Now that you’ve opted for the most delicate, luxurious, and elegant set of window curtains (silk curtains), you must be looking for the best and safest ways to effectively take care of these window coverings.

Not only silk but all other types of curtains require to be cleaned properly and timely for maintenance purposes. However, you’ll have to be extra careful when dealing with silk curtains because of their texture, delicacy, and vibrant appearance.

In this case, even the slightest mistake or mishandling can make a huge difference in the appearance of your window coverings. Also, washing with a non-compatible or damaging agent unknowingly can cause irreversible damage to your silk curtains.

Therefore, it is best to look for a detailed maintenance and cleaning guide for silk curtains recommended by professionals at a certified online curtain-selling store like Closing Curtain prior to taking any decisive steps in this regard.

The Ultimate Guide To Care & Maintenance Of Silk Curtains | A DIY Cleaning Approach

Table of Contents

Adding to the previous discussion, our comprehensive guide on the topic of care and maintenance of silk curtains covers the aspects of washing, drying, and storing these curtains. Below, we’ve described all these events in the pattern of their occurrence (washing, drying, and storing) to help you have a better understanding.

In addition, all the most commonly asked questions about the maintenance of silk curtains will also be answered in this complete guide.

1. The Washing Procedure For Silk Curtains Explained

Of course, your silk curtains have to get dirty when used and simultaneously need to be washed for cleaning purposes. In the context of washing, most people ask whether silk curtains should be machine washed or hand-washed. The answer to this question is silk curtains should preferably be hand-washed.

And, the reason for not recommending the machine washing procedures is to preserve the fabric structure from wear and tear due to continuous and regularized movements in the washing machine. Also, when hand washing these window curtains, you should use a special cleaning agent recommended for use of silk curtains so as to prevent any irreversible damage.

Important Preparatory Steps Prior To Washing

Before any further explanation of the procedure, there are two important things that should never be ignored prior to washing silk curtains.

First, you need to test the color fastness of printed silk curtains (if you have them) by making use of a cotton swab and water.

For this purpose, dampen the swab in water and apply it to the underside of the curtain surface. If the swab gets colored, then you’ll have to send your curtains to professional dry cleaners and the other way around, you can proceed with the washing procedure.

Next, you should treat the stains prior to washing the silk curtains. The best way is to immediately remove the stains. However, if you could not do so, then make a solution using silk detergent and water in a proportionate ratio.

After that, moisten a cotton bud in that solution and place it atop the stained area. Don’t rub the surface and wait for the stain to soak the solution to be removed efficiently.

The Steps Involved In The Washing Procedure For Silk Curtains

The following steps should be precisely followed for hand washing silk curtains.

Take a bathtub (large enough to easily contain all the curtain panels) and partially fill it with water. Keep in mind that the temperature of water should be moderate.
Pour into the tub an appropriate amount of silk detergent or mild dish detergent to create a foamy solution.
Dip the curtains in the bathtub and wait for at least 5-10 minutes.
Take the curtains out and drain the solution from the bathtub.
Refill the bathtub with clean water and dip the curtains once again in the water to rinse out any detergent residues from the curtains and you’re done with the washing procedure.

2. The Best Way To Dry Silk Curtains

First of all, don’t try to tumble-dry your silk curtains because it can damage the fabric strength and that’s why it is strongly prohibited. After you’ve rinsed the silk curtains, you need to spread the curtains on a flat, clean surface.

Then, take a clean towel and press gently against the curtain surface so as to absorb any remaining moisture. The last step in the drying procedure is to place the silk curtains under shade and on a flat, clean surface so as to be air-dried completely.

3. The Finest Approach To Iron & Store Silk Curtains

Prior to hanging your window curtains, you should iron them even though you won’t find that many creases or wrinkles on the silk’s fabric surface. But, this way you can make your silk curtains look brand new. Also, steaming can be done as an alternative.

Don’t forget to iron the underside of the curtain fabric because direct heat application to the patterned surface may damage it. In this concern, the best method is to make use of a pressing cloth for ironing as well as steaming so as to avoid damage from heat or water droplets.

Last but not the least, you may have to handle or store your set of curtains until and unless you need to frame your home windows again. If so, then store your silk curtains in a dark, dry, and cool place with proper air circulation because silk is a breathable fabric and can get creased or wrinkled if not provided with the requirements.

The Bottom Line

No one wants their home window coverings to look dirty and unpleasant because they will not only drastically affect the home interior decor but also can indirectly be the cause of health problems.

If you’re looking for a detailed maintenance guide for silk curtains, then your search ends here because we’ve explained the procedure stepwise for your better understanding. Follow these steps carefully and precisely for effective and efficient maintenance of your silk window curtains.