health
Curtains can be white as snow again: Add one kitchen ingredient to the washing machine
A simple and inexpensive way to make curtains white as new again.
TL;DR
- Dust and detergent residue cause curtains to lose their whiteness over time.
- White vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that removes detergent build-up and odors.
- Soaking curtains in a mixture of two cups of white vinegar and a handful of coarse salt for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight) before washing helps restore their brightness.
- After soaking, wash curtains on a delicate cycle at 30-40 degrees Celsius, using less detergent and replacing fabric softener with about half a deciliter of alcohol vinegar.
- For heavily yellowed or gray curtains, adding baking soda to the drum along with vinegar can help remove dullness and odors.
- Avoid using a tumble dryer; hang curtains immediately after washing while damp, as their weight will help them straighten out, often eliminating the need for ironing.
- Curtains in living rooms and kitchens should be washed approximately every three months, more frequently (every 6-8 weeks) if smoking occurs or if near a busy street. Bedroom curtains can be washed every four months.