How do I clean the backs of curtains?

  7 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 07, 2020

    Assuming that you can I would put them in the clothes washer on the cold water setting and some vinegar. I would avoid putting them in the dryer and hang them back up and let them air dry.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 07, 2020

    I've had some that the backing pucker on if in a top loading machine. With a front loading, use a delicate cycle, cold water and don't put in the dryer. If there is care label, check it before cleaning.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 07, 2020
    Since the backing is inseparable from the fronts, then consider that UV has discolored them. Has it?

    if this is the case, it means the backing has been degraded or broken down by the UV.

    What do you think?

    If this is the case,

    No matter what you do, it can’t totally reverse UV damage and washing them may just physically release the broken down backing.

    Start off “easy” and go from there.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 08, 2020

    Hi Christine. You could use the upholstery brush on your vacuum and run it down the length of the under side of your curtains. If the curtains have a build up of dust, this method should work well for you.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jan 08, 2020

    I would wash them by hand. Is there a lining? If your curtains don't have a liner, you can wash them by putting them in the delicate cycle in your washing machine, on cold/warm so the color is maintained. However, if you have a backing liner, you will want to wash that by hand and air dry it. The liner is a completely different material and will shrink up compared to the curtain front if put in your machines.... and because of that, they will not hang right again. Also if these curtains have pinch pleats, be careful when washing. You don't want to mess up the tailored folds. Good luck!

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jan 08, 2020

    Hi Christine, you can just take them down, give them a good shake to get rid of dust and put them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle, in cool or lukewarm water, and use a mild detergent.