Curtains can be a magnet for dust and grime in homes due to their thick material, but there is a better way to clean them rather than throwing them in the washing machine. If you do not want your bulky curtains to spend ages drying and dripping water everywhere then the cleaning experts at Tru Earth have shared that you can freshen them up with a little baking soda. 

They said: “Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of your curtains and leave it for a few hours to absorb any odours. Then, vacuum the curtains using a brush attachment to remove the baking soda.”

Baking soda is very absorbent and a natural way to remove any musty smells from fabric. it will also weigh down dust particles to trap them on your curtains. 

This makes it easier to remove dust, allergens or any residue on curtains that can become embedded in the fabric. 

These particles will not be able to float back into the air or cling as easily to the fabric as they will be soaked up by the baking soda, which will make hoovering them much easier. 

How to clean your curtains without a washing machine

Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the curtains, and make sure to focus on areas with visible dust or residue sticking to the fabric. 

Let the baking soda sit for 10 minutes to allow it to absorb any odours and get into the dust particles 

Then, all you need to do is use a brush or upholstery attachment on your vacuum and adjust it to a low-power setting. 

Curtains can be very delicate despite how bulky they are, so it is best to be as gentle as possible when cleaning them. 

Start hoovering your curtains at the top and work your way down. Pay attention to areas where dust is known to gather, such as pleats or herms. 

Repeat this method on both sides until you have sucked all the baking soda residue up, and they should be thoroughly cleaned. 

Steaming curtains is also a simple way to sanitise the material if you own a steamer, but make sure to do it on a sunny day to allow the fabric to dry quickly. 

If you can, air out your curtains outside sometime this spring, as the ultraviolet in sunlight can also help remove germs and dust mites.

The expert said: “Use good weather by hanging your curtains outside on a clothesline or balcony. Fresh air and sunlight can naturally freshen and deodorize the fabric.”