How to wash curtains with eyelets in the washing machine so you don’t have to buy new ones?
The presence of fixed and rather large fittings on curtains can be confusing. How to properly wash curtains with eyelets - in a washing machine or by hand? To answer the question, you need to know the rules for caring for the materials from which the product is made.
Types of eyelets and washing
The presence of any fittings on the curtains initially signals that they will have to be washed carefully. It is unacceptable to spin at high speeds and it is very important to use a mesh bag for delicate washing.
As for the different types of eyelets and recommendations for washing them, we have the following:
- Wooden eyelets do not tolerate exposure to water, they quickly deteriorate, and the varnish and paint are washed off from them. Such curtains can only be washed by hand, avoiding getting the edges of the fabric and fittings wet.
- Metal eyelets can rust from being in water for a long time or peel off when using bleaches and too aggressive detergents. But you can put them in the washing machine.
- Plastic eyelets are the least demanding. Curtains on such rings can be soaked and washed in a washing machine at low speed. The exception is the cheap options, where the plastic has paint or gold plating on top, which can peel off from any contact with water.
Before loading eyelet curtains into the machine, you should make sure that the fittings are securely fastened and that there are no snags or holes in the fabric.
When it's all about the fabric
Curtains with eyelets can be very, very different. These include tulle, cotton, linen, elegant satin, and heavy velvet curtains. To understand whether a particular product can be washed in a washing machine, it would be correct to take into account not only the presence of eyelets and the material from which they are made, but also recommendations for washing the type of fabric available.
Machine wash allowed:
- for cotton - it should be washed in a washing machine at a temperature of 60 degrees;
- for taffeta - a limit of 50 degrees is acceptable;
- for polyester and nylon tulle - they can be washed at 40-60 degrees.
Machine washing is not recommended, but is possible on a delicate cycle at 30 degrees and without spinning for the following items:
- organza tulle, muslin, veil;
- acrylic curtains;
- viscose curtains
It is recommended to refrain from machine washing if the curtains on the grommets are made of the following materials:
- flax;
- calico;
- velvet;
- flock.
Be careful! Some eyelet curtains are washable, others are not. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the curtains are made to order in a studio, it would be wise to ask the seamstress for care information. As a last resort, try to determine the type of fabric yourself and use this as a starting point when choosing a washing method.
Machine wash instructions
To machine wash curtains, it is important that the drum is designed for a weight of 5.5 kg or more. Curtains should be placed freely; packed items are always poorly washed. The second important point is the use of liquid washing gel or shampoo (powder products often leave white streaks on the curtains).
How to wash curtains with eyelets in a washing machine correctly?
- Make sure the eyelet material and fabric itself are machine washable.
- Place the curtains in a delicate wash bag. As a temporary replacement, you can use a pillowcase (you need to zip it up or tie it).
- Pour liquid powder into the compartment. The dosage is standard if shampoo is used - 3 tbsp. spoons for 4 kg.
- Do not use chlorine bleaches; in extreme cases, you can add an oxygen stain remover to the laundry detergent.
- Set the wash to a cycle that is suitable for both the eyelet type and curtain fabric. If in doubt, wash on delicate cycle at 30 degrees without spinning.
- Select extra rinse.
- Do not leave curtains in the machine to prevent the fittings from oxidizing.
Very dirty curtains can be soaked in soapy water for 15-20 minutes, leaving the part with the eyelets outside the container.
Hand wash curtains with eyelets
Volumetric curtains can be conveniently washed in the bath using the following algorithm:
- Take 5-10 liters of warm water (30-40 degrees).
- Dissolve washing gel in it.
- Give preference to products for delicate washing or use shampoo in the proportion of 1 tbsp. l. for 2-3 liters of water.
- Place the curtains in the water and leave them for 5-15 minutes.
- Actively stroke the surface of the curtains with your hands. Do not wrinkle or twist the fabric.
- Rinse the product thoroughly in the same warm water (it should stop foaming).
To clean curtains, you can use a hand-held steam cleaner or a special steam mop. Then the need for washing and ironing disappears altogether.
How to dry the curtains then?
There are several ways to dry curtains with grommets. The easiest way is to hang them on the curtain rod immediately after washing. Then they will “sag” and ironing will not be required. However, not all types of fabrics can be dried this way.For example, velvet is laid out on a horizontal surface with a terry towel underneath and left until completely dry. If you hang such curtains wet, they will stretch. Be careful, it is better to dry heavy or stretchable curtains horizontally.
Curtains with eyelets are a very convenient model. They always lie in beautiful folds, are easily removed from the cornice, and the fittings act as a stylish decorative element. And by and large, washing them is not that difficult. All you need is to purchase a delicate wash bag, set the correct cycle and use liquid powder. Well, if the fabric is very delicate, for example velvet or flock, or the eyelets are made of wood, then the curtains will have to be washed by hand or used for steam cleaning.