtain material type you have. Fair enough? Okay, here we go! 

Acrylic Bead or Shell Curtains

• Bead or shell curtains tend to get tangled easily. So it would help if you washed them in place. And the phases are as follows!
• Get a bedsheet and hang it behind the curtains. Tie it to the curtain rod. Some clothespins will be enough for this fastening.
• Then use a towel to cover the floor below your curtains.
• Prepare a mixture that contains 2 cups of warm water and 2-3 drops of liquid dish detergent to fill it in a spray bottle.
• Now spray the solution on the curtains from top to bottom. 
• Employ a damp white cotton washcloth to wipe them clean. Merely rub the heavily soiled areas lightly.
• Next, move your bedsheet to the other side to repeat the process.
• Finally, air-dry your curtains by taking the bedsheet down.

Garment Fabric Curtains

• Before all, take off all the hardware of the curtains.
• Then take outdoor to give them a shake.
• Next, put them into your washing machine.
• Employ the cold setting to wash two panels simultaneously on the delicate cycle.
• Afterward, use a low-heat setting to dry the curtain panels.
• Immediately after drying, get them out of the machine. It will help prevent wrinkles.
• Now you are all set. Hang the curtains in position again.

Sheer Fabric or Lace Curtains

When the lightweight fabric of curtains gets wet becomes susceptible to wrinkling and snagging. Therefore, it will be wise to hand wash your lace curtains or sheer fabric. It’s not a big deal. Please follow the instructions below!

• Have some cold water and one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent to fill your basin.
• To dislodge dust, pet hair, shake them outdoors.
• Immerse one panel in the soapy water and let it stay for around 10 minutes.
• Then loosen the stains by proper swirling.
• Afterward, have some fresh cold water to refill the basin.
• At last, re-swirl the panel to remove soap residue.

Expert Suggestion: There is a fantastic way to revive a crisp feel to your sheer fabric or lace curtains. For that, fill your basin with cold water first. Then dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salt in it. Let your freshly-washed curtains remain therein for around 10 minutes. Then without rinsing, squeeze any water gently. Let them drip dry from the laundry line or shower rod. Finally, hang them.

Velvet Curtains

Some velvet curtains can only endure dry cleaning, some are machine washable. So it would be best to check the manufacturer’s label at first. And the treatment for lined, unlined, and damp velvet will be different.

• Are you going to deal with a lined velvet? Then have a damp white washcloth and dab a hidden area of your lined velvet. You need to treat them like dry-clean curtains provided that the dye transfers to the fabric. Is your fabric colorfast? Then wash them one panel at a time on the delicate cycle. Get a normal amount of detergent and cold water in this operation.
• On the other hand, if you are there to wash a set of damp velvet curtains, you have to be gentle. Otherwise, you will ruin the fabric. And yes, dare not to put them in your dryer. Also, refrain from hanging them on a line. Rather, get a cotton sheet to lay them flat and let them dry.
• You need to treat your lined velvet as Dry Clean Only. Many formal or lined curtains label features this instruction. However, if you fear any severe mistake, you better rely on a professional cleaning expert. Else, if it is only about refreshing, you can go for a Dry Clean At-Home Kit. Nevertheless, you may even try to wash. However, remember that this is risky.

Now please follow the steps below to benefit from this technique.

• By employing a gentle cycle, wash one panel at a time in your washing machine. Use cold water.
• You need to save your curtain panels from wrinkling. So the next job is to bring out each of them from the machine.
• Then go for an air-dry instead of drying them in the dryer. It will help you skip shrinkage.

Time-Wise Maintenance for Your Curtains

Apart from washing, maintenance should matter to you. Otherwise, you cannot utilize your curtains for long. Anyways, there is time-wise maintenance from a team of experts. Please have a look!

Weekly

Properly shake your curtains before you clean the room. It will dislodge all the dust. Let the dust settle within 10 minutes. Then go dusting furniture and vacuuming the floor.

Monthly

It is urgent to clean curtains from top to bottom. You need to employ the dust brush attachment on your vacuum.

Is your curtain fabric delicate? Then it would help best if used a piece of cheesecloth or nylon sock to cover the end. And let not the upholstery attachment teeth snag your curtain fabric! So refrain from using such an attachment if you don’t want to destroy your curtains.

Monthly Alternative

Else, you can rely on the “no heat” or ”fluff” setting in your dryer instead of vacuuming. In that case, you will have to run the curtains through the dryer for 5 minutes. Remove it from the dryer and hang again immediately after the 5-min cycle. It will resist wrinkles. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I dye my Polyester Curtains?

Answer: The dyeing instructions are the same as the washing instructions. Yes, you may use onion or tomato paste to add colors. Else, you can cook the curtains in a solution of water, food coloring, and vinegar. It will keep their brightness brisk.

Question: Can I put polyester curtains in the dryer?

Answer: You should not put your polyester curtains in the dryer. There is a risk of shrinking.

Question: Can I machine wash polyester curtains?

Answer: Yes, you can certainly machine wash polyester curtains, as we clarified in the post. Please wash at least once each season. And it would be best to machine wash them after every few months using cold water on a gentle cycle.

Question: Can I wash polyester blackout curtains?

Answer: A washing machine can easily destroy the layers. So there is no alternative to hand-wash your blackout curtains. It’s simple. Employ your hands to squeeze and scrub the curtain fabric gently. After a wash, have some clean water to rinse the curtains. That’s it!

Question: How can I wash curtains without washing them?

Answer: Well, you need to maintain a few things only. These are as follows-

• Remove the dust by giving a proper shake before cleaning the whole room.
• Ensure a weekly vacuum cleaning to banish build-up dirt.
• Clean your window regularly.
• Steam the curtains having a definite time of interval.

Question: How can I wash polyester curtains with grommets?

Answer: Well, after removing the dust outside through some shakes, you may go for a machine wash. Ensure the delicate cycle by using cold water. Using any detergent or soap is not necessary here. It may discolor your curtain fabric.

Question: How can I get wrinkles out of polyester without a steamer?

Answer: You need to employ a handheld steamer in that case. Alternatively, you may put the curtains in your dryer. However, it should be the coolest setting, and you have to place the tapestry inside with a wet washcloth. Dry for only 10 to 20 minutes. And don’t forget to hang the tapestry immediately after removing it from the dryer. Thus, you can smooth out wrinkles.

Question: Do wrinkles fall out of curtains?

Answer: Generally, the wrinkles will fade away within a few days after unpacking and hanging the curtains. Nonetheless, you might discover wrinkles. In that case, you have to wash or steam them.

Question: How often should you wash heavy curtains?

Answer: It would help best if you washed your heavy curtains every 3-6 months. Remember, you need to maintain it regularly to benefit from them in the long run.

Question: Should curtains be vacuumed?

Answer: Yes, you need to vacuum them with the upholstery tool every week.

It’s a Wrap

Now you do not merely know the tactics to wash your polyester curtains but also several other related things. Allow us to remind you of them all.

You have learned various matters such as – what you should know before washing, the materials you will need for this operation, how to hand wash, machine wash, or steam, tips for keeping curtains clean in the long run, what you should do when your curtains are not able to get washed, benefits of washing, the difference between curtains and drapes, the techniques to deal with a 100% polyester curtains, the way to wash sheer polyester sheers, about recommended detergents, the fabric-wise cleaning techniques, time-wise maintenance, etc.

Hopefully, this guide will serve you in the long run. Have a good day!