We love how sheer curtains add softness and instantly elevate any space, but they need regular cleaning to stay fresh. Dust and allergens build up over time… and if like us you have small children, well all sorts of dirt can end up on them too! Through necessity we’ve had to test and try every method to clean and wash sheer curtains, and surprisingly it’s a lot simpler than you’d think!
Get your curtains back to looking their best by following our simple guide to wash and clean sheer curtains. Oh and if you have any other tips and tricks, we’d love you to share them in the comments so we can keep adding to this article over time.
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How often should you wash sheer curtains?
Wash sheer curtains at least once a year, and we suggest doing this in spring as part of your deep clean routine.
If you keep your windows open regularly or you have small children and pets in the home, you may want to wash your curtains more frequently, like every three to six months. Also, if they are near a kitchen, you’ll probably want to clean them more often. Regular washing keeps sheer curtains bright and extends their lifespan, and creates a healthier home.
Can you machine wash sheer curtains?
Spoiler alert, our trick to effortlessly cleaning your sheer curtains is to simply put them in the washing machine!
Most sheer curtains are machine washable, but always check the care label first. Our sheer curtains are polyester and we’ve washed them in the machine for years without any problems. If your sheer curtains are made from natural linen or another type of fabric, it’s best to check with the manufacturer to see if the fabric of your curtains is machine washable.
Watch the reel below or follow our step-by-step guide on the best way to wash your sheer curtains.
Step-by-step guide to washing sheer curtains
1. Remove dust before washing
Shake out sheer curtains or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. This prevents dust from turning into grime during washing.
It’s easy to remove sheer curtains by simply unclipping them from the curtain track. Depending on your curtain style, such as S fold or eyelet, the technique to remove them will differ slightly.
If like us you have S fold, you will remove the curtain fabric with the plastic clips attached (fixed into the head of the curtain fabric). Pinch each bracket firmly with your thumb and index finger as you push out the clip towards you.
2. Choose the right detergent
Rather than using laundry detergent, we use one cup of white vinegar in the barrel of the machine and 15 drops of eucalyptus oil added to the detergent compartment of the washing machine. This natural cleaning formula is mild yet effective and leaves your curtains smelling amazing.
Some people prefer to use a mild liquid detergent. For example, we would suggest a brand like Koala Eco.
Tip: avoid harsh chemicals as they can weaken delicate fabrics and cause fading. Also don’t overdo the cleaning products — it’s better to use less so it gets rinsed out fully to prevent residue from making the fabric stiff or discoloured.
3. Machine wash on a gentle cycle
Wash sheer curtains in cold water using a delicate or hand wash cycle. Set the machine to a slow spin to avoid stretching.
4. Hand wash if necessary
For extra delicate sheer curtains, such as those made from pure linen, hand wash them in cold water with a small amount of detergent. Swirl gently and avoid scrubbing.
5. Air dry immediately
Finally, hang sheer curtains while damp to prevent wrinkles. Rather than hanging them on the washing line, we simply reattach the curtains to the track. This saves a step in the cleaning process, while protecting them from sun damage or getting a crease in them from hanging them on a line.
Tip: keep the door open or run a dehumidifier while your sheers are drying to prevent dampness.
How to remove stains from sheer curtains
For stubborn stains, you may need to do a spot clean or additional cleaning step before washing your curtains in the machine. For example, we recently had to remove ink pen from our office sheers. We did this using the same cleaning trick to remove ink from regular fabric, by hitting the stain with rubbing alcohol and rinsing it clean. Repeating this step 2-3 times lifted the stain, and then we followed the washing steps above.
The steps to remove stains from sheer curtains will depend on what type of stain it is, and we cover the most common stain removal hacks in this article.
Tip: always avoid bleach, as it weakens fabric and causes yellowing.
Tips to keep sheer curtains clean longer:
- vacuum sheer curtains regularly to remove dust
- avoid smoking or burning candles or incense near sheer curtains
- keep windows closed during high pollen seasons or days that are windy. Alternatively, you can draw the curtains open and stacked to the side of your window to prevent them from catching dirt or pollen on these days.
Were you surprised to find out you can wash sheer curtains in the machine? Or perhaps you have a different technique to clean your curtains? We’d love you to share your tips in the comments below.
More cleaning tips and tricks
