Cleaning expert reveals the filthy item in your home you are forgetting to clean – it picks up dirt from everywhere
EVERYONE always remembers the main areas to wipe down when it comes to cleaning the house.
Surfaces like worktops, floors, mirrors and fixtures are always at the top of the list because they often see the most traffic.
Other areas like the bathroom, the kitchen sink and any tables, are also easy to remember to keep on top of.
However, experts have warned that there is one filthy spot in our home that often gets overlooked and forgotten about.
And it actually picks up dirt from everywhere and could be making your home look dull.
Not only can it impact its quality, but not cleaning it often enough can actually pose a health risk.
Kester Rudd, Product Insight Manager at Gtech, has said cleaning our curtains is an important task that should be added to our chore list.
They said: “Curtains brush up against dirty windowsills, pick up dirt from floors, and even absorb odours from cooking or pets.
Regularly cleaning your curtains not only keeps them looking fresh but also maintains a healthier home environment
Kester Rudd
“Over time, this buildup not only dulls their appearance but can also contribute to allergies and poor indoor air quality.
“Regularly cleaning your curtains not only keeps them looking fresh but also maintains a healthier home environment. “
In a bid to help, Kester has shared their top tips on how to properly clean your curtains – and it’s all about getting them ready properly to prevent damage.
The expert explained: “First things first, take your curtains off the rail and remove any weights or rings before cleaning.
“This will prevent damage to both your curtains and your washing machine. Then check the label for fabric information and cleaning instructions.
“Some curtains can be ruined if you wash them in the washing machine, or clean them with the wrong detergent.
“And don’t forget to give your curtain rail a good dusting while you’re at it, or all your hard work will go to waste.”
Kester explains that it is easier than you think to hoover your curtains – and you can’t even need to take them down to do it.
They say: “Over time, dust and pet hair can settle on your curtains, leaving them looking dull and triggering allergies. But a quick vacuum can bring them back to life.
“This quick cleaning option can be done regularly, as you don’t even have to take your curtains off the rails.
“Simply attach a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner and use it in gentle downward strokes.
“Make sure to pay special attention to the parts of your curtain that are touching the floor or windowsill, as these spots will have the highest buildup of dirt.“
The easiest way to wash your curtains is by carefully putting them in the washing machine.
The expert advises: “Take extra care when popping them in the machine.
Hand washing your curtains
IF you can't put your curtains in the washing machine then don't worry - you can still hand wash them if they need a good, deep scrub.
Kester shared his top tips on how to make sure they still get all the dirt removed without damaging the fabric even if you’re washing them by hand.
They said: “If machine washing isn’t an option, but your curtains still need a deep clean, hand washing is the way to go.
“Start by soaking your curtains in cold water, then wash them carefully depending on the fabric type.
“Make sure that the detergent you are using has fully dissolved in the water before immersing the curtains.
“Rinse thoroughly, then squeeze out as much water as possible.
“If your washing machine does have a delicate setting, you can put your curtains in for a spin cycle to help wring them out before hanging out to dry.”
“You can use a laundry net to protect the fabric and stop your curtains from getting stuck in the drum.
“For larger curtains, it’s best to wash them individually or take them to a laundrette.
“Overloading your machine will mean your curtains cannot move freely, so will not be properly cleaned.
“Use a mild detergent, making sure to check it’s right for the fabric of your curtains, and set your machine to a gentle wash.
“If it doesn’t have that setting, stick to a lukewarm 30C temperature and a low spin speed of 400-800 RPM.
“Once the cycle finishes, dry your curtains naturally. Don’t use a tumble dryer or they could shrink.
“Instead, hang them out on your washing line on a dry and sunny day.”