Blackout curtains, with their sleep-inducing & glare-reduction technology, promote healthy living. But the same magical fabric attracts dust and animal hair like a magnet and makes the home’s air unclean. Washing and sanitizing blackout drapes is essential, not only to keep them looking fresh but also for your health.
Want to learn how to properly wash blackout curtains without ruining their effectiveness? We have brought two tried-and-tested methods along with their simple steps for washing blackout curtains.
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Wash Blackout Curtains
Learn the 2 best methods for cleaning light-blocking curtains: Machine washing & hand washing, to make them function like you just bought them.
Can You Wash Blackout Curtains?
If you are unsure whether your lined drapes can be washed, simply check the manufacturer’s label. You are looking for a washtub sign (indicates machine washing) or a hands-in-the-tub symbol (for handwashing) on the curtains’ care label.
But if the label faded over time, refer to the table below to check whether your blackout curtains are compatible with washing:
| Blackout Curtain Type | Suitability For Washing |
| Pure Polyester Curtains | Yes (100% ideal for machine washing) |
| Thermal Lined Curtains | Yes (can be washed in cold water) |
| Tri-Woven Drapes | Yes (these durable curtains often resist damage in washing machines) |
| Latex Coated Curtains | No (machine washing can cause the coating to rupture or peel) |
| Velvet Blackout Curtains | No (washing may weaken the pile) |
Regardless of the material, if you wash the drapes too frequently, damage is inevitable. You should wash your room-darkening drapes only after half a year (or 3 months if you have pets). The following are the situations when washing blackout curtains is the right option.
Dust Buildup
Since such curtains are often dark in color, the accumulated debris becomes very noticeable and diminishes their beauty. If you notice this, the first course of action is to shake the curtain fabric or go over it with a vacuum cleaner (with a brush attachment) or a feather duster. If the blackout window drapes still look unkempt, consider machine washing them.
Removing Stain
Unintentional spills of tea or curry can make the curtains not only look unclean but also smell bad, ruining any first impression you were hoping to make on the guests. Washing the light-blocking drapes is again the best option to eliminate stubborn stains.
Curtain Odor
Dense blackout drapes can absorb odors from the room and might become untidy if your home has smokers or pets. The only way to remove their unpleasant smell is to either thoroughly clean them yourself or hand over the task to professional dry cleaners.
First Method: Machine Wash Blackout Curtains
Machine washing is the least tiresome and fastest way to cleanse blackout drapes.
Step 1: Prepare The Curtains
- Take off the room-darkening curtains and remove their hardware, such as hooks and pins.
- But do not immediately throw them in the machine without dusting and blotting out the stains.
Step 2: Set The Machine Cycle
- If you are wondering ‘which mode blackout curtains should be washed in a washing machine’, the answer is: low/delicate spin speed.
- Add water (not more than 40°) to the washing machine.
- Choose a liquid cleaner that does not contain bleach or fabric conditioner in its ingredients.
Step 3: Wash Drapes The Proper Way
- To prevent the dimout curtain from piling or the backing from becoming cracked, place the drapes in a cloth bag (a pillowcase also works) before loading them into the machine.
- Do not overload the washing machine to ensure thorough cleansing of blackout drapes.
Step 4: Dry The Window Curtains
- Place a clean cloth/towel on the curtains to absorb excess moisture instead of wringing.
- Hang the window drapes panels separately in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Tips For Success:
No High Heat: It can make the dimout coating sticky and render the curtains unusable.
Wash One Panel At A Time: This ensures the draperies do not get tangled or get deep creases.
Rehang Immediately: This allows the gravity to make the drapes smooth and eliminate wrinkles.
Second Method: Hand-Washing Blackout Curtains
Here is a guide on how to wash blackout curtains by hand and achieve professional-like results.
Step 1: Prepare A Tub
- Fill a tub (or basin) with enough cold water to submerge the drapery material.
- Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid soap to the water and swirl the mixture.
Step 2: Submerge The Drapes
- Remove hardware to prevent rust or scratches. If the blackout drapes have metal rings on the header, tie them together with a string and place the entire upper section in a cloth bag.
- Soak one panel of the window coverings at a time in the water and detergent mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Gently Knead The Fabric
- Swirl the material in water and knead it lightly to take out dirt.
- Do not rub the material, as it may cause the room-darkening coating to peel off.
Step 4: Remove Water
- Drain the soapy water and soak the drapery fabric in clean water. Do this step a couple of times to rinse out the detergent residue from the window drapes.
- Lay the blackout curtain panels on a flat surface and dab them with a light-colored cloth to remove moisture without transferring color.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
Perform Detergent Test: Apply detergent on a small portion of the blackout material, dab it out, and check for any discoloration.
Vacuum Before Washing: Before the curtain material touches the water, remove any loose dirt to avoid mud stains.
Conclusion:
Washing blackout curtains routinely is important, as the trapped debris may cause their coating to break down more quickly, and curtains can release allergens into the air. We brought the most effective techniques on ‘how to wash blackout curtains and dry them’. We hope our detailed curtain-washing guide with actionable steps helped you properly clean the blackout curtains at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Okay To Hand-Wash Blackout Curtains That Say Dry Clean Only?
It is not recommended to hand-wash the blackout drapes if the care label says ‘dry clean only’, as it can cause the window drapes to shrink or become brittle, and they may lose their structural integrity.
Can I Dry The Dim-Out Curtains In A Dryer?
No, you cannot put the light-blocking curtains in the dryer, as the intense heat can cause irreversible damage to the material and make the rubber backing melt and stick together.
How To Remove Lingering Smell After Washing Blackout Drapes?
To prevent the soapy or chemical smell after washing the dim-out curtains, hang them in a ventilated area. If the odor has already developed, mix vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) and mist it onto the material.
