What are some often overlooked details in curtain cleaning and maintenance?

1. Material processing misunderstandings
(1) Mixing accessories of different materials
The lace, straps, tassels and other decorative items of the curtains are made of different materials from the main curtains. If they are machine washed together, the accessories may deform or snag. The correct way is to remove the fragile parts such as lace and embroidery and wash them separately by hand, or use a laundry bag to protect them.

(2) Wrong detergent selection
The use of detergents containing bleach or strong alkalinity will cause fading and fiber damage. It is recommended to choose neutral detergents, and high-end fabrics such as silk and wool require special detergents. For example, cotton and linen curtains can be machine washed with cold water and softener, while chenille fabrics need to be washed on the reverse side to avoid pilling.

2. Cleaning cycle and method
(1) Insufficient dust removal frequency
Most people think that cleaning once every six months is enough, but in fact, curtains need to be vacuumed at least once a week, especially at folds and seams where dust is easily accumulated. Long-term accumulation may cause allergies.

(2) Delayed treatment of special stains
Oil stains, sweat stains, etc. will penetrate into the fibers if not treated in time. Emergency method: Use a neutral detergent to gently wipe the stain from the outside to the inside to avoid spreading. Stubborn stains can be locally sprayed with alcohol to dissolve before washing.

3. Blind spots in drying and maintenance
(1) Exposure to the sun and excessive dehydration
Curtains exposed to the sun directly after washing will cause fading and fiber brittleness, especially cotton and linen materials should be dried in the shade. Do not dehydrate at high speed after machine washing. It is recommended to lay flat or hang them to drain naturally and use gravity to stretch the folds.

(2) Lack of maintenance of tracks and hooks
Dust accumulation on the curtain tracks will cause jamming and wear of the curtain fabric. The tracks should be wiped with a damp cloth every month and lubricant should be applied to keep them smooth. Metal hooks are prone to rust due to long-term moisture exposure. They need to be removed and wiped dry before washing.

4. Functional maintenance details
(1) Anti-ultraviolet and fading protection
Curtains can be protected from long-term sunlight by installing a blackout lining or UV blocking film. Faded curtains can be soaked in milk or fixed with white vinegar to restore the color and brightness.

(2) Moisture and mildew prevention measures
In the humid southern region, curtains are prone to mildew growth. In addition to regular ventilation, you can place bamboo charcoal bags or dehumidification boxes near the curtains, and use mildew-proof spray during the rainy season.